Steven Blaine Ockerman

I was referred to Mr. Ockerman by another well-regarded, local attorney when her caseload was too heavy to take on my case. Mr. Ockerman dropped the ball on a initial filing for divorce from bed and board, allowing my ex to file for emergency custody of my children. I was ultimately successful at the... hearing due to my testimony at trial, yet he stated he was surprised by the positive outcome. He then sent an unitemized bill for nearly $10,000 for one month of services. He did an horrible job of explaining the legal process, and was often arrogant and condescending. I found a new attorney after the second large bill came (again with no accounting for hours spent on my case), since he made it clear by his (in)action and attitude that he was not going to be an advocate for me and my children. Looking back now after understanding the family court system much better, I can still say that he was not a good advocate and was not invested in a positive outcome for my family. He made the most incredibly scary and stressful time in my life even worse.

Steve represented me in my child support and custody case, in which we won. My ex-husband was ordered to pay child support and I received full permanent custody. He also petitioned the judge for payment of my attorney fees, which the judge granted and approved. Steve did an outstanding job on my ...case and he exceeded all expectations.

The day following the attack by my husband was the worst day of my life. I woke up with my three small children asleep next to me hoping it had all been a bad dream. I could remember the CT machine in the emergency room, and the police officer telling me to be at the court house at 9:00 in the mor...ning as he recovered my husband’s guns. My head was throbbing from the concussion and my 5 year old daughter’s back was covered in bruises. I frantically rushed to the court house driving with a brace on my wrist, and wondering how angry my husband would be after his night in jail. I did not understand the judicial system I was being immersed in, and found myself in tears in a stairwell after hours of traveling from building to building. I had to learn to trust strangers to make life altering decisions that would affect the safety and future of my children. Steve Ockerman took my case through the office of victim’s assistance, and continued as my attorney of record through several family court proceedings. During this crucial time, he patiently listened to my concerns, and offered solutions that minimized the time we spent in court proceedings. He was accommodating in his explanation of complicated legal decisions, and was forthcoming in expenditures. He has imbued the reputation of integrity with which Wishart, Norris, Henninger, and Pittman holds throughout the community. The children and I have celebrated one year of living in a home without domestic violence and abuse because of the compassion and legal experience Steve Ockerman has provided.

I found Steve by chance through a referral and he ended up being the best thing that happened to me and I have referred him to about 4 friends now going through a divorce (unfortunately). They have all raved about him and thanked me for referring them. I had a very uncomplicated divorce and Stev...e did his best to keep things simple, advise me in some areas but did not pressure me into making decisions I wasn't comfortable with. He was fair in his billing and was very responsive to emails and phone calls. When things got a little tense he was right there to fight with me to get things back on track quickly.

Steven B. Ockerman was hired to prepare a Court Order in an uncontested child support matter. After the final document was received, I noticed one line of the Court Order stated child support payment of $150 every other week. The next line said to be taken through payroll deduction at $300 per mont...h. You do not need to be a math major to realize that $150 every two weeks does NOT equal $300 per month. The Court Order was in conflict with itself and was not enforceable. Not a single payment has been made nor received in over three years. My child had to do without. Steven Ockerman (nor ANYONE from the Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman, PA law firm located at 6832 Morrison Blvd. in Charlotte, NC) was willing to correct the firm's mistake. No one at the practice was even willing to admit an error had been made. A simple fifteen minute correction involving an uncontested and undisputed matter was needed. Simply correct the document, reprint it, and have it re-signed and re-submitted to the Judge. No big deal. Instead, Mr. Ockerman cowardly withdrew from the case. When Judge Nancy Norelli asked Mr. Ockerman in Court (at the Withdrawal Hearing) if he wanted to “correct his mistake”, he simply replied – “No, Your Honor, I am all done with this case”, and walked away. The client had to hire another attorney (Christopher D. Johnson) and pay more fees to straighten out the mess Steven B. Ockerman created. (Yes - the Court fully recognized that Mr. Ockerman did in fact, make a mistake) Letters were sent to every practicing attorney within the group (at the time and listed above), explaining the situation. No reply. No correction. No one stood up to correct the problem. No one stood up for what was right.