Attorneys Nottage and Ward of Chicago, a self-proclaimed highly prestigious' law firm has not abided by the lawful contract I signed with them. They have not responded to my repeated requests for a refund, as stated in the retainer agreement: Counsel may not require a non-refundable retainer fee, but must remit back any overpayment at the end of representation.
I contacted this firm regarding post-divorce decree issues. At the initial consultation, I was told that my ex-husband was in violation of the divorce decree as he had stopped paying child support a year earlier than he was suppose to. Unbelievably, I was unaware of this fact, so you can imagine that I wanted to pursue this matter, as the sum in question amounted to approximately $14,000, therefore I hired them and was represented by Leah Trachtman.
I initially contacted Nottage and Ward
1. To ensure that my son, who had been recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, would have continued healthcare coverage under my ex-husband's healthcare plan.
2. To ascertain whether or not the quitclaim deed signed by my ex was indeed legal.
3. To ensure that not only I, but my ex as well would be responsible for any college expenses/loans pertaining to my son.
After about two weeks of not hearing from the firm, I called them to see what progress was being made. I was told that the court would not look kindly on making my ex pay the back child support, as he had signed the house over to me, free and clear. However, please remember that it was Nottage and Ward who advised me that my ex was in violation of the court ordered child support in the first place knowing that he had signed the house over to me. Needless to say, I was disappointed, as this is really the reason I agreed to retain them, as opposed to another, less expensive firm.
Despite this, I was willing to forge ahead with my original reasons for contacting the firm. However, I NEVER received word on what they were doing to resolve those issues without my having to contact them. Understand that each time one contacts an attorney one has hired, he/she is charged for each minute one speaks with that attorney. Therefore, you can see why I was hoping to keep the calls to a minimum unless absolutely necessary.
Regarding the quitclaim deed: when I mentioned to them that perhaps I should have hired a real estate attorney to take care of this for me (because I had NO indication that they had), Ms. Trachtman told me in a surprised tone: Oh, all you have to do is file the deed. However I had received nothing in writing to that effect, or even any verbal assurance until I asked; although I was billed for legal research regarding quit claim deed': $250.
On the subject of continued healthcare coverage for my son, Nottage and Ward told me to contact my ex-husband and find out from him how long coverage would last. Well, if I wanted to open THAT can of worms myself, why on earth would I have hired an attorney?
Concerning college expenses for my son, the firm did inform me that my husband, as well as I was responsible. However, still nothing in writing and this verbal assurance only after I contacted them.
I did contact my husband to find out about the healthcare coverage, because I would face down the devil, if it meant my son could continue to have access to his medicines and doctor visits. Therefore, it was I who resolved this issue, not Nottage and Ward.
The firm did suggest that we take my ex to court concerning his responsibilities to help pay for college expenses, however, I opted for an attorney letter instead, thinking if I can avoid the cost of going to court, avoid it. After learning that my ex had experienced cardiac arrest and realizing that they were not really helping me, I called Nottage and Ward and told them to not to send the letter, and to drop the case and send a refund of the fees I had paid as spelled out in the fee agreement. I heard nothing else from them, except an itemization of expenses incurred totaling $742.50. I paid $3700. After waiting for approximately 3 weeks, I put my request for a refund in writing, still nothing. Approximately 2 weeks later, I sent the same request this time by certified, return receipt. To date, I have not heard a peep.
One last thing, when I received the itemization of fee, they had charged me for speaking with Eunice Ward the first time I called. Now, if I had not hired them, would they have charged me for this? More than likely not, but since I was gullible enough to believe the hype of this being the go-to firm for divorce issues, they stuck me with that payment as well. If I had to do it over, I would have gone to a reputable attorney here in my small town; at least I would have saved myself some hard earned dollars, and probably would have gotten better representation. I'm still fighting to get back the remainder of the fee, which totals $2,957.50.
If you are thinking of hiring this firm, read this first and decide if they are truly worth your hard-earned dollars. Forewarned is forearmed.
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