Martin A. McCloskey

Female (me)... First time hiring a lawyer to assist with a family law case already underway. 1. In person meeting on a Wednesday. I paid the retainer. He said he would file his appearance by the end of the week. Roughly two weeks later that happened. 2. In the same meeting I provided to him rel...evant and organized documentation. MM stated we could try and go for child support back to birth. 3. I left work early on a prearranged day to sign documents for court. None are ready. 4. I asked if we would have a meeting prior to court to go over what I was looking for or if there was any information he or I needed to know. That didn't happen. 5. I was emailed about 1.5 months prior to a hearing that was set for an afternoon time. MM Law Office informed me there was a conflict at that time and were hoping to get it moved earlier in the day. They said they would let me know. I emailed 2 weeks later asking for the status. We'll let you know. I called 2 weeks later. We'll let you know. I emailed 3 weeks later on a Monday morning, received a call at about 4:15pm from MM on Tuesday asking if I was ready for the hearing Wednesday morning. Me: What hearing? MM: You didn't get an email? Me: Nope. I did try to get the information three different times by email or phone on these specific dates. MM: In a family law case, we give information once we receive it, not when someone emails or calls in asking for it. 6. During that same phone call, MM mentioned he received some documentation from the other party. 2 minutes after ending the phone call, I called him back and asked for that information to be emailed to me. MM stated he was very busy with other cases. He did end up sending it. 7. Hearing day... Negotiations were attempted. MM and I didn't have a discussion on potential outcomes or scenarios prior to the hearing which didn't provide a strong foundation for me. He made a couple statements: "I didn't know there wasn't a child support order in place." Also "no we can't get child support going back to birth, only to the date of filing." See note 2 above. 8. There was a particular situation that happened after the hearing. I emailed MM. I received a response that was very informative and helpful, which was the only time I felt this way throughout the 3 months. 9. I asked for my client/attorney contract/agreement a few times (emails and a phone call) after the hearing. I also asked about invoices since none had been sent since he was hired. One time I was able to talk to his assistant and she told him what I was asking for. I didn't receive the contract. I was told invoicing may be ready in another week or two. 10. I emailed MM to request his withdrawal from my case. I called 30 hours after the email due to no response, spoke to MM, and verbally gave my request, resending the email. Though it’s likely not required, no confirmation of the withdrawal was sent. Two weeks later, no invoice still (3 months since hired). I’m a single mother, single income. I didn’t want to be caught unaware, but I was. I go into his office and ask for an invoice. "Oh, you didn't get an invoice?" They print out an invoice and it's about $1k more dollars I owe. Since there's a lien on my file, I was told I would have to set up an appointment, to get the agreement I had asked for multiple times, as he said he was not my lawyer anymore and he had pressing things to get to. One week later, I receive it by email. TLDR; My expectations of what I was paying for (communication - taking time to learn about the case, discuss the case, discuss best and worst case scenarios, making the client feel like they are getting their money's worth, having a healthy rapport... And transparency.... Meaning adequate and consistent invoicing of expenses/fees) did not align with reality. Go with your gut. The lessons that life throws at you are opportunities for growth and awareness.