Sean Patrick Stokes

I retained Sean Stokes to represent me on a contempt charge resulting as a backlash from a divorce settlement. Upon paying a $5000 retainer, I discussed some additional items that I needed to be brought before the Judge: some monies owed to me, property that wasn’t returned as ordered in arbitration... and an issue with a loan my ex put in my name after the Decree. The Court date had already been set for 8 week later. During those 8 weeks, I attempted to reach Mr. Stokes by phone 7 times (documented) and additional attempts by email. It was not until the evening before my Court date Mr. Stokes returned my call to state that none of my issues would be brought before the Judge at this time as he had not filed a motion. The next morning as we arrive to the Courthouse, Mr. Stokes had none of my paperwork nor exact facts and numbers available for the hearing. After the attorneys met in chambers, a settlement was reached in the conference room, however, when Mr. Stokes read the agreement on record, he misspoke. Even though I tried to correct the error while in the courtroom, the official settlement, which I did not agree to, was approximately $100 less per month for the next 10 years. Alot of money! Shortly thereafter, I received my bill stating that all $5000 (approximately 17 hours) was used up. When I requested for an outline of how I could have possibly been billed $5000 when we were in Court just a few hours and never spoke until the evening before, I was only provided a general summary, never my requested itemization. I was not only disappointed with Mr. Stokes’ responsiveness, but his follow through and accuracy.