This attorney is possibly defrauding me based on the Chief Justice Directive 04-08 (Directive Concerning Court Appoints of Child and Family Investigators). She is attempting to bill me in excess of $4000 which is in direct violation of the Chief Justice Directive.
Here is what the statute states:
There is a presumptive CAP of $2000 for the investigation and report as of 04. The directive is appropriately C.R. S 14-10-116.5. Under section III which is the guidelines for payment it reads "A maximum fee of $2000 shall be established (unless a state paid attorney)"... It goes on to say "if state paid, the presumptive maximum fee is set by the OCR. If the state paid attorney is seeking fees in excess of the presumptive maximum fee set by the OCR must comply with the OCR's billing and procedures."
Here is what you need to know, basically it states that CFIs can no longer bill for Child and Family investigation cases in excess of the CAPPED $2000. This directive was enacted because in the past, CFIs were making inordinate amounts of money from clients by charging fees beyond the initial required amount of $2000. Thank goodness! And I personally, prior to this directive, paid additional monies to this attorney back in 2008 as she was again the CFI assigned to my case by the judge. I even tried to object to bnthis CFI the second time around and the judge declined my plea. (as if she is the only CFI in Denver county). While I will not go on to talk about her incompetence and obvious bias twice in my cases as read throughout these posts, this directive is JUSTICE SERVED! It halts unethical practices by attorneys, such as Celia Harned, who has made a comfortable living preying on others misfortunes by disempowering them.
To date, I have informed Celia Harned of the directive and she continues her relentless attempt to collect (as of 10). I have asked for phone records to verify her charges which is well within my right, and she has flat out refused. I have asked her who can I direct my complaint and dispute to just to have it fall on deaf ears. However, she has managed to continue to send bills to me that look as if they have been typed with a typewriter (no kidding) with no letterhead. It is the most unprofessional ordeal I have had with anyone. I am still in the process of forwarding my complaint to the appropriate personnel once I get someone who can help me direct this complaint to the appropriate government agency.
I have taken the time to write this post for various reasons:
1) To inform and make as many as I can aware of the Chief Justice Directive C.R. S 14-10-116.5, which CAPS the amount CFIs can charge now! That cap is $2000 and any amount in excess of this must comply with the OCR's billing and procedures.
2) BE AWARE OF THIS ATTORNEY AND HER ATTEMPTS TO DEFRAUD YOU! CELIA HARNED has been preying on me and who knows how many others based on their lack of knowledge. She has acted unethically with absolute disregard to the statute knowingly!
3) Put an end to this attorneys "pocket-padding" and welfare she has received off those that are going through such an emotional ordeal. Shame on you, Celia Harned!
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