Steven Lee August

I was introduced to Steve and Jo by my husband during a very hostile emergency hearing with my ex-husband on the custody of my two oldest children. I wasn't the easiest client by a long-shot. My expectations, looking back, were quite unrealistic. I was running on pure emotion. These are my children- ...and I was up against my ex whose parents have unlimited funds. While the experience was excruciating- Steve and Jo were with me every step of the way. At the end of it, they felt more like family than like lawyers I had just been introduced to. They both take on your case as if they are in a fight for their own children. They are human, compassionate and they truly care. They will battle for what is in your best interest and listen to your input and thoughts but will absolutely be upfront and call out what you need to be aware of . They ensure you are covered on every aspect and detail you aren't thinking of. Their attention to detail, level of preparation, experience, empathy, pure intelligence and knowledge of the law is superior to whomever you will be up against. Steve absolutely dominates in the courtroom. I ended with results that I never thought were possible. I came out far ahead of where I thought we would end up going into all of this. I saw the opposing counsel run-up a huge and unnecessary bill for my ex-husband's parents and Steve was so sensitive to where my husband I were financially. He went above and beyond in every capacity throughout this whole process. Steve August is one of the most honest and capable lawyers you will ever run across. Trust me- you want him and Jo on your side. They are the best of the best and overall fantastic human beings.

Steve understands just by virtue of being an attorney, specializing in "divorce-separation-child support-and child custody", he has a hand in either tearing families further apart or mitigating the collateral damage that occurs daily in the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court. He chooses to do ...the latter. In our instance, he was aggressive when he needed to be. His vast knowledge of the law coupled with his courtroom demeanor make him a formidable opponent. He and his amazing paralegal, Jo Ellen, were always responsive and prompt. I believe they really care about their clients and that speaks volumes about them both, personally and professionally. We will, absolutely, engage Steve August to represent us again in the future, if necessary.

Divorce is a difficult decision to make. I interviewed Mr. August three years before I sent in the retainer to actually begin my divorce. That said, he was very understanding, especially with domestic violence issues. He made me feel safe and protected. He knows the law and was more available than I ...expected. And, his paralegal, Jo Ellen can calm your anxiety by just hearing her dear voice when she answers the phone. My case was difficult and Steven navigated the law in my favor with vigor. Steven is polite powerhouse.

Attorney August was incredibly helpful in getting a painful process accomplished as smoothly and expediently as possible. He went above and beyond what I had expected with a great outcome. His paralegal, Jo, was tremendously compassionate as well as efficient. I have recommended them to several frien...ds whom unfortunately have the need for legal representation during the end of a marriage. All have been pleased.

Steve is an outstanding Attorney. He is very smart, experienced and very effective in his job. His assistant Jo (Jo Ellen) is an amazing, smart, kind woman. She stood by me and helped me a lot. Jo really understood what I was going through. She has seen a lot; so she can empathize with people. Onc...e you meet Jo you will know what a great team you have supporting you. Steve represented me in my Divorce. People might say that he was just doing his job; for me he went above and beyond just his Job. My Divorce nightmare lasted a year and a half because of my ex-wife’s very unrealistic expectations when she filed. When I met Steve the first time, I provided him with what information I had such as financial info, property info etc. Steve very soon gave me instructions as to what he specifically needed. This would continue throughout the Divorce as situations called for. I was concerned about a small inheritance that existed prior to the Divorce. Steve told me “I want a full trail to this, from beginning to end”. I provided the information to Steve and this money could not be touched. Steve knew my difficult financial situation well. He would use every opportunity to teleconference with the Judge. This so not to charge me extra money by going to court. There were times where his bills listed “no charge” next to some of his services. Steve responds to your calls very quickly. This is a very good example of that. My ex and I lived together during the Divorce. Even if I had the money to maintain two places I was not going to leave my kids behind. One Sunday night my ex-wife wanted me to clean up the bathtub. She wanted to give the kids a bath. I could not get to it immediately, I was under a lot of pressure to complete some work for my Job. When I got up to do the bathtub my ex very angrily stated that it was too late to give the kids a bath. Next thing I heard her whispering on the phone. This happened a lot when she called her family. In this particular occasion the person on the other end was the Police not her family. I went outside to move my car and police cars were pulling in from all directions. She accused me of “Belly Bumping” her; not quite sure what this is. The officers were very experienced and they know the craziness of it. I immediately called Steve. It was pretty late and the office was closed. The next morning, bright and early I get a message. It said “George, this is Steve. Tell me what happened”. My ex had 4 attorneys; Attorney #3 sent a letter to Steve accusing me of “pilfering money”. Steve fired back a letter to Attorney #3 in a professional but very stern and clear language that I was not “pilfering” anything. He also explained to Attorney#3 that her client was the one blowing the money. He also informed her that he does not see the sense for any mediation with such mentality, so we should move to a trial. Steve was not going to put up with it. Soon Attorney #3 had to pull out of the case for personal reasons. Finally Attorney #4 came in to wrap things up. At the end of this nightmare (the legal portion) I am honestly very happy with what Steve was able to achieve for me. My alimony is beyond reasonable in amount and the length of time I have to pay it. My child support is also beyond reasonable. Steve arranged it that if my ex asks for more alimony and gets it, my out of pocket amount will not change. Instead her child support will be reduced. Steve also made sure that I am the only one that can claim my kids in my taxes until they are 18 years old; Steve did a lot more things for me to list here. Steve takes pride in helping his clients. To say I highly recommend Steve is an understatement.