ComplaintsforReeves Lavallee, PC

• Initial Complaint

  09/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  At the end of July 2022, I called the office of Nicole Reeves Lavallee law firm to schedule a consultation appointment for legal representation for my divorce. This decision was one that took a lot of reading and investigating on this law firm. After reading online reviews, online bios, and going to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to assist in deciding on whether to hire this firm or not. All the reviews I found and read spoke very highly of this firm and attorney Nicole Reeves Lavallee were excellent reviews. My appointment was scheduled for August 5, 2022.On August 5, 2022, to my surprised I met with attorney Demian T******. I has asked to meet with Nicole Reeves Lavallee, since I was seeking to be represented by a female lawyer. I went on with the consultation and of course was told I would be taken care of and given the best representation. I did make Attorney T****** aware of my intense research and review on this firm and this was the main reason I was here. I was searching for someone that would stand up for me and represent me legally, and ultimately have the best interest in my representation and outcome.On August 25, 2022, I stopped at the firm with a signed service agreement and a $7,000 check as a retainer for the account.On September 20, 2022, a Complaint for Divorce was filed with the ********* ******* *** ****** ***** **********, things seem to be going well and office staff was super friendly.On November 9, 2022, our first court appearance held. There was not prep-meeting or communication with attorney T****** on the expectation prior to this court appearance. On this morning, attorney T******, was running back and forth trying to negotiate last minute with opposing counsel and defendant on temporary orders. The defendant kept telling attorney T****** that if I didn’t agree on certain items the defendant would come after me for alimony. Being new to the process, I asked attorney T****** can they do this, this is extortion/bribery, this is not negotiating. He’s response was this is only temporary order we can change this later. I also, asked about alimony and bringing up arguments on why he should not get alimony. Attorney T******’s response was “that’s the law, he is entitle to alimony.” Attorney T****** didn’t even look at my file or figure out number or provide an argument. He’s quick response to this question every time I asked was the same “that’s the law, he is entitle to alimony.” I felt under pressure to agree to things that I was not 100% understanding but put my trust in my attorney hoping that he knew what he was doing and had my best interest in mind.Things started to fall apart as I started to ask attorney T****** questions and quickly realized that he was not handling my case in my best interest.On February 27, 2023, a four-way meeting with opposing counsel and defendant was held. The best was I can explain this experience is putting me and my ex-husband in a boxing ring and watching us go at it. Again, there was not a discussion or prep-meeting prior to this meeting to establish the expectations and what our goal was at this meeting. In the November 9, 2022 temporary court order, attorney T****** added that both parties were to purchase the ************ ***lication ($150) for both parties to communicate. I was advised by attorney T****** to comply with the order and purchase the application. During this 4-way meeting, I asked that the defendant purchase the application as well. The defendant stated he could not afford the application and he was misinformed that I would cost $12 a month and did not have to pay at once. This meant the defendant was in contempt of court order since 11/9/22. Attorney T****** opened his mouth and stated well there’s another application we can use and its free. I asked who would be reimbursing me for my expense that I was ordered by court and advised my attorney to comply. Attorney T******’s response in front of everyone was, “I would have to eat it.” On March 14, 2023, at 8:05AM, I received an email from attorney T****** reminding me that we have two court events this week. First one being the next morning (Wednesday, 03/15/23) for motion hearing for temporary orders and Thursday (03/16/23) for pre-trial conference. I emailed attorney T****** back stating he cannot send a reminder when I was never aware of the following court dates. I have made traveling arrangement for that week which I was forced to pay to make the flight change. He told me that the firm’s front office should had sent me the information and it was not his problem that I was not sent as he did not hire the staff. A copy of the court date was mailed to me stamp dated 03/20/2023, with a cover letter dated 03/07/2023.On March 15, 2023, I showed up to court and the list stated to go to check in office. When I checked in, I was informed that that all parties had agreed to cancel court dates for today and Thursday, 03/16/23. I stated to the office staff that I was not asked, nor had I agreed. She informed me that my lawyer was in the court room, and I should go talked to him. I spoke to attorney T******, and he told me that he spoke with opposing attorney, and they had decided that it was best to reschedule these dates. I expressed my disappointment of how this situation was handle as I had to spend money to change my travel plans and had to pay for him showing up to court for