Kayla K.
3/5
Ben Everett Sr. has been my grandmother's attorney for decades. He represented my father in his divorce, despite no longer wanting to represent in cases of parenting plans. Therefore, they were my first thought, when I was served divorce papers. Against the advice of my peers, I went out of my way to seek out legal services at his firm. I spoke to Ben Sr., who understandably passed me onto Ben Jr. The day I was to meet with Ben Jr. to pay the retainer fee, he had a client who had arrived late, so he was unable to see me. Therefore, I was again passed onto Adam. Adam seemed plenty competent and understanding, so I was okay with it.
My husband, and his cutthroat attorney, got a judge's order to keep me from taking my son out of Silver Bow county, though I am attending school full-time in Bozeman. Concerning the Show Cause hearing to withdraw the order, Adam convinced me that I would easily win, even though the court fees might cost me extra, so I went ahead, because I can't put a price on seeing my son more than two days per week. The day of the hearing, after Adam and I each drove to Butte and just before appearing before the judge, my husband and his attorney decided to stipulate, under the condition that we begin a week-on/week-off schedule and that I return to Butte following my graduation. I was overwhelmingly hesitant, because that's not the schedule I wanted, nor what I believe is best for my son. I also did not think it remotely fair that it be dictated where I have to live following graduation, especially if opportunities arise elsewhere. However, Adam convinced me that this was the best option and was only temporary, until we made it to mediation.
When I originally filed my response, I proposed a weekday/weekend schedule in favor of me. Adam obviously did not read it, though, because he seemed appalled when I later proposed a 60/40 plan, and he refused to represent me further. In our email correspondence, he was quite condescending and seemed to sympathize more with my husband than with me.
The only reason I'm giving two stars, rather than one, is because, when they actually do care about their clients and clients' desires, they're quite effective. Ben Sr. is, at the very least, as he represented my father well. However, I'll not be returning to this firm for any legal needs, and cannot recommend them, particularly for dissolution, if there are other options available.
Edit: I've increased my rating to three stars, because, upon our final meeting, and although I still feel as though I was a nuisance, Adam was kind enough to refund the majority of the retainer I'd paid, including his own expenses.
