Sean Patrick Stokes

I retained Mr Stokes for assistance shortly after I received divorce papers. Mr. Stokes encouraged me to mediate my divorce rather than going before a Judge. While this recommendation may have been appropriate, the execution of my mediation was less than focused. As we went through with opposing c...ounsel and agreed upon a parenting schedule and the splitting of larger items (investments, house etc..) it was the lack of focus on the smaller items that has ended up costing me thousands and thousands of dollars in a few short years. It began with simply over valuing the vehicle I was keeping (he simply guessed at it’s value), leaving out topics that should have been discussed, and inconclusive wording which ended up sending me to Court. Even though opposing counsel wrote the Decree to contain our agreements for our review, our approval was required before it could be submitted to the Judge. There was high conflict around the area of the children’s sports and those fees, this topic was not discussed in mediation nor included in the Decree. When I asked about it, I was told the Judge wouldn’t address it anyway if we went to Court and it was in my best interest to sign the Decree and move forward. As a result, I am responsible for all the fees associated with activities for all of the children because the father did not agree in writing to assist and he has chosen not to. I have retained another attorney to assist me with some Property issues stemming from the Decree and he was appalled that the activities topic was not discussed and completely absent from my Decree. This topic should absolutely be talked about and addressed in writing in the Decree. When the Decree was received for review there was an area of medical reimbursement, which was very sensitive to my situation. It was important this area had very tight specific wording to protect me financially. I approached Mr. Stokes multiple times concerning this wording wanting more detail to be included; he stated the broad categories listed in the Decree draft covered all my concerns. Fast forward one year later and I am in Court seeking reimbursement for the exact items I had concerns over.