nothing. The opposing party didn’t show up to court which indicates that this arrangement was previously made. Again, there was not a discussion or prep-meeting prior to court dates. I don’t even know why we had court that date? I received a copy of the court date in the mail later that week.On April 12, 2023, we had a court appearance. Again, there was no prep-meeting or communication with attorney T****** on the expectation prior to this court appearance. On this date, attorney T****** filed a motion for further temporary orders. During this appearance attorney T****** presented the judge with complaints against the defendant for not complying with the November 2022, court order. The judge reprimanded my lawyer asking why he filed the wrong motion and that he should know that he needed to file contempt order not a motion for further temp order. Attorney T****** had no defense/rebuttal to the judges’ questions which made him look incompetent.Attorney T****** and the opposing counsel and defendant made agreements without my knowledge or consent or signature. This handwritten document has all threes signature except for my signature. In this document the following were agreed upon and signed without my knowledge. One of the listed bullets stated that I waived request for reimbursement for the Family Wizard Subscription. In addition, I it seems this document was filed with the court, again without my knowledge, consent, and signature.On April 19. 2023, I met with Nicole Reeves Lavallee via Zoom to discuss my dissatisfaction with the legal representation I was been provided by attorney T******. I discussed my case with her and provided me with information that I was never been offered before and strategies on how my case should be handle, the different arguments that can be used to present my case. It was a breath of fresh air. She stated she would review my case and get back to me with a response. Date – I remember calling the firm and speaking with Michelle and she made a comment to me that I found to be unprofessional and violation of privacy. Michelle, indicated to me that “the office has been warmed about me and be careful because I keep track of everything and well organized.”May 23, 2023, I receive a letter in the mail from Reeves Lavallee PC with an enclosed Plaintiff’s motion to Compel Responses to Discovery Requests and for attorney’s fees and costs that attorney T****** filed with the court. A hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, 2023, and my attendance was not required for this hearing. In the hearing attorney T****** requested that the documents requested be provided within 10 days and for the plaintiff to pay incurred expenses in the amount of $1,190.00. On 07/11/23, again I asked attorney T****** via email several times on what the results on this court date were (06/7/23). He finally, responded to me and said the documents were provided. I asked what about the fees. On June 10, 2023, and around this date. I received an email from attorney T****** stating that “attorney Reeves would not take over my case until I pay the full amount on the account.” This was the first time I had heard this. Especially, when I had just signed a monthly payment agreement with the firm. Attorney Reeves accused me of being confused (this is an insult) when I never stated to her or anyone that she would take over my case. In fact, attorney Reeves told me that if I didn’t work with attorney T****** to feel free and find another firm.On July 11, 2023, I received the following information from Nicole Reeves Lavallee “This information was previously provided. The court date was taken off the list. The information was provided by your husband.” SO, again a decision was made to take the court date off without my knowledge. This information was never provided to me as they know I would question the fees. The defendant shall still be liable for the $1,190. Just because he submitted the documents that had been way overdue after they were summoned to court does not make it the issue resolved, and the firm spent the extra time contacting them questing the information that was due April 9, 2023. On July 13, 2023, I received a call from Shawn at Lavallee’s law firm requesting documents that Nicole stated I never sent. When I told him that all the information had been sent via email and client portal a few days back. Shawn informed me that he needed to get this done as his last day with the firm was Friday. He shared that he was frustrated with this firm as they get blamed for everything that goes wrong or when the lawyers drop the ball. July 19, 2023, I sent Attorney T****** and email on since I had not heard from him in a long time and court was schedule for July 24, 2023. I asked what the expectations for the court appearance, the purpose of the court date and what we are looking to accomplish. Attorney stated this was a pre-trial conference and each side will present their respective positions to the court and reveal any issues and get a further date on the remaining issues. He stated that in many cases the parties have executed a separation agreement. I was surprised that there was no movement of my separation agreement as I had been working on it with Nicole Reeves Lavallee. It seemed as they did not communicate with each other at all.July 24, 2023, we appeared in court I had asked attorney T******, if could bring the up requesting physical custody of the children while the defendant looked for a place to live. He has listed he is moving to Halifax, MA which is 1.5 hour from Worcester and the children will start school end of August. Attorney T****** stated of course. He requested for full custody of the children and when the judge asked why, he stated “********* *** ** *********” my jaw dropped of embarrassment when I heard this. I could not believe he said this. How about stating my reason, which was reasonable and in the interest of the children.When I confronted attorney T****** after the hearing why he said, “********* *** ** *********” and how I was not pleased with his representation. He stated – “oh well, Nicole will not represent you until you make full payment on your account. Nicole Lavallee had nothing to do with the conversation, but this seemed to be his response to everything.August 4, 2023 – I reached out to Nicole Reeves Lavallee stating I no longer wanted them to represent me and requested copy of files #1. The firm refused to give me a copy of my own files with no real reason to hold until the judge signed off. There are no requirements stating they can withhold my records. This created a delayed representation from my new counsel, as I was not able to provide my files for review and file any type of motion prior to the next court date of 10/23/23. August 25, 2023 - requested copy of files #2. No files were provided. August 29, 2023 - requested copy of files #3 and 4. No files were provided. September 7, 2023 – I was finally allowed to pick up a copy of my files.To date, this firm (Reeves Lavallee) has billed me for $24,568.33 service dates from 08/26/22 to 08/21/23, with no outcome. To date, I have paid this firm $17,626.75 and a remaining balance of $6,941.58. I have interviewed several firms in the month of July and August and the feedback I get has been the same. How is it that this divorce has not been finalized? There’s nothing that requires any major decisions or assets. The best one is when they asked how much I have paid so far, and their jaw drops once they hear the amount. In addition, I recently found out of a relative that had hired Nicole Reeves Lavallee to represent her in her divorce and my relative ended up withdrawing from this firm for the same reasons. I wish I knew that before but there were no negative reviews on the firm which leads me to believe none of the reviews were real people that have worked with the firm.This firm violated my privacy by talking about me with the staff and them staff sharing it with me. It seems that this firm has the habit of overcharging by requesting the same documents and billing you for it every minute they touch the account. The firm filed motions without my knowledge and them billed me for them, even after they were supposed to get reimbursed ($1,190) by other parties. Attorney T****** was never prepared for court appearances and chocked in front of the judge. Attorney T****** requested that we use the ************ *** and advised me to purchase the app so I would not be in contempt. Then he suggested a free app and told me during a 4-way meeting in front of everyone ‘to eat the charges’ ($150).I’m seeking for the Better Business Beauru to assist in resolving this matter. I’m requesting for Reeves Lavallee to reimburse me the $150 I paid for my ************ ***********, $1,190 for the June 7, 2023 motion filed without my knowledge, $200 for not notifying me of two court date appearances in time and after I paid for my travel plans to change, I show up to court to find out attorney T****** has made a decision without my knowledge or consent and no longer need to appear in court that week. Lastly, I’m requesting for the $6,941.58 dollars to be a write off and my account to be closed and satisfied with payment already received.$1,190.00 150.00 200.00$1,540.00 Reimbursement to me$17, 626.75 -1,540.00$16,086.75 Considered full payment and account closed$6,941.58 Outstanding balance to be write-off

  

  Business response

  10/10/2023

  Dear *******:
  
  
  We want to express our sincere apologies for the challenges you have faced during your legal representation with our firm. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are committed to addressing your concerns. 
  
  
  We acknowledge the discrepancies between your initial expectations and the services provided, especially regarding the choice of attorney and communication. We are truly sorry that your experience did not align with your research and the positive reviews you found online. 
  
  
  Regarding the specific issues you have raised, we are committed to resolving them. We understand the frustration caused by court appearances, communication, and the handling of certain matters. While we cannot delve into financial and specific details per your request on this forum to protect your confidentiality, please know that we take your concerns seriously and will review them internally to make necessary improvements.
  
  
  We are happy to would appreciate your patience and willingness to discuss these matters with our firm directly. Our team is ready to engage in a constructive conversation to address your requests, including financial aspects and finding a resolution. We aim to ensure your satisfaction and look forward to working together to find a resolution that meets your expectations.Please call our office and book a meeting to discuss all of these concerns  in more detail.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  ****** Reeves Lavallee

  ************

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