Sarah Alison Becknell Pollard

My suit was a simple modification not contested just trying to change the schedule to provide for more time with my son and holidays. Sarah tried this case in 2023 and got it dismissed. Every month I handed her my monthly income replenishing a $2000 retainer she billed to its entirety ,plus a $5,000 ...retainer. She got my case dismissed sadly not only had this case stayed on the docket for over a year she failed to file a response ontime with proper documentation leading to dismissal . Prior to trial she required a large lump sum for trial retainer. In the paper work it said for contested hearings they filed a response stating not enough evidence which Sarah did not give enough evidence that was given to her. She threw a fit about me not making an effort to pay and all the while a wire was in progress. She only had five years experience and it was apparent that she lacked rules of evidence, punctuality for deadlines , experience and true rules of knowledge and ethics. She got my case dismissed after all that money and time which allowed for me to go another year without holidays in my current order and a visitation schedule that damaged my son. At this point I had sold my home my cars . She offered to refile the case. I allowed her because I didn’t have the money for a new retainer at that time …. I was charged again for services already rendered, information input already in my case file. She did work with me on payment of an agreed amount of $500/ month until balance was paid. I paid every month. During mediation she was late the mediator was late as well they both were not present but 30 mins. when I didn’t agree to the terms being given and the other side was not agreeable for the very issue I was raising to court more time with my son well she told me she was thinking of dropping me. She was trying to get me to settle for only more child support and exclusive educational rights that the other party took back. I told her clarify if in fact she was dropping me and the facts. The sleepy mediator wanted another day of mediation. I told her no it was not coming to an agreement.She told me I couldn’t request an emphasis. It is my experience when there is money trouble Sarah looks for a way out and she sabotages what u need. At this point she caused some significant damage to my case as I was left without counsel we were a week from trial and she made some crucial mistakes… she agreed to a pass at a compel hearing when opposing counsel had not submitted the information she never filed a compel…she moved my case it one month out without discussing with me…which damaged my case never spoke to me about it until I brought it up. She Booked a very expensive mediator which I contacted her office to get information to and about . I was told she was out of the office and they didn’t know her schedule. She made accusations in an email that were offensive and I started looking into Sarah a little more. This mediator had horrible reviews and Sarah was making errors in my case that may not be fixed . Other clients had gone through the same. I could not afford that payment of 600 plus 500 in two weeks. In the end Sarah waited three weeks to call me back. She decided to waive all attorney fees owed after She did drop me after making a mess of my case . I was lucky enough to find two attorneys out of six willing to review all damage and help repair it if not non suit it. One had fired her early in her career. They will work with me but this was a nightmare do your research as her google reviews have been taken down. I have knowledge there are other cases that have faced the same trouble as my own and it’s sad. Harris county is corrupt and not easy. I would never choose Sarah again because I believe she hurt my case. I may have to nonsuit it and my child may suffer more.