The young lawyer Kevin R. Robertson (who was supposed to be watched over by Ed) really caused me more heart ache, grief, frustration and money than is expected from a separation dispute and a custody battle otherwise.
I was not given much attention from him outside of minimizing my very legitimate concerns. I was not taken seriously nor were requests facilitated . I was advised improperly and made to believe that a 5050 schedule had to be agreed to. My children are 3 and 4 and the father was very un-involved and gone for 90% of the time. They did not have the necessary transition period advised by even the POS course. A family law lawyer should be aware of the developmental needs of small children.
I felt like I needed a lawyer to talk to my lawyer.
Next my mother and I were told in his office that full financial disclosure documents were requested and that my ex will get into trouble if he does not supply them by the deadline to disclose on march 7.
I later found out that he had not even made the request. I can no longer file for imputation with the strong case I thought I had.
I feel as though I had been worse off then when I started with this lawyer and firm.
I was also told by another lawyer that there are specific points you should ask for when making a consented agreement at the JCC, not just "ask for documents by this date and make sure they are provided to opposing council by this date". Make it an order right there to give specific documents and full financial disclosure with whatever that pertains.
We also consented to a 211 report, and the psychologist that Kevin recommended to opposing council doesn't even do 211 reports. Opposing council called and asked. I looked stupid and it was a catalyst to feel absolutely demoralized on top of going through the hardest time of my life.
I spent $5500.00 of money I don't have (my mothers money) to go to a JCC (not even relevant) and be completely ill advised, ignored and lied to.
There was an emergency where my kids were being kept from me, and since it was "after hours" he could not call the other lawyer. A good lawyer would seek out that info as litigation started as to best serve the client, but also the children who are indirectly clients. When I informed him that this seemed strange to me that he did not have her number; as contact with her was imperative, he told me that no lawyer would have the other lawyers number after hours.
Ironically it was one of the best lawyers in the province who told me it was strange.
Caused nothing but problems, frustration, and humiliation.