Stephanie Robyn Amkraut

I hired Stephanie in January of 2012. As of September 2012 she is no longer my attorney. In the beginning Stephanie was incredibly helpful. She pointed out mistakes and flat out errors my previous attorney had made. She helped me to obtain my ex's discovery documents, and even navigated through op...posing counsel's lack of interest in the case. Everything went downhill after our formal mediation. My terms agreement was rushed and no one thought of the consequences or long term impact there would be. I was told "this is the best you're going to get" and that I needed to sign it since we were being kicked out of our location. *Yes, my mediation was held at an offsite location and we were pressured to leave. While child support was finally established (after 16 months without a penny), and my ex did agree to open relocation, without me having to file a petition to relocate (only because I granted the same in return) little else was set up to protect me and my girls should my ex fail to comply. Stephanie then spent a substantial amount of time drafting my MSA, without consulting me (which I was charged for). She stated "I drafted this Agreement on the basis of the terms list we reached at mediation and our many discussions and took into consideration the need for consequences for (EX's) actions, especially with respect to timesharing. I spent a lot of time carefully crafting the language in the Agreement and am quite honestly surprised that you think it gives (EX) too much power. However, take your time, outline your concerns, and we will address them when we you are ready." I spent an extensive amount of time sending requests for modification to Stephanie. Each time I was met with the same resistance, "but you signed the terms agreement." Or, "my feeling is that (EX) would want something in return if he even complies at all." She never submitted my requests to my ex's attorney. I finally decided to send Stephanie a "bare all" email outlining my feelings and frustrations. I asked her many questions, I very pointedly explained the language I wanted written into my MSA (particularly outlining consequences should my ex fail to comply and adding deadlines for notification of intent to exercise timesharing), I added where I would compromise with my "must-haves," and ended my email with the plea that things go back to the way they were in the beginning. I desperately wanted to feel that she was my attorney again. I wanted her to stop defending my ex's position and posing everything on the basis of what was "fair" versus what was actually right. She replied the next day... In her response she stated that she had decided to withdraw as my attorney. She also noted my "failure to understand that I have been a firm advocate for both you and your daughters since day one is unfortunate, as is your failure to recognize the fact that at mediation, I was able to negotiate a settlement that was very much in your favor." Stephanie didn't acknowledge any of my questions or concerns that were outlined in my email to her, instead she dropped me. If your legal needs are easy, cut and dry, without needing someone 100% on your side, I suppose Stephanie would be an alright choice. However, if you need someone to be in your corner and on your side, do not employ her. Stephanie's view and opinions are not wavering when it comes to what the client wants and can prove are in the best interest of themselves and their family. I just wanted to make sure everything was set up/established that would protect me and my daughters from my ex. (history of not paying support, establishing dates for visitation, responsiveness, etc.). I felt betrayed; she made me out to be the bad guy. Your attorney is not supposed to do that. They're supposed to represent you to their fullest especially when you handed them everything and were very clear in your wants and goals.