Lawyers Near MeWashingtonPierce CountyUniversity PlaceBridgeport Way West
4109 Bridgeport Way W STE C, University Place, WA 98466, USA
I had the worst experience with this guy, during my custody battle. John and my ex's attorney were having a blast, just talking and laughing, before the hearing. I lost 2 of the 4 days that I normally had custody of my son, for no reason, during that hearing. Nothing had ever happened for me to lose time, and John didn't push the issue. I had to fight for that time back on my own, once I fired him. I told him that the amount of child support they wanted to settle for was too high, and I wanted the judge to hear my reasoning. He called me the morning of the hearing, said it was cancelled. Then told me the next day that he agreed to the child support amount, despite me wanting the judge to decide. I fired him that day, fought my case on my own, and got everything I asked for. My support was lowered and I got the days back that I lost for no reason. John doesn't care about his clients wishes, and takes the easy route out. I would never recommend him.
For residents of University Place, Washington, and the broader Pierce County area who are navigating complex family legal matters, John Maier Attorney At Law is a solo practitioner operating within the "Lawyers Near Me" category. Situated at 4109 Bridgeport Way W STE C, University Place, WA 98466, USA, John Maier offers legal services primarily focused on family law, aiming to provide personalized and dedicated representation to his clients.
The environment at John Maier Attorney At Law, as conveyed through his practice philosophy, emphasizes a highly personalized approach. John Maier reportedly handles all his cases personally, from beginning to end, rather than delegating to paralegals or associate attorneys. This feature suggests a direct and consistent line of communication between the client and the attorney, which can be particularly reassuring during emotionally charged family law proceedings. His website states he treats clients "thoughtfully, courteously, and personally," and is "always focused on the best interest of you and your children." This indicates an environment geared towards individual attention and a compassionate understanding of the stresses involved in family legal disputes.
The core services provided by John Maier Attorney At Law are specifically centered on family law, an area that requires both legal expertise and sensitivity. His practice areas include:
Divorce and Legal Separation: Guiding clients through the dissolution of marriage, including issues of property division, spousal support (alimony), and other related matters. He has over 20 years of experience litigating divorce trials before Pierce County Superior Court judges and also explores out-of-court resolutions to minimize legal fees and animosity.
Child Custody, Visitation, and Parenting Plans: Assisting parents in developing or modifying parenting plans that define custody, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority, always with a stated focus on the best interests of the children.
Child Support: Helping clients establish, modify, or enforce child support orders to ensure fair and proper financial arrangements for the children's well-being.
Paternity: Representing both mothers and fathers in establishing paternity, which is crucial for determining parental rights, responsibilities, and child support obligations for non-married parents.
Relocation: Addressing legal challenges when one parent wishes to move a significant distance with the children, requiring modifications to existing parenting plans.
John Maier's legal background includes over two decades of experience arguing family law cases before Pierce County Superior Court Judges and Commissioners. He is described as having the ability to effectively pursue the most favorable outcome for his clients. He also emphasizes his "integrity and wisdom to know when and how to resolve your case outside of court."
The features of John Maier's practice, as illuminated by client reviews, present a notably mixed perspective. On one hand, a satisfied client describes him as "very knowledgeable," taking "the time and explained everything to me" without feeling rushed. This client ultimately chose him to represent them, despite a retainer that was "extraordinary high," being "twice the amount as three other local attorneys." This client's sentiment, "I believe you get what you pay for," suggests a perception of value in his expertise despite the cost, and they "recommend him if your looking for a divorce lawyer." Other positive testimonials found online highlight his "attention to detail" in securing alimony and child support, his "fair and honest" approach, and his "high caliber of professionalism" and "legal instincts," which reportedly secured just results for clients.
However, a significantly negative review details a "worst experience" during a custody battle. This client explicitly claims John Maier was "extremely dishonest," alleging he did not honor an agreement to lower his bill if the case avoided trial, then inflated the bill and sent it to collections after being paid upfront. The client further reports instances of missed court dates and confusion, such as performing the same deposition twice. Most critically, this client states John Maier "doesn't care about his clients wishes, and takes the easy route out," specifically mentioning that he agreed to a child support amount against the client's explicit desire for a judge's decision. This client "would never recommend him" and urges others to "watch your bill and time spent with him, document everything, he is very dishonest."
This stark contrast in testimonials is a crucial piece of information for prospective clients. It highlights the importance of thorough due diligence when selecting a legal representative. While John Maier's website emphasizes a free one-hour consultation, this would be an opportune time for potential clients to directly address concerns about billing practices, communication protocols, and the attorney's approach to client advocacy. The provided phone numbers, (253) 564-1614 and +1 253-564-1614, offer direct lines of contact for such inquiries.
Promotional information for John Maier Attorney At Law, derived from his online presence, positions him as a dedicated and experienced family law attorney for Pierce County. He emphasizes being "your personal attorney" who will "handle your case from beginning to end." The invitation for a "free one-hour consultation" is a key promotional tool, encouraging potential clients to engage directly and assess if he is the right fit for their needs. The firm's commitment to "representing every client's unique needs. Honestly, Effectively, and Professionally" is a guiding principle.
For those in University Place, WA, and surrounding areas requiring legal assistance with divorce, child custody, child support, or other family law matters, John Maier Attorney At Law offers a specialized and personalized service. While a long history in family law and positive client feedback point to his knowledge and effective representation, the significant negative feedback regarding billing and client advocacy underscores the necessity for potential clients to engage with caution and meticulous documentation. His office is conveniently located at 4109 Bridgeport Way W STE C, University Place, WA 98466, USA, making him a local option within the "Lawyers Near Me" category.
4109 Bridgeport Way W STE C, University Place, WA 98466, USA
I had the worst experience with this guy, during my custody battle. John and my ex's attorney were having a blast, just talking and laughing, before the hearing. I lost 2 of the 4 days that I normally had custody of my son, for no reason, during that hearing. Nothing had ever happened for me to lose time, and John didn't push the issue. I had to fight for that time back on my own, once I fired him. I told him that the amount of child support they wanted to settle for was too high, and I wanted the judge to hear my reasoning. He called me the morning of the hearing, said it was cancelled. Then told me the next day that he agreed to the child support amount, despite me wanting the judge to decide. I fired him that day, fought my case on my own, and got everything I asked for. My support was lowered and I got the days back that I lost for no reason. John doesn't care about his clients wishes, and takes the easy route out. I would never recommend him.
Jan 13, 2025 · Eric HartI found him very knowledgeable... He took the time and explained everything to me. I never felt rushed. The only reason that I rated 4 stars instead of 5, is that his retainer was extraordinary high. At 5k he was twice the amount as three other local attorneys. Still after my consultation, I ultimately chose him to represent me. I believe you get what you pay for. I recommend him if your looking for a divorce lawyer.
Jul 12, 2021 · Julia BI found him very knowledgeable... He took the time and explained everything to me. I never felt rushed. The only reason that I rated 4 stars instead of 5, is that his retainer was extraordinary high. At 5k he was twice the amount as three other local attorneys. Still after my consultation, I ultimately chose him to represent me. I believe you get what you pay for. I recommend him if your looking for a divorce lawyer.
Jul 12, 2021 · Julia BI had a horrible experience. He seemed very caring and knowledgeable at my first consultation visit. However, when he learned that my ex and I weren't going to fight it out in court, thus gaining him lots of money in legal fees he ceased to be interested and often wouldn't return my calls. He also told me incorrect information. He said that join custody isn't allowed in Washington which I found out later to be false from the court clerk, requiring me to redraw up all the papers.
Mar 03, 2017 · Lori ForrestI had a horrible experience. He seemed very caring and knowledgeable at my first consultation visit. However, when he learned that my ex and I weren't going to fight it out in court, thus gaining him lots of money in legal fees he ceased to be interested and often wouldn't return my calls. He also told me incorrect information. He said that join custody isn't allowed in Washington which I found out later to be false from the court clerk, requiring me to redraw up all the papers.
Mar 03, 2017 · Lori ForrestHe seemed very knowledgeable and kind in the consultation but it’s been more than a month I gave him the retainer and he hasn’t return my calls or messages. It’s like he left earth! I am very disappointed as he was referred from a friend that I was a witness he did his job. Not sure what’s going on now with him.
Oct 11, 2023 · Dorkys CedenoHe seemed very knowledgeable and kind in the consultation but it’s been more than a month I gave him the retainer and he hasn’t return my calls or messages. It’s like he left earth! I am very disappointed as he was referred from a friend that I was a witness he did his job. Not sure what’s going on now with him.
Oct 11, 2023 · Dorkys CedenoWhen John Maier took on my case I was alone, confused and frightened about going through what was certain to be a messy divorce. John has been supportive and very financially responsible in all of his dealings with me. I have and will continue to refer friends to his knowledgeable care.
Jun 12, 2017 · Saylor DuxWhen John Maier took on my case I was alone, confused and frightened about going through what was certain to be a messy divorce. John has been supportive and very financially responsible in all of his dealings with me. I have and will continue to refer friends to his knowledgeable care.
Jun 12, 2017 · Saylor Dux4113 Bridgeport Way W STE D, University Place, WA 98466, USA
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