Scott John Ganassin

Scott handled my work compensation settlement case. He did gain a settlement for me. I was injured at work which resulted in a surgery and physical therapy and I could not work for approximately a year. A court order (approx. a year prior to the receipt of the funds) was granted. The order stated "no... funds were to be distributed outside of the court". Scott, Timothy Gatza from Ottawa and myself all recieved a copy of the order. The order was filed by my ex husband -he was attempting to obtain some of the settlement . I had been under extreme financial duress-pressure. When the court order was in effect I phoned Scott concerning a lawsuit lending ad I had seen. It advertised that funds could be obtained in advance. Scott okayed the loans and did not advise me that I was violating the order. When the settlement arrived I picked up the check. Scott's firm paid the loans. Scott retained his fees. I accepted the check-no counsel given re: the order. I emailed Mr. Gatza that they were ready to settle. Email response from Tim had no mention of the order. After a good portion of the funds were spent Mr Gatza stated in an email "make sure you pay your ex husband something" which I did. My ex husband and his attorney filed an order of contempt. I was ruled by the Judge to be found guilty of indirect civil contempt of the order. I have accepted responsibility and I do acknowledge my own guilt in the contempt. I did have a copy of the order. I forgot the order was in place- as I believe Scott and Tim did as well. I do believe though that if I had been reminded just one time closer that this would have been in the forefront of my mind. Attorneys are educated in the law and they are officers of the court- they are bound by the same court order. Under the most basic of professional standards I believe I should have been advised by my attorneys. Scott did not attend the contempt hearing. Mr. Gatza, in my opinion-as well as the opinion of others did not represent me well. This opinion is held based upon the court transcripts. The Judge found me to be in indirect civil contempt based upon what was presented. However, I feel more accurately stated would be "or the lack thereof" of all facts that could have been presented. I was given 30 days to pay $5,000. or go to jail indefinitely until the funds were paid. I and my family paid the money and I did not go to jail. I found both the representation by Scott Ganassin and Mr Tim Gatza to be lacking and of no benefit to my life within the legal system. I have gained more ground "pro se" since September than prior with attorneys. Actually I feel that I was "thrown under the bus". When I did contact Scott about this situation he has never responded to my certified letter or email dated September 2014. Most Sincerely submitted, A.G.