Amanda L. Best

I hired Amanda in September of 2012 for divorce proceeding. At a vulnerable and emotional time, Amanda did not immediately file motion for pendente lite (which should have been the absolute first step for an economically dependent spouse) but instead spun her wheels filing a divorce motion only to f...ind spouse filed the week before (a telephone call to opposing counsel would have taken less time/effort/$$). Amanda then had to draft the response resulting in more unnecessary fees. She did show up for our initial Case Management Conference. The time I did question her actions/responses or lack thereof, she became defensive. She does not possess any type of "bed side manner" leaving you questioning her abilities. Amanda did write a decent draft of a Marital Settlement Agreement/Parenting Agreement that went nowhere because I questioned a couple of items on it. Suffice it to say that Amanda is not the aggressive, resourceful and seasoned advocate you want representing you when your life is on the line. On 12/20/12, Amanda suddenly ceased representation citing closing of law practice and outstanding balance of account. Amanda has not returned phone calls or requests for the case file. I have since learned that this is not only unethical but is potentially illegal while a case is in motion. Amanda was ordered by the Judge to appear at the January's Early Settlement Panel but she did not. I tried to force an emergency hearing that same day to make argument for financial support, but since the Judge did not acknowledge the Substitution of Attorney, the Judge would not hear the argument. I was once again out of luck. Financially destitute, I have been forced to self-represent in a complicated divorce. I am attending school and working part time but the disparity of incomes is quite significant. As of 2/18/13, I still have had no financial support from my spouse of 19 years since July 2012. We are still residing in the same residence with two small children that are being brainwashed daily by a narcissistic spouse who could easily move. I ask you, does this sound like a lawyer you want representing you???!!! The good that came out of this mess is that I have new representation sent by an angel to help me and he is showing me what great representation is all about and I am confident that eventually a fair settlement will prevail.