Caryn Aughtmon Van Matre

Thank you Angela! That means so much to me.

This is a tough one. I am unable to respond because I do not know what type of matter this is or when we represented this client. But, regardless of those unknowns, it is NEVER acceptable that a client feels unclear in communications. I would say that clients are able to get in touch directly with me in a few different ways. First, I am always available for in person meetings. With that said, an appointment is usually the best approach. With an appointment, I am able to set aside time to specifically focus on the client's concerns, without interruption, and give them the attention that they need. Second, I am available for telephone appointment, if a client is unable to meet in person, or if the time needed does not justify a trip to the office. Again, this is generally best by appointment, for the reasons I mentioned previously. Third, I am available by email. All of my client's are given my direct email address. I have the email forwarded to my personal devices, and it is not at all unusual for me to respond to a client's concerns after the office has closed. For this particular past client, I would welcome the chance to speak with you to hear about your experience and see if there is any way to make it right by you. The positive reviews I receive from clients are always appreciated, but the dissatisfied clients stay on my mind. I want to give each case my best. Sometimes, unfortunately, I miss the mark. Again, please feel free to contact me to discuss. And, thank you for the time you took to post a review.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a client is suffering such hurt that they are not able to accept the advice of counsel. In this particular matter, settlement came through the mediation process with my client receiving the vast bulk of all marital assets. That did nothing to relieve the emotional hurt suffered by my client due to the break of her marriage. I advised that counseling would likely help her heal from that trauma. I did my best to offer her a sounding board for her to express her feelings about her husband, however I had to maintain my role as her family law advocate. At all stages I keep my clients apprised of the law and circumstances of their case. I had consultations with the client individually and with a family member she wanted involved with the process. Despite my advice regarding earlier resolution of the case, the client rejected the advice. Ultimately, through the mediation process an agreement was reached that was clearly advantageous to my client's interests. For the benefit of all readers, mediation is the process of settlement discussion with a certified family law mediator. Most all family law litigants must participate. Its is a highly effective tool to help parties resolve their disputes without the risk and expense of trial. No one is forced into a settlement agreement. Settlement often comes after a compromise is reached, meaning that each party likely moved in some way from their original position. Therefore, no mediated settlement agreement is perfect from any one client's perspective. While there is emotion involved, logic and rational thought has to guide the attorney in the process. Otherwise we are not effective in protecting our client's interest. Never is it my intent to show a lack of empathy. And never do I have a client execute a settlement agreement unless they understand the advantages of the proposal. I assure that this is the case by carefully reviewing the proposal with them and discussing their options. The mediator, while not crossing the line of giving legal advice, is also there to make sure that the client knows that they are not being forced into settlement. This case was no different.