Mehling Law Firm PLLC

Welcome to 'Lawyers Near Me'. If you are searching for a family law attorney in the Bellevue, Washington area, Mehling Law Firm PLLC, located at 14205 SE 36th St Suite 100, is an option you might encounter. They can be reached at (425) 736-8096 or +1 425-736-8096. To provide an objective introduction, it's important to consider the experiences shared by past clients.

One client, who hired Cristina from Mehling Law Firm PLLC for a divorce case in March 2023, initially reported a positive start. The divorce was filed, and the former spouse was served promptly. The client provided requested documents and attended a parenting class within the first month. However, the client's experience reportedly shifted negatively concerning response times. They stated that Cristina would ask for documentation already provided and that weeks would pass without updates, requiring the client to reach out multiple times via email and text.

A significant issue arose when the client's ex-spouse filed a child support order in another state. The client promptly provided this paperwork to Cristina, seeking advice on how to respond or intervene, given that the divorce was filed in Washington state. According to the review, despite the time-sensitive nature of the matter, the client received no response until after the due date. At that point, Cristina reportedly informed the client that she could not assist with the out-of-state child support order due to not being licensed to practice law in that state. The client believes this resulted in paying a higher and incorrect amount of child support.

The review further details that after the client and their ex-spouse reached an agreement, this was conveyed to Cristina. She reportedly requested their parenting plan and details on the distribution of debt and assets to draft a final order for review and signing. The client submitted this information. The client states that Cristina indicated the opposing counsel was unresponsive and promised a draft by the end of the week, followed by a call to discuss it. However, the draft was not received, and subsequent follow-ups by the client via email and text allegedly went unanswered for several weeks.

Almost two months after the initial promise of a final order draft, Cristina reportedly responded via text, stating she was out of the country for personal family matters and would follow up upon her return. When the client reached out again, the response was that Cristina was supposedly unaware of the final order draft and advised the client and their ex to agree on terms and send them to her. This was described by the client as the "final straw," leading them to seek new legal representation.

During this period of perceived lack of communication and progress, the client began looking for a new attorney. Approximately a week after Cristina's text about being out of the country, the client requested an accounting of work done and the remaining balance of the retainer. Cristina reportedly said this would be provided by the end of the week due to pending court deadlines and her being busy. However, the accounting was not received by the end of that week, at which point the client hired a new attorney.

The client states that on multiple occasions, requests for an accounting of the work done on their case were ignored. An invoice was eventually provided, showing that nearly 65% of the retainer was exhausted, primarily through communication between the client and Cristina, and some communication with opposing counsel. The client notes that the primary accomplishments during the eight months of representation were filing the paperwork and serving the former spouse. After the new attorney took over, the client reports that all necessary information was obtained from opposing counsel, and the divorce was expected to be finalized quickly.

The client mentioned initially choosing Cristina based on some positive reviews but, in hindsight, wished they had considered a larger number of reviews. They also referenced a concerning review from a previous client who allegedly faced threats and intimidation of a lawsuit for leaving a negative review, which the first client found unprofessional and unethical if true.

Another review details a different set of issues. This individual contacted Cristina for a family law case and was told to call the next day. During a brief initial call, the attorney fees were discussed. The potential client explained their financial situation as a single mother with a significant income difference compared to their ex. Cristina reportedly stated that the client might not need to pay her fees initially, as she would file a petition for the ex to cover them. The attorney filed to represent the client for a pre-trial hearing without a fee agreement or upfront payment request, reiterating that the client didn't need to pay anything at that time.

However, during the Zoom hearing, the fee agreement was emailed to the client, along with a request for payment. The client responded that they could not afford the requested deposit and hourly rate. Cristina then reportedly said it was okay if the client didn't want to hire her, requesting only $300 for the hearing, but later retracted this request via another email.

Following the client leaving a review of their experience, they allege receiving an email from Cristina threatening legal action if the review was not deleted. Subsequently, the client received an $810 bill and a further threat of court action if not paid within 15 days. This reviewer expressed feeling unfairly treated and reported receiving harassing emails from the attorney.

These two detailed reviews present contrasting experiences with Mehling Law Firm PLLC. One highlights concerns about communication, responsiveness, and the handling of a case involving interstate legal complexities. The other raises issues regarding fee communication, billing practices after a brief interaction, and the attorney's response to an online review.

For local users in Bellevue seeking a family law attorney through 'Lawyers Near Me,' it is crucial to consider all available information, including these detailed client experiences, to make an informed decision. While the firm is located at 14205 SE 36th St Suite 100 and can be contacted at (425) 736-8096, potential clients should weigh the reported experiences regarding communication, billing, and case management.

Given the information available, a neutral introduction must acknowledge the firm's presence and contact details while also reflecting the concerns raised in the provided client reviews. Potential promotional information would be inappropriate given the nature of the feedback received. Instead, local users are advised to conduct thorough due diligence and consider these experiences when making a decision about legal representation.