Brown Henderson Melbye

I didn't leave a review at the time, but it's bothered me ever since. Three years ago I went to see Suzanne S. Williams with the intention of possibly retaining her. I did not want a consultation. The only question I wanted answered was about moving my file to Victoria from another jurisdiction. I kept saying I didn't want to take her time, but she kept me talking. I even asked in the meeting meeting what her rates were and she said we could take care of that later. When I left our "consultation", I was floored to be greeted by the administrative assistant with a $458 bill. I never should have paid it, but I didn't want to make a scene. When I emailed her a couple days later she totally dismissed my grievance.

I have been retaining BHM for almost 3 years resulting in a debt that up to now has totaled near $15000. For the entirety of this process I have made it clear that all I have wanted was representation to make a case that children need their father equally. My ex refused to co-parent with me and it took a year before I had them 40% of the time. The actual response I received was that *paraphrasing* "I'm sorry she wouldn't budge." After 15 months and reaching a somewhat equal schedule my ex made a false child abuse claim against my partner and the system has no recourse for such claims even if it results in the alienated parent not having any ability to try and mend the relationship. I tried communicating with various counselors to see if they could help but the truth is that they also cannot cope with situations in which one parent does not want to co-parent with the other. I am not ashamed to share this review. I have begged to be a parent, and I have begged for resolution but the system is very much broken and I hope that somehow the lawyers are meeting to discuss the complete failure this process is and what they can do to try and represent the kids. That is what this is really about. I would not recommend BHM. I'll be honest, I don't know what they can do in a contentious separation unless (according to them) you have in excess of $100,000 to spend, which they clarified I obviously do not. This is directed mostly towards fathers because this story is far too common. I wish you all the best in your separation, regardless of fault, and that your children always know that you wanted them wholeheartedly. The trauma that is being perpetuated in a system that actually can't help is devastating. No one wins except the system. I'm not going to say walking away is the right thing to do but I don't know know if fighting to be a parent actually pays off when you have an unwilling ex that doesn't want to co-parent. Time will tell.

Great experience with them. I highly recommend

Bare minimum quality work. Absolutely passive regarding my children ending up with their abusive father. No strategy, no plan, very slow responses if at all. Do not recommend.

Excellent lawyers. Fine service