Jessica C. Beatty

DO NOT USE HER if you are going to trial. She is simply a paper pusher and has no idea how to act in a court room. She did not defend me at all, barely spoke, during my child custody case. I paid over $12,000 for no representation. She did not submit my documents to the court so they could not be use...d to help my case. She allowed the guardian ad litem to do all her work for her. I could not be more disappointed in the miniscule amount of effort she put into my case. I feel like I was robbed.

I started going to court in 2009 for child custody. I used 8 different attorneys not counting court appointed, GALs, and representing myself at time. I used attorneys that cost upwards of 450 per hour and the cases went on and on. In the end of 2017 court cases started again and a decided to obtain a...nother lawyer. I visited a law firm and placed a retainer only to find out literally a week before court the other party had obtained another lawyer in the same office so I would have to find another lawyer. What a gift it was. I ended up looking for law firms that specialized in helping fathers seeking custody for their children. Originally I was not supposed to meet with her but with someone else in the office. Since she was available I did my consultation with her. Originally I did not know she was an attorney I presumed she was a para-legal because she looked very young and still had the non-battle tested look as if she was fresh out of college. She was so easy to talk to it also made me wonder did she have the fight in her that I needed in this case. However I felt comfortable so when she stated she would be able to take the case I retained her. Talking about having the fight in her, she was so good I can honestly say in out 5 or 6 appearances in court I said less than 20 words total. She took care of everything. She was able to be reached by phone, email, and text at almost anytime. She laid out the possible outcomes with plans and options in each event, was honest with some things that I wanted and explained the reasons for everything and decisions. While being my attorney I always felt she put my children needs first and gave a second point of view if I were over reaching and only seeing my view. When she switched firms I was so upset I thought I had lost her. When I was asked if I would like to stay with the company and have a new attorney at a much cheaper rate or stay with her, before the sentence was complete I quickly stated I would be following her, she was too good to let go. I could go on and on about how wonderful my experience with Mrs. Boutwell was. In my book she is the best of the best. I would HIGHLY recommend her if anyone have any needs for family court.

I thought the support I received was very good. Jessica was great at returning my calls and guiding me through the process of having my support modified due to a significant change in my employment. If I have any critical comment it would be how the communication was handled with my Ex. Based on my... Ex's desire not to spend the money to secure representation of her own, she continually pushed communication through Jessica which wound up costing me much more than I felt I should have had to be responsible for as any communication she had with Jessica was billed to me. I would have thought my Ex should have been advised if she wanted to "use" my attorney, it would be billed to her. In the end I am pleased with the results as my initial request was awarded. I would suggest a little more clarity on how and when charges are applied when the opposing party chooses not to retain counsel.

Jessica, was my seond attorney after I fired my first who was with Diehl law firm. My first attorney was a women and I asked her how many male clients she had out of all of her clients less than 5%. I found out about Cordell and Cordell that focuses only on men during divorce. It was a very challe...nging divorce as most are, but this one especially. Jessica, brought many great ideas to me and she brought up the idea of mediation which I did not know about nor did my ex's attorney. She also pushed the other attorney as my ex was in no hurry to get through this. Jessica, was a very strong advocate, gave me great advice. Calmed me down when I thought the legal system (which is slated against men) looked like it was going to take me down. She used the resources of Cordell and Cordell which advocates for changes in family law for men as well. She is very talented. We spent 12 hours in mediation and because of her advice, wise counsel and overall experience and calm demanor made one of the most stresful situations one could face into a win-win vs. having to go to court and roll the dice when the odds are against men. I would highly reccomend her. I would highly reccomend Cordell & Cordell to any male out there that is going through a divorce or your marriage is on the verge or your spouse has left or you left. C&C has a podcast, they have information to educate you so you can become an educated about the legal system and realize just how much you need and will want a firm and an attorney that takes the side of a male and looks through the legal system as to how it affects males. Also, she is very cost concious and unlike many other attorney's I have dealt with is very frugal with your money as is the philosphy of Cordell & Cordell. They are in it to help men and not take advantage of your not understanding the rules and regulations but because Jessica and her firm have made it their mission to be honest, fair, prudent and to lobby to assist men in a process that is slanted against males when women make as much as men and also have higher levels of education. Thank you Jessica and anyone who sees this should hire Jessica as she was a true advocate and partner in helping me get through my own divorce. David F