Complain about a product or service

Liberty Paralegal

Bellflower, CA

Jacqueline of Los Angeles writes (4/11/02):
Paid Jim Staats, paralegal $519.00 on 3/19/01 for a divorce. One month later I came in and signed the final paperwork. It was represented to me that I would have a divorce in 6 months. I explained that my father was very ill (near death) and he wanted me to get a divorce so he could add my name to some property. Mr. Staats asured me that this would be done.

However, when I contacted him in November 2001 (past the 6 mos.) and informed him that I had not received my final decree, he said he would check with the courts and get back to me, he informed me that the courts were behind and I should receive the decree no later than 1/31/02. In the meantime my husband faxed me some default judgement papers that he received in November 2001. When checking the documents I noticed that the date by my signature had been changed to 11/23/01 (after I telephoned Mr. Staats).

I called again 4/9/02. I informed him of the erased/changed date and asked him again when was I going to get my final divorce decree. He asked me if I had contacted the courts, I said I thought that is what I paid you for. He responed by asking me, What can I do for you. I told him I needed my final divorce decree. He said he would check with the courts and get back with me. That never happened. No return phone call. Still no divorce, over one year later.

My father's final wishes were very important to me. Not only have I been emotionally damaged, I paid $519.00 for a service I never received. My mother is also very sick and we are still waiting on my final divorce decree to add my name to some property. This is emotionally damaging to my mother, because she is now the only one on the property and would like my name added ASAP. I would like my money refunded so I can pursue this issue with a more responsible paralegal or lawyer.

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