Kathleen J Richards

Ms Richards was brought into a contentious custody case at the suggestion of my attorney, Brian Del Bove. Her role was Minor's Counsel. She was touted as someone who was both fair, and someone who would enforce the orders and recommendations of an earlier ruling in family court. She has been a disaster for me and my two children. Although the court ordered therapy for my daughters, reconciliation therapy for me and my daughters to take place on a weekly basis, I've seen my youngest daughter just once in nine months, my eldest four times over nine months. Ms Richards has refused to push for therapy because--according to Mr Del Bove--she has a personal conflict with me their father. Ms Richards also appears to have been intimidated by the mother who has applied psychological blackmail against the children. I was the primary caregiver for years until I was diagnosed and treated for advanced prostate cancer three years ago. Ms Richards, rejecting the courts recommendations, has recently recommend to the court to strip me of legal and physical custody, returning my daughters to the mother. The mother has more than fifteen CPS reports filed against her. The mother's new husband had been arrested for assaulting her in front of the children when they were eight and ten, and attempting to rape my then ten year old. There had been a restraint order against the stepfather for five years. Ms Richards appears to have aligned herself with my former partner, a woman who was considered "inept" and "delusional" by a custody evaluator. The mother also has a terrible history of alcohol and drug use. Ms Richards has refused all communication with me. She would not respond to my emails or calls when my youngest daughter began missing classes. My daughter was either late or absent 40% of her class days over two semesters. Although my daughter, once a top student, was now failing math and also failed her SSAT's, Ms Richards refused to intervene, at least to my knowledge. My experience with this attorney has been dismal. After ten years of court battles, dozens of professionals, most well meaning and helpful, I have finally came across a professional who appears to have taken the low-road.