Steven C. Benke IV

Attorney was changed after my filing, no explanation given. No notice, just an email saying I had a new attorney. Later my attorney's assistant was just gone, mid-process. Nobody said a word until I called after a 4 week delay on paperwork I was expecting. Total delay was over 6 weeks on draft of fin...al decree alone. At one point couldn't get a call returned after 3 tries until I called asking if I could schedule a call to talk to Mr Benke about my experience. Then I was called back in about 15 mins by someone who told me of staffing changes. Delays in refund of remaining retainer by almost two weeks based on what I was told first by attorney and then by her assistant Misty (Mistelle?) Treated by new attorney's new assistant like I was the opposition with attitude as if i was the problem when I'd call for updates on the repeated delays. -Charged for messages not just that I sent, which is understandable, but also for communications between my ex wife's attorney and my attorney which of course ate into my retainer significantly and unexpectedly. So she'd ask a question, and I'd get charged. -If I sent an email asking a question and didn't get an answer or, if I got an incomplete answer, sending a follow up to ask for a response resulted in being charged for BOTH emails -Charged $400+ for rework that was done at the request of my ex wife, not at my request, and which was unnecessary. -Told by my attorney by phone just before final decree was done that I'd receive a refund of "almost exactly $2,500" and they she "wouldn't charge to finish out the decree" so I'd get that refund back on my overpay. Then I got the final bill and only got a refund of $700, much of which was due to communications between two attorneys and rework at ex wife's direction. Over all just a miserable, inefficient, borderline dishonest and unprofessional experience at various parts of the process beyond was I was dealing w in the divorce event itself. Go elsewhere. Go far away.

This office was the first of about 5 I went to. The consult was free which was great. I met with Ms Wheeler, who I immediately loved. She was stern, forward and didn't beat around the bush about anything. When I left there, I knew she was going to be my Atty. After meeting with the other attys, I cam...e back to Benke Law. Ms Wheeler and I went over all the facts of the case and set up all the child custody, visitation and support issues. She would end up doing all the leg work for my case. She attended court with me and I did not need to say one word because she was there for me. Midways, through my child custody court, Ms Wheeler was given another job opportunity. I was extremely nervous. However, my case was transferred to Atty Elise Stremel. She impressively picked up where Ms Wheeler left off. There was no delay, or disappointment. I was very pleased with the representation I had from both professional and non-judgmental attorneys.

This law firm was extremely helpful in resolving my child support case. My attorney Kathleen Fox-SanVictores was not only knowledgeable, but very personable which made me feel more at ease during this stressful time. Katy explained legal terms I was not familiar with, so I could fully understand t...he process. I thank Katy and the entire legal team at Steven Benke Law Firm for all their help and would highly recommend them to anyone seeking legal help with family cases.