Claire’s Story

Claire is a registered nurse living in Orange County. She and her husband had been married for 25 years and had two grown children. Claire’s husband had an affair, which left her blindsided and emotionally shattered. When she wanted to file for divorce, she turned to Mr. Kaufman and he guided her through the process, securing her all she was entitled to under California law. This is Claire’s story in her own words.

“Steve was kind and supportive, and understood where I was at.”

Can you tell me about your experience with Dishon & Block?

Steve was the third attorney I consulted with prior to filing. He was the one that most understood my situation and sympathized with my needs. He was kind and supportive, and understood where I was at. I related better to Steve than the other two attorneys that I met with. I was comfortable in his presence, he never watched the clock and he was very approachable. He was concerned with the wellbeing of my two teenage children and wanted to make sure that they were comfortable and taken care of.

What services did Mr. Kaufman offer you?

I went shopping for an attorney after husband of 25 years had an affair. I filed first after Steve ran me through all of my options, including counseling and mediation. We settled our divorce amicably and only appeared in court for the judge’s approval of our settlement. Steve primarily handled the negotiations with my ex-husband’s attorney.

Can you explain why you felt you could trust Mr. Kaufman?

It was the way that he dealt with my ex and I at the same time. I just saw in the way that Steve spoke to my ex-husband that Steve really had my back.

Were there any custody issues involving your two children?

At the beginning of the divorce, my youngest child was under 18, but by the time the divorce was finalized, they were both over the age of 18. As a result, we didn’t really have to handle custody issues. Steve did always look out for the best interests of the children though. He constantly asked how the children were doing, and even asked if they would benefit from counseling. He said that he would make sure that my ex-husband would be held accountable for the counseling bills.

What did you expect from Mr. Kaufman vs. what did you receive?

I was referred to Steve by a coworker who had used him. I had mixed expectations when I met with Steve after meeting with the other two attorneys. One met me in a bar in a restaurant, so I wasn’t even sure that he had an office in Orange County. The other wanted a retainer of $150,000, even though he said that my case was a slam dunk. Steve on the other hand was very down to earth, and told me my case was technically an easy case to win. He asked for my opinion on how I wanted to proceed, rather than acting without consulting me. He made sure I was involved in every step of the process.

Was there any part of the process that surprised you?

How cold, callous and calculating the whole thing was – but not on Steve’s part. Sad seeing this was how a 25 year marriage ends. Steve did try to prepare me for this, walking me through the process multiple times and getting me ready for interactions with the judge and opposing counsel. Steve also offered substantial emotional support throughout the process.

I also was not prepared for the length of the process, but much of that time was simply spent with the attorneys going back and forth to hammer out the settlement.

“He really did get me the best that I could get.”

What value did Mr. Kaufman offer not only you, but your family?

He got me everything I was entitled to. He showed me what was reasonable for me to ask for, what I should expect, and he came away with what he said he would.

If you had to do it over again, is there anything that you would do differently?

Go right to Steve and not bother shopping around.

If you needed to revisit any aspect of your judgment, would you use Mr. Kaufman again?

Yes, because I felt that he understood where I was at and clearly told me what I could get. He really did get