Smith Buss & Jacobs LLP

THIS KEEPS GETTING DELETED (of course lawyers) Read ALL OF THE LOW REVIEWS FIRST FOR A GENERAL THEME. ALSO, note that many of the great reviews are from people who were vulnerable, unseen, or full out wanted war. I SHOULD HAVE READ ALL THE REVIEWS FIRST. (I also hope that Valley Law spares me the “I’m sorry you were not happy…” spiel. The info below is just my own real world advice and experience. I was charged even before I replied to the first formal request from the attorney. The free initial consult was with someone who was not even a paralegal. While he was very professional - BEWARE the info you send to this initial contact will be used to “proactively” start running up a huge bill. This is the word of Attny Corey Keith (witnessed by Elda) when I asked why I was charged a $150 paralegal fee after just speaking to the actual attorney for the first time. The attorney asked me to send her specific info (purportedly different from the ”free” consult list of info request), and at that point, I decided to simply end the process and see if I would be charged only the attorney fee. NO. I was actually charged for “proactive work” done by the paralegal which was largely from text with my data entered that I shared during the “free consult”. So even the consult led to a charge of $150. Unfortunately, my worry that the approach to walk me up to a high bill was realized. But not before I recognized the approach. I spoke directly with Corey Keith to request to end the relationship and get my $4229 deposit back minus the time with the attorney. I was charged an additional $150 as noted above. They held to this tightly and noted that they could not refund my funds to my credit card and reserved up to 30 days (likely in an interest baring account). I was told that they would make a request to expedite my check in the mail. It’s been 2 weeks and 4 days and no check. They did honor my request to at least get the $150 worth of text in the form filled document (where they appear to have deleted and highlighted in areas) then sent in a pdf format (which is readily reverted back to word). It is so hard to trust many anyways. Family court issues are already a challenge and I simply cared to have a peaceful establishment of joint custody. The world needs drama because drama costs MORE money. Other law firms offered to charge less in an amicable agreement to simply file the paperwork and assist me. They even said you don’t need to pay for the person to “serve” the other parent if you were on great terms and could simply use a notary! Valley Law Group told me the charge to serve would be between $150-300 depending on the city/state! Do your research. Peace is cheap. War is expensive. Take a word of advice. Look for people who match your energy with the other parent. If you want a war, Be prepared to lose the money to put their kids through school that you could use to put YOUR OWN child through school. Still pending my refund. Oh, and you could have refunded it back to my card as requested. I guess it’s an interest free cash withdrawal from my credit card they way they did it. Hmmmm. Wonder how my credit card company feels? Valley Law Group Phoenix - please better prepare your potential clients for this after the “free” consultation with a non legal professional. Also warning to potential vulnerable parents, don’t send any info UNTIL AFTER YOU SPEAK TO THE REAL ATTORNEY to avoid proactive expenses which don’t seem legal. AND DONT SEND MONEY TOO EARLY, you’ll never be in control of your cash.

They got back to me in a timely fashion, and they're so helpful.

I give legal services of Hudson Valley a star. I call often to speak to my attorney And no one hardly ever answers the call the receptionist So I get a little frustrated and anxious because I have questions that I need answers and I feel like then I'll being answered because the 1st person who gets the call the call is the front desk.