Chris E. Ragano

Chris and his team helped me through the most difficult time in my life. Never having gone through a divorce … Chris and Stephanie did a wonderful job, keeping me informed and staying on top of everything. I can honestly say that Chris holds no mercy for the opposing side and goes hard for his client...s. After all was said and done, I was pleased in my overall outcome and final judgement. Though, this process was tough for my children and I, when I look back, I’m so happy Chris was on my side, fighting for me.

Chris was the second attorney I hired in my divorce proceedings and unfortunately the damage had already been done by the first firm I hired to represent me. Uncontested false DV accusations were too big a hole to climb out of, but Chris nearly pulled it off against one of the top attorney's in the T...ampa area. When Chris came onboard he was energetic, aggressive, extremely knowledgable of family law and his calm confidence had me convinced the outcome would be in my favor despite the horrible counsel I previously obtained. Had I hired Chris from the start I'm 100% certain my ex would've never been allowed to relocate and I'd currently be enjoying 50/50 time sharing with my children. Unfortunately, fathers always start a few steps behind in divorce proceedings. Chris knows this and has the tools and experience to even the odds and give you the best chance possible. Don't make the mistakes I did. Hire Chris from the start and put one of the best attorney's in Tampa on your side. He's worth every penny. I should also I add that since the divorce was finalized (5 years ago) I've called Chris numerous times for advice and he's ALWAYS taken my calls and steered me in the right direction. There's no better feeling than knowing Chris is on your side and ready to give his all at a moments notice.

Mr. Ragano failed to advocate for my family as he allowed opposing counsel to dictate the course of our highly contested divorce primarily involving (documented) parental alienation and child custody. He did not demonstrate any ability or interest to battle very capable opposing counsel who was qui...te successful in getting the best deal for her client. Mr. Ragano failed to make agreed upon changes in court regarding the Parenting Plan, refused to challenge witnesses or my ex when they lied under oath, refused to challenge my ex and his claim of an exorbitant financial loss in a very successful cash business, refused to hold opposing counsel to task in her agreement (on two separate occasions in court) to provide receipts of alleged expenses totaling 20k in medical expenses for two perfectly healthy children, lost my proof of debt/financial documents which were not entered as exhibits, charged for phone conversations which did not exist (easily proved on a cell phone) and had his bookkeeper handle phone calls and questions regarding his failure to properly assess our retirements while in and out of court. In addition, the bookkeeper would forward emails to me straight from opposing counsel showing Mr. Ragano would cater to her absurd demands and threats as he would simply agree to whatever she wanted which would solely benefit her client. Keep in mind he claims "zero" in Florida Bar complaints, however, the week I filed mine, I was told I was the second one in the same week who filed a complaint against him. Be aware verbal reprimands and sanctions are only visible for a year and then disappear. During a highly contested divorce, one would expect and depend on the attorney to have a strong, aggressive personality and be competent enough to recognize the tricks, half truths, deception, creativity, omissions, and loopholes opposing counsel used to "win" their case as clearly she was very well versed and at our family's expense (literally and figureatively), Mr. Ragano was no match. In fact, my ex still thanks me for hiring him as he got everything he wanted. Attorney Ragano claims to "handle the toughest cases" but refused to participate in advocating for my children who didn't have a voice. The parental alienation was well documented and proven with pictures, emails, texts, hand written letters, police reports, and numerous depositions. I heard all the right things in the initial consult as my ex was threatening to take the kids to an unknown state and had access to unlimited financial resources. I desperately needed competent legal counsel to guide me through the games played by opposing counsel and help me with a legal the system I did not understand. Attorney Chris Ragano did not even try to protect my family and the consequences of his passiveness and incompetence will continue to be felt for years to come.