H. Michael Finesilver

I hired Mr Finesilver after a consultation with him. He listened to my case regarding child custody and agreed to help. It was only after he took the retainer fee that he became totally negative. He only spoke of all the things I could not do but did not come up with a positive action I could take....

I hired Hand in 2010 when my ex decided he didn't like the terms of the divorce and challenged them. I found Hank and staff to be very knowledgeable and best of all to be able to answer my questions in layman's terms and to explain what was happening and what would be happening with my case. Divorc...e is always emotional. Having this kind of support helped me greatly to with stand the stresses that come with being involved in the court system.

Mr. Finesilver was my second attorney in a complicated divorce process (ex had hidden financial accounts, same name as his father, squandered assets, etc). My case included depositions, out-of-state depositions, parenting evaluation, arbitration, contempt charges (for my ex), motions, reconsideration...s, and more. Mr. Finesilver continually reviewed and cited pertinent legal cases for my case. He was extremely knowledgeable about the law and case law. He would advise me on the pros and cons (including financial implications) pertaining to various choices/options in how we proceeded and which leads were worthy of further investigation - and whether they could result in a potential financial gain or legally favorable gain in the end. With certain issues which would have a financial or legal fee implication, he would explain different options and the associated costs in a straight forward manner, which allowed me to better choose my focus. He was up front about costs for the entire process. Mr. Finesilver tends to talk out-loud while he thinks, which I found to be informative and helped me understand how he was viewing the case and helped me understand the process better (having never used an attorney before). While he can be quite blunt, he is extremely level-headed and helped guide me in looking at the facts and not the emotions in the case. He does not play "dirty" and will not tolerate a client who wants to play "dirty" - even when the opposing side is doing so. His focus is the law and he encourages you to do the same, and ignore inflammatory responses. Mr. Finesilver will reflect upon new incidents or information, and deliberately considers how they could positively or negatively impact your case. His goal is to get you the best long-term, favorable results. In the end I ended up with an appropriate settlement in terms of the divorce and parenting plan, and did not have to go to trial. In addition, his paralegal staff is efficient, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful. If I need further legal assistance I will absolutely contact Mr. Finesilver.

My wife and I used Hank Finesilver for the adoption of my our, Mitch. My late wife passed away and my new wife of 4 years wanted to adopt Mitch to make him officially her son. Mr. Finesilver handled everything with expertise. He was completely prepared and everything went flawless in a relatively ...short amount of time. He made what we thought would be a stressful process go very smoothly. I would recommend him to anyone who is in need of a family law/divorce attorney.

I waited a long, long while to write this review in hopes time would temper my words and thoughts, but it hasn't. In short order I awarded Hank some appeals based on his words to me. Unfortunately I misjudged arrogance for confidence. Hank is a very knowledgeable attorney, but severely lacked pro...fessional etiquette. Hank guaranteed winning. He gave me a firm figure capped on his services. Neither of which happened. Hank was inaccessible and buffered by his staff. In over two years he only called me once, even after I requested more communication. At the end, I asked for accountability. Hank refused to call me. Instead, a letter came justifying his actions, insulting me as a client, placing blame elsewhere. I was seeking education and clarification; instead my questions were met as challenges. Hank concealed critical information. I owed a large $um on an appeal Hank boasted he would win, but lost. My judgment sat around in Hank's office for months before I was told. I found out because I prodded due to hearsay. Imagine my surprise that I owed BIG for a failed appeal > plus Hank doubled his original fee to me after our original agreement. In a nut shell > Would I recommend Hank? NO, NEVER. Somethings time can not temper. And, this is one of them. I don't take what I just wrote lightly. In fact, it took a lot for me to leave this in public view. Apparently I am not the only one with Hank issues on this review forum. Just wish I read this forum earlier.