Tim Bateman

Review of Claery & Green, LLP

Last November I left my wife after years of dysfun...

Last November I left my wife after years of dysfunction and drama. A few weeks after I left, my ex served me with divorce papers. She hired an attorney, and she was out to burn me. She was wanting full custody of our son, child support, spousal support, and attorney's fees from me. She alleged that I was a drug addict and a violent husband. Needless to say, I realized it was time for a lawyer. I had a few phone consultations before I called CnG. Once I spoke with C&G, I felt like they were the firm for the job.
I met with an attorney named Eli Hammond. Once I met with Eli, I explained to him the situation, and I explained to him my desired outcome. Eli really took the time to listen and ask questions, and he seemed genuine. I was charged a $3500 dollar retainer, and Eli Hammond officially became my divorce lawyer. After I further explained the relationship problems with my ex, with the physical abuse at me over the years, and verbal/mental abuse towards the kids, Eli immediately suggested that I file a restraining order against my ex. So, I did. We won the order of protection, and my ex was given a stiff dose of reality. She immediately expedited the RO hearing, and we were scheduled to appear in court a few days later. long story short, My RO was upheld and her counter RO was denied! What a victory, seemed justice was working! My son was returned to me after weeks without seeing him.
The next time we went to court we were scheduled for custody mediation. I asked for 50-50 custody, she wasn't budging however. She insisted on wanting full custody. So, we saw the judge and the judge ordered 50-50 custody for my son and 8 hours visitation a week with my step daughter(who I raised most her life)
I was especially impressed about my daughter because I have no legal rights to her honestly. But Eli was good, explaining everything in detail to the judge. This custody order was temporary until we returned to finalize the divorce. In turn I dropped my restraining order so the kids could see their mom. Eli went to work, contacting my witness list of people who had witnessed my ex hit me or abuse me. He gathered multiple witness statements, and he was able to submit them to the judge as bargaining power in case we went to trial.
Trial was postponed until July, 8 months later. Over that span, Eli remained in contact with me, my exs attorney, and he was able to schedule a sit down with me, my ex, and our lawyers to attempt to solve the divorce. My ex and I didn't own too many things, vehicles and furniture, a couple atvs, and a hot tub. She had 25000 in her IRA, but not much else. We had similar incomes, although on paper my ex made more. I was asking for 50-50 custody, splitting holidays and costs for my son. I asked for 8 hours a week with my step daughter, zero alimony, zero child support, and half the marital assets. My ex was asking for 100% custody with support and alimony, and no assets to be given to me. Eli had developed such a strong case against my ex that he thought I would win full custody. He explained this to the opposing council, and he used the facts of the case as leverage to negotiate a great order! As of last week, I am divorced!! I got 50-50 custody, Zero child support/alimony, and all marital assests divided!! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect outcome! Needless to say, it was a huge win, and I owe so much to Eli and to Claery and Green!
Getting divorced is not easy. It was definitely a transition for me. I have struggled to pay the balance owed to the firm, but they have been so patient and cool, and still represented me, even after I was behind over 4 months with the bill! Truly, I would HIGHLY recommend the firm to anyone going through a tricky divorce! These guys are truly the best in the business, and they deliver results! Thanks Eli, thanks C&G, and all those involved!