Kates & Barlow, PC

Lawyers Near MeMassachusettsSuffolk CountyBostonDowntownCustom House Street

21 Custom House St, Boston, MA 02110, USA

3.0

My lawyer was made partner after she was paid over $50,000 to represent me from 3/2023-3/2024. During that time, I requested that my lawyer get me spousal support as part of the divorce which has not been issued by the court to date. In November of 2023, I received an email from a lawyer at Kates and Barlow stating that I should be paying my husband child support, he makes 5 times what I do a week. When my husband and I sold our house, $24,236 was given to him and I received $15,764 dollars. Neither of these payments are listed on the closing documents for the house or on the statement from Kates and Barlow. Also, our judge never ruled that these payments could be made. The money from the sale of our house was put into one escrow account on 10/6/2023 and in December 2023 the funds were split into 2 escrow accounts without any notification to me. It wasn't until I requested bank statements for the accounts that I realized money had been moved, the judge never agreed to this either. I was told that the money was agreed to be split by a Kates and Barlow lawyer and my husband's lawyer because of bank volatility. My lawyer never filed a financial statement for me in 12 months and she requested a motion to withdrawal 30 days before my pre-trial hearing, she was granted permission to withdraw on 4/8/2024. I requested that she stay my lawyer until the pre-trial hearing and I requested that the funds be put in a third party account. At the motion to withdraw hearing on 4/8/2024, she was granted permission to withdraw and the funds were transferred to husband's lawyer. I am still trying to get a fair and equitable divorce process.

Jennifer Shammas
  • Overview
  • (617) 412-4200
  • www.katesbarlow.com

Hours

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Kates & Barlow, PC Introduce

For individuals in the Boston area navigating family law matters and searching for experienced legal counsel through the 'Lawyers Near Me' platform, Kates & Barlow, PC, located at 21 Custom House St, Boston, MA 02110, USA, offers specialized legal services. Situated in a historic building on Custom House Street, this location in the Financial District provides a professional and accessible setting for clients seeking assistance with sensitive family law issues. If you are looking for a boutique firm focused on divorce, child custody, and related matters, Kates & Barlow, PC is a firm you might encounter.

Located in the landmark Custom House, the offices of Kates & Barlow, PC likely offer a distinguished and professional environment for client consultations. While specific details about the interior design are not available, law firms specializing in sensitive areas like family law typically ensure a private and comfortable atmosphere where clients can openly discuss their personal circumstances. The historic nature of the building combined with modern legal practice suggests a blend of tradition and expertise.

Based on a customer review, Kates & Barlow, PC is described as a "Great boutique family law firm that specializes in divorce, complex personal and financial issues, and child custody arrangements." This indicates that their services are primarily focused within the realm of family law, including:

  • Divorce: Representing clients in divorce proceedings, including asset division, alimony (spousal support), and related matters.
  • Child Custody Arrangements: Assisting with the legal aspects of child custody, visitation, and support.
  • Complex Personal and Financial Issues: Handling cases involving intricate financial situations that often arise in divorce and family law.

This specialization suggests a depth of knowledge and experience in these specific areas of law, making them a potential resource for individuals facing these challenges in the Boston area.

However, it is crucial to also consider another detailed review provided. This customer expressed significant dissatisfaction with their experience, outlining several concerns over the course of a year of representation. The issues raised include the lack of court-ordered spousal support despite a request, a lawyer suggesting the client pay child support to a higher-earning spouse, discrepancies in the handling of proceeds from the sale of a house (including amounts received not being on closing documents or firm statements, and funds being split into escrow accounts without notification or court approval), the lawyer allegedly stating the split was due to "bank volatility" without client agreement, the lawyer not filing a financial statement for the client within 12 months, and the lawyer requesting to withdraw 30 days before a pre-trial hearing, which was ultimately granted. The client also mentioned requesting the lawyer to stay until the pre-trial hearing and for funds to be put in a third-party account, neither of which apparently occurred as desired.

Considering both reviews, the features of Kates & Barlow, PC appear to be:

  • Specialization in family law, particularly divorce, complex financial issues, and child custody (as per the positive review).
  • Potential for issues with communication, financial handling, and case management (as suggested by the negative review).

In terms of promotional information, the positive review highlights their expertise as a "great boutique family law firm" specializing in key areas. This suggests they market themselves as experts in these complex family law matters. However, the detailed negative review serves as a significant counterpoint, indicating potential shortcomings in client service and case handling for at least one individual.

For local users in Boston searching for a family law specialist through 'Lawyers Near Me', Kates & Barlow, PC, located at 21 Custom House St, is an option to consider. The positive review suggests expertise in divorce, complex financial issues, and child custody. However, the detailed negative review raises serious concerns about aspects of their service. Potential clients should carefully weigh both pieces of feedback when making their decision.

If you are a resident of the Boston area seeking a family law attorney, the information available about Kates & Barlow, PC presents a mixed picture. While one review praises their specialization, another details significant issues with their handling of a divorce case. It would be prudent to consider both perspectives and potentially seek further information or consultations before making a decision.

For those using 'Lawyers Near Me' to find a local family law firm in Boston, Kates & Barlow, PC is listed. We encourage you to review all available feedback and perhaps contact the firm directly to discuss your specific needs and concerns based on the information found.

Kates & Barlow, PC Location

Kates & Barlow, PC

21 Custom House St, Boston, MA 02110, USA

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Reviews

My lawyer was made partner after she was paid over $50,000 to represent me from 3/2023-3/2024. During that time, I requested that my lawyer get me spousal support as part of the divorce which has not been issued by the court to date. In November of 2023, I received an email from a lawyer at Kates and Barlow stating that I should be paying my husband child support, he makes 5 times what I do a week. When my husband and I sold our house, $24,236 was given to him and I received $15,764 dollars. Neither of these payments are listed on the closing documents for the house or on the statement from Kates and Barlow. Also, our judge never ruled that these payments could be made. The money from the sale of our house was put into one escrow account on 10/6/2023 and in December 2023 the funds were split into 2 escrow accounts without any notification to me. It wasn't until I requested bank statements for the accounts that I realized money had been moved, the judge never agreed to this either. I was told that the money was agreed to be split by a Kates and Barlow lawyer and my husband's lawyer because of bank volatility. My lawyer never filed a financial statement for me in 12 months and she requested a motion to withdrawal 30 days before my pre-trial hearing, she was granted permission to withdraw on 4/8/2024. I requested that she stay my lawyer until the pre-trial hearing and I requested that the funds be put in a third party account. At the motion to withdraw hearing on 4/8/2024, she was granted permission to withdraw and the funds were transferred to husband's lawyer. I am still trying to get a fair and equitable divorce process.

Jun 01, 2024 · Jennifer Shammas

Great boutique family law firm that specializes in divorce, complex personal and financial issues, and child custody arrangements.

May 14, 2024 · Scott G

The staff is caring and friendly, they show their clients the attention they need to receive the best results possible

Mar 25, 2021 · Dan Busler

Unethical.

Nov 18, 2023 · Debra P

May 29, 2020 · teresa salem

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