ComplaintsforBailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law

• Initial Complaint

  05/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law offices is the worst experience I had.Case Handling and Delays: Despite engaging Bailey & Galyen to enforce my visitation rights, I experienced minimal progress throughout the year my case remained open. This delay caused significant emotional distress and financial strain.Billing Practices: I initially agreed to a retainer fee of $4,200, anticipating coverage for a reasonable amount of work on my case. However, I was billed additional charges exceeding to a total of $10,000, including fees for emails and phone calls, which felt excessive and departed from our initial agreement.Strategic Disagreements: Despite my repeated requests to file a motion to enforce existing visitation rights, Bailey & Galyen proposed alternative strategies, such as mediation, without addressing my concerns or the court's requirements.Final Order Timing: The timing of drafting the final order, just before a potential trial, seemed rushed and left me unprepared to proceed legally without representation.Outcome: While I eventually secured my desired visitation rights without an attorney, I am troubled by the manner in which it was achieved and the lack of support provided by Bailey & Galyen throughout the process.In conclusion: As a consumer, I expected transparency, professionalism, and a commitment to my best interests, none of which were adequately provided by Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law.

  

  Business response

  05/31/2024

  While we are bound by the rules of ethics and are unable to divulge any facts of **************** case, Bailey & Galyen was not contractually hired on an enforcement matter to enforce **************** visitation rights as stated in his review. 
  Further, after reviewing the Courts mediation policies, one of the Courts criteria for final trial states mediation is required if a party is asking for more than an hour of Court time for a final trial. 
  While we are not at liberty to confirm or deny more than an hour would have been necessary in **************** case, we can state unequivocally ****************** took the necessary steps to protect **************** rights for a final trial.
  As to **************** comments on transparency, emails, and communication in general we would respectfully disagree with his characterization of the handling of his case over a one year period. 
  Lastly, concerning **************** comment on the timing of the drafting of the final order. We can only respond that very, very rarely are final order drafted without the consent and input from the client. 
  How would the lawyer know what to draft into the final order without input and consent from his or her client? 
  We appreciate **************** reaching out via a review but respectfully decline to agree with his rendition of Mr. ******** handling of his case. 
  Our records simply do not support the claims in his review.

  Customer response

  06/04/2024

  Complaint: 21771067
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Dear Bailey & Galyen,
  
  I am writing to address the response provided by your office regarding my complaint to the BBB. It is disheartening to see that you believe my concerns were adequately addressed, as your response fails to acknowledge the significant issues and distress caused by your
  handling of my case.
  
  Firstly, I must emphasize that your representation of my case was not in line with my expectations or the instructions provided. When we
  initially spoke in December of 2022, I clearly communicated the urgency of securing an attorney to file an motion to enforce as
  directed by the Judge, to ensure the enforcement of the original order. However, this crucial step was not taken, despite my explicit instructions.
  
  As a result of your negligence, my family and I endured extensive emotional grief, stress, and physical issues. Your failure to act in accordance with my instructions not only caused us financial strain but also hindered the progress of my case. Enforcement Matter: You stated that Bailey & Galyen was not contractually hired on an enforcement matter to enforce my visitation rights. However, it is essential to clarify that my initial communication with your firm explicitly highlighted the urgency of securing legal representation to file a motion to enforce visitation. Your assertion that you honored
  my request is simply untrue, as evidenced by the Judge's remarks during the proceedings.
  
  Furthermore, the exorbitant fees charged by your firm for subpar representation only added to our financial burden. To suggest that over $9,000  is an insignificant amount demonstrates a blatant
  disregard for the financial circumstances of your clients. As a father and family man, this expense placed a heavy burden on me and my loved ones, with no return on investment or resolution to our legal issues.
  
  Additionally, I was forced to represent myself in court, despite having engaged your services for legal representation. The Judge's questioning regarding my failure to file the motion to enforce, as initially requested, further highlights the inadequacy of your firm's representation. Had this crucial step been taken, as the Judge indicated, it could have saved me both time and money.
  
  In light of these failures, I strongly refute your assertion that my request was honored. Instead, it is evident that I was misled and swindled out of a significant sum of money without any benefit to my case. This experience has been nothing short of a nightmare, and I am appalled by the lack of professionalism and disregard for my best
  interests demonstrated by your firm and the assigned attorney.
  
  I urge you to reconsider your response and take responsibility for the negligence and incompetence displayed throughout the handling of my case. I expect a prompt and satisfactory resolution to this matter, including a full refund of the fees paid for your inadequate services.

  Regards,
  
  ***************************

  

  Business response

  06/17/2024

  ****************,
  Again, you signed a contract and hired Bailey & Galyen on a modification action.
  We note you have not stated you are disappointed with the result(s) ****************** achieved in the modification action while he represented you.  
  It appears you are disappointed the result(s) were not achieved through an enforcement action.  
  We appreciate your response but are not able to respond to your comments in a public forum. 
  Further, we cannot we speak to what the Judge may or may not have said to you regarding your case. 
  Your frustration that the final result you achieved in your case did not turn out as you expected is evident based on your additional post. 
  ****************** represented you to the best of his ability based on the facts you presented to him at the time.    
  Lawyers work with the facts given to them by their clients and work to achieve the very best outcome possible for them.
  ****************** did exactly that. He took your facts, the facts you gave him, and endeavored to get you the very best outcome possible. 
  We wish you the very best in the future.

  Customer response

  06/20/2024

  Complaint: 21771067
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  To express my profound disappointment with the handling of my case by ****************** and his team. The mismanagement of my case was apparent, as critical actions, such as filing a motion to enforce, were blatantly overlooked despite being necessary and warranted.

   

  Throughout the process, each time I called to speak with ******************, he was never available. He was always on vacation or engaged in other activities, forcing me to speak with his paralegal team. Each interaction with his paralegals resulted in additional charges, as they asked me the same questions repeatedly. Furthermore, every email sent by the team incurred additional fees. There was never a time I felt I could contact your office without incurring additional charges.

   

  ****************** consistently claimed to know the judge, but when it came down to it, he didn't seem to understand or know the judge at all. This raises concerns that his claims were merely for financial gain. This situation caused significant emotional distress to me and my family, and it also imposed a huge financial burden with no real solution.

   

  Your focus appeared to be more on billing than on providing effective representation. It is unacceptable that my case was not given the attention and care it deserved. I would never recommend your office to anyone.

  Regards,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  07/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I hired *************************, an attorney with Bailey and Galyen, in November of 2021 who told me my custody revision would take 4-6 weeks to get done. In the 9 months since I hired this firm, my calls and emails have gone unacknowledged and unreturned for days and weeks at a time with no responses to my calls or emails and no updates on my case. In April, I sent a certified letter to get a response from this office. I have had to call and email multiple times in this 9 month process to get a response from the attorney who is intentionally vague with no updates on my case--all while billing me for action I have no proof was ever put into motion. Most recently, I was told by my attorney on Tuesday of this week that I would finally have a court date today. My calls and emails to him and his office have gone unreturned. Without any update from my attorney, I am under the impression that I am paying this firm for services that are not being rendered. My attorney will not proactively communicate updates on my case and will not respond to my calls/emails to their office. When I finally talk to an attorney, I am billed at $300 an hour for the phone call. I have not once spoke with R. ************************* since I have signed the contract. I only speak with *********************, another attorney at the firm. I can provide any emails needed. I have not been able to see my daughter during this time because I need public exchanges for my protection, which this order is addressing. I am also paying a higher rate of child support as this drags on. This order is also addressing that issue.

  

  Business response

  07/26/2022

  We are working with the client and working the case to a hopeful conclusion soon. We now have a Court date to address these matters and communicated the same to him.

  Customer response

  07/28/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me but I request this complaint stay open until the case is closed.
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  01/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I hired this law firm in March of 2021 to handle my divorce. I paid the retainer and have not received a call or email from my attorney or paralegal since July 2021. I have called and left dozens of messages over the past 7 months and even stopped into their main office and no one will call me back. I continue to receive bills for their services but it clear no one is working on my case. I need help as this has caused very serious issues for myself and my family.

  

  Business response

  01/17/2022

  ******************** has spoken with his attorney and his legal assistant. The legal matter is being worked on and hopefully finalized to his satisfaction.

• Initial Complaint

  10/06/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I originally went to The ******** Office of Bailey and Galyen in order to get an emergency change of custody for my children. After doing the initial appointment I was advised that I could file that and within the next two weeks I would have a temporary court order based on the physical abuse of my daughter. This was at the end of July when I spoke to the "Lawyer". I placed a $4500 retainer. After that, it is almost impossible to get anyone on the phone, respond emails, address my concerns. I talked to "the person in charge" so I was told over the phone because I need answers of why nothing is being done in my case *************************** and she advised that my remainder of my retainer would be given back since my case has been treated so poorly. This was two weeks ago, I still cant get a hold of anyone. THIS IS THE WORSE TREATMENT I HAVE RECEIVED!!! The lawyer told me to allow my daughter to go back to her dad to keep getting abused while she is not doing her job. This is discussing.

  

  Business response

  10/28/2021

  We filed the case and afterwards, the client wanted us to withdraw. We did as she requested. It does take time for the Court to ***** the withdrawal as her counsel.

  On 10-27-21, a refund to her **** in the amount of $3,340.79 was processed.
  

  I would hope this matter is resolved.
  

  If there are any additional issues, please advise.
  

    

  ************** Bridge

  Chief Operating Officer and Firm Managing Attorney

   

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