Family Legal Centers

I went to Family Legal Centers for help with a child support/custody situation. Initially when I met with Mr. Chawk he stated that I would have a court date in 90 days of filing papers. I asked him if I would have to go to mediation and he stated no I would go straight to court. After paying him the retainer and filing the paperwork I received a letter stating that I needed to pay another $500.00 for mediation. I was confused because I remember Mr. Chawk specifically saying that mediation was NOT going to be necessary and I would get a court date in 90 days.



I consulted with Mr. Chawk again and then he stated that “he (my child’s father) wanted a fight” therefore we have to go to mediation. I knew my child’s father did not agree with the things that I was requesting from the start that is why I came to Family Legal Centers for help! If my child’s father would have agreed with me in the first place then I would not have needed a lawyer or to get the court involved.



I was mislead and I was taken advantage of! Originally my fee breakdown was $800 for filing papers and $550 for court costs. Well I never made it to court. I do not understand why the remaining balance of $550.00 could not be applied to mediation, then if we needed to go to court I would have to pay more legal fees. Instead I was charged $1350 just to file papers with the courts.



I was sold a dream to reel me in…only resulting in losing out on a bunch of money that could have been applied to taking care of my daughter! I am highly upset and disappointed.