Law Office Of Debra R Smith

It is with much thanks to the Law Firm of Debra Smith for their professionalism as well as courtesy, efforts, and attention to the sincere welfare of children. Upon signing a retainer agreement with this Law Firm, we had the privilege to meet with William Smith who extended a first meeting into a full understanding of our child custody case involving CPS and the Juvenile Courts. Understanding William Smith is son of Debra Smith, we were surprised that we obtained not one attorney but a 'Legal Eagle Team' who put together a strategy of offense, diligence, and tenacity combined with years of knowledge as well as the multi-talented and experienced paralegal, Suzanne. I will say that the Riverside Family Court System is one where you need to have a full understanding of the personalities involved which Debra, William, & Suzanne obviously have an advantage with years of court & trial experience. Debra Smith is also an Author of several published books on 'Family Abuse' which is entitled appropriately...'Had Enough' which is well worth the reading. Before you spend hours on researching a qualified Family Law Firm, a word to the wise, invest your time wisely and consult with the Law Offices of Debra A. Smith first.

This firm is, simply put, a nightmare. Go ahead and hire them if you like paying a large sum of money for being placed in harm's way. My case was never taken seriously and was immediately sloughed off to a paralegal. My legal documents had errors, including even my request for a fee waiver, so that even after finally being able to rid myself of this firm, I couldn't even use the original documents and had to pay someone else to completely begin my divorce all over again. You will read their website and believe that they sympathize and specialize in domestic violence cases, that you will be protected and taken seriously. From the start, I was told I didn't require a restraining order. I had to put my divorce on hold one time for the sake of my own safety. When I called the firm to let them know that I was ready to continue with the divorce and was headed to a domestic violence shelter, Debra was put on the phone with me for the first time. I was urged to stay in my home, and told that my ex would be kept away from the residence. At the time, I was not informed that this would be a lengthy process and that I would not be safe during this time. Not only that, I had to email and then phone several times just to have my ex served. Finally, I emailed both Debra and the paralegal and the paralegal called me and agreed to mail the court papers to my ex. That is when the real fun began for me and my two children. My ex decided to put himself on disability and I was held in my home against my will for six excruciating months. My situation became so dire that I had my daughter report us to the school authorities and we were able to finally have my ex removed from the home. I have no doubt had a few more months gone by, I would not have survived. I then went on to file my own restraining order while struggling to rid myself of being represented by this firm. My children and I have all been diagnosed with PTSD since this time. I paid a $5,000 retainer fee for their 'services'. Nearly a year later, I am still struggling to get the portion of it back that wasn't used on their dangerous counsel. I cannot urge you strongly enough to avoid this firm. Please keep yourself and your children safe and find someone who really cares about your situation.

After arriving at the attorney's office, I spoke to her Receptionist (Attorney was out of the office), for about 10 min. Left a $200 deposit and never saw the attorney. I requested a refund. Even went took it to BBB, after which the attorney agreed to give half of my money back. Mind you, I had never laid eyes on the Attorney. She is, obviously to me, running the most unscrupulous business I've ever had the displeasure of patronizing. I do not recommend her at all. Be forewarned.

Attorney Debra Smith is a very caring and compassionate person, and she fights hard to get the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Debra Smith has represented me in my ongoing custody and visitation issues and has been such a great help to me. When I initially retained her office I was feeling very nervous and confused about the whole process. She really reassured me with her knowledge of family law and I left her office feeling relieved knowing that I had her representation. Her office staff was very helpful and available to answer any questions I had about my case. Ms. Smith has now appeared in court twice for me, once for custody and visitation and in helping me get a restraining order. Both hearings went very well thanks to her. She really took the worries of the legal process away, so that I was able to focus on moving on with my life after divorce. I would recommend her to anyone with a family law case.