I was reffered to Chris McHam of Brown, McHam & associates through a prepaid legal company. I assumed I was in good hands-wrong! I went and met with Chris for a free 30 minute consultation. At that time he told me that the child custody case I was seeking generally ran about $3,000.00. It was made clear that the case may cost more than 3,000 and may run less, but we would have to wait to see how things unfolded. He wanted a 1,500 down payment to get started. This was called a "retainer fee".
The rest of the 3,000 was to be paid later as the case proceeded. The plan was to have her served with papers, go to court, prove her unfit if needed, and to inform her I was seeking custody of my daughter. Well she caught wind of what was going on and called me. She stated there was no need to do so, if I just had custody papers drawn up, she would sign them. I informed Chris of the situation and had him draw up papers for every other weekend visitation. I also informed him I was not requesting child support.
The papers he had drawn up were completely wrong and didn't include either of my 2 requests. They had to draw up new papers 2 more times before finally getting right. I didn't complain even though I saw it on my following invoice. O.K. Papers were signed and the order was put into place. I went to their office and asked for an itemmized invoice so we can close out the case.
The secretary relayed the info to a lady in the back who came out with my invoice that stated total charges are $406.70. She then informed me there would be no refund for the difference. I gave her a confused look and asked why. She stated that I had signed a piece of paper stating the 1500 is a retaining fee and is non refundable. I asked so what happens to the money? She says Oh that goes in our escow account. I asked what that was and she said Oh thats for overhead and things like that. I told her she isn't entitled to that money and thats very crooked.
I left shortly after before loosing my cool. I am working with referal service who sent me there to TRY to get my money back. I don't mind paying someone for work that was performed, but when you don't work for it and take it, IT'S CALLED STEALING! I am a small business owner and if I treated my customers like that - Well u get the idea. Steer Clear Of These Crooks!
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