Julie A Vance

A divorced mom who worked in my apartment complex when living in that podunk town during my divorce suggested Julie. Was told she will be an advocate for you as she too is a single mom. At first meeting she seemed personable and wanted to help me with my case as she was present in courthouse when I... was ambushed by former and surprise he showed with lawyer and entourage of stepfather and new girlfriend. I was initially told that because of being on disability and caring for small child I could get spousal maintenance for several years plus a divorce settlement and child support. My ex has a very comfortable income and rental property. I was surprised by how much she said as I was only hoping to get maybe half that amount to live comfortably enough to care for my daughter and keep roof over our head, food on table until she was old enough for me to seek part-time employment during school hours. Fast forward to over half a year of negotiating with his vulture of a lawyer that also lives in that town. All of a sudden I was supposed to compromise taking less than what calculator said I was entitled for child support, give him the tax credit since he actually works for a living and should just settle out of court because reality check is that small town conservative judges hate stay at home moms of lower income. We are the scum of the earth in their eyes and should just pull ourselves up by the boot straps and get ourselves back into workforce to support this immaculate conception ourselves. Oh and I was told "You know you could always sell Scentsy or do Pampered Chef" Now over two years later I am living in neighboring state. Had to move back in with my mom for a bit since I couldn't afford rent, food, bills, etc. And paperwork was not done right including the dates of payment which I questioned the first time it was handed to me. Was told that can easily be changed later on. YEAH RIGHT. And now the 3rd attorney I've seen here found a HUGE error about settlement payments. I am listed is Debtor and he is listed as creditor. Told this could potentially ruin my credit. I have contacted Julie's assistant and she got back to me indicating they would fix the error, but have not heard NADA since. And parenting plan still has not been modified because every Oregon area lawyer I have had consult has made me feel like an idiot. Saying things like "This is a MESS! Have you contacted a malpractice attorney yet? You got screwed! See here in this state we actually value stay at home moms as it is work to raise a child. I would have gotten you half or close to it so you wouldn't be living in squalor why he has both homes. Did she even demand appraisal for homes?" And on and on. But not one of them will help me with my parenting plan modification and advocate for me keeping my daughter out of a home where her dad is victim of domestic violence and she herself has been mistreated. My concerns were raised about my daughter being left alone with new girlfriend now stepmom due to her record of DUII and assault charges. Those concerns were not taken seriously and now my daughter is in play therapy due to issues that have arised. So to do it all over again I would have not had hired Ms. Vance or at least not agreed to cave on things I should have fought harder for, like the spousal maintenance and life insurance for my daughter. More detailed parenting plan that addresses future problematic visitations. But I will say I have heard great things from other clients. I think she is great attorney for fathers. She will get you your house and split custody arrangement. So summing up. If you are a dad or working mom, then go for it. Hire her if you need lawyer in that area as the pickings are slim. But if you are a sahm like myself attempting to reenter workforce thru Voc Rehab then you may want to consider going across the river or trying mediation. GOOD LUCK!