Mariko Kathryn Doerner

I hired Ms. Doerner to explore a custody change despite her mixed reviews, understanding that the family law experience can inspire strong emotions. My experience however, was consistent with the criticisms. Prior to hiring her I was told what I wanted to hear. Afterward, communication was extremely ...poor. I didn’t need my hand held, but her office was just not responsive. During the rare meeting, I was talked at rather than listened to. Filing took months. The process was disorganized. The strategy was never provided so I racked up extensive charges a) asking for direction, and b) providing useless information. We drafted and filed unnecessary documents. When I asked about inconsistencies, I was told that she hadn’t said what she’d previously told me. The bulk of her effort during the hearing was reiterating what had previously been litigated, then she could not respond to the (clearly irritated) commissioner when he asked specifically for justification for the hearing. Afterward, I received all the months of bills at once. I am left with the impression that Ms. Doerner did not have time or attention for my case. I cannot speak to her legal abilities or advice since those were never really demonstrated to me.