Kevin W. Shepherd - Alcoa, TN

I was very dissatisfied with my experience during an active custody matter. What I understood to be an initial free consultation ultimately became part of a much larger disputed billing situation, and communication became difficult during critical stages of the case. Over time, I became concerned about multiple inconsistencies in billing and supporting records, including disputed balances, differing invoice amounts, and conflicting court-reporter invoices bearing the same invoice number but different amounts. I also questioned billing entries related to court hearings where the time reflected in invoices appeared inconsistent with the actual hearing schedule reflected in court records. I also became concerned about document handling and timeline issues during the representation. Certain interrogatory materials appeared in the client portal before the execution dates reflected on the documents, during the same general timeframe that counsel was simultaneously pursuing withdrawal from representation. Around that same period, office communications referenced an alleged remaining retainer balance of approximately $950, but later billing records reflected an additional increase of roughly $500 without documentation that clearly explained the change. Another significant concern involved collection activity following the representation. I was contacted by multiple collection agencies regarding the alleged balance, and I later received communications indicating that at least some agencies were unable to verify the debt. This further increased my concerns regarding billing transparency and record consistency. One of my primary concerns involved a permanency-planning meeting that proceeded after I declined participation because my attorney was not present, despite my understanding that counsel would attend. Although I completed the requested hair follicle testing essentially immediately after court and tested negative, I felt that the custody matter continued without the urgency and follow-through I expected under the circumstances. I also felt that much of the day-to-day communication and document handling was handled primarily through office staff rather than directly through counsel. Others may have a different experience, but based on my own experience, I would strongly encourage anyone involved in a serious custody matter to carefully evaluate communication practices, billing transparency, and case management before retaining counsel.