K. Dean Kantaras, P.A.

This law firm, charges a la carte: the assistants/secretary (such as $80.00/hour for typing a motion), copies @ $.25/copy, the paralegal @ $200.00 all of which does not include the attorney's fees which is over $300/hour. I believe that the firm is handling too many cases. I can't justify paying $80.00 for a legal assistant which you can only assume is a legal assistant. The bill/line item is attributed to initials only. As a former client, I was not properly consulted or informed. During the course of the divorce proceeding:

1. I was asked to sign an agreement such that the firm can place a lien against my house during the time of a deposition -- which, in my opinion was inappropiate. A lien was not brought up, an issue or on the contract at the time of retainment. Under stress, pressure and in retrospect, a client is more likely to sign to ensure that his attorney is doing his job.

2. My attorney often "multi-tasked," looking at a computer screen during my appointments with him and I have left his office without much progress or information all of which could have been done on the phone. Also, a 10 minute conference is charged 30 minutes if his secretary has your appointment for 30 minutes.

3. My attorney attended to his blackberry several times during trial.

4. I was asked to authorize $10,000 in my credit card during trial -- which I think was inappropiate.

Out of 4 issues/concerns this firm was 25% successful. The cost did not justify the results.

I like to use review sites to get information and provide reviews. I think they work for the consumer. I used this law firm for a divorce and must agree with outhers that it was very expensive. And the retainer agreement allowed for a lien if they send a bill and you as the client think its wrong. In fact, if the exact words from the FL Bar Fee Arbitration program are not used in the retainer (word for word) they don't have to go to fee arbitration? Very, very important to learn exactly what happens if you use a law firm and think the bills are not justified. An automatic lien on your car, bank account and house? Or attorney fee arbitration? The wording on the retainer has to be exact for The Florida Bar to have jurisdiction. You shouldn't have to check and double check . It can be expensive. Look at more than one lawyer. Didn't work out well for me unfortunately.

I would recommend this law firm over anyone in Pinellas County! Diligence and perseverance would best describe my experience with Mr. Kantaras and his legal team. Living in a state where fathers rights are constantly over looked, Mr. Kantaras and his excellent legal team fought and I was awarded permanent sole custody of my son.

Worst experience ever the attorney was always distracted when I would visit him and discuss my case besides the overcharges and I questioned a few extra charges that I was not aware of to begin with this attorney is not looking for your best interest it's all about the $$$ with him be very careful and keep shopping around you will find a better and more affordable attorney!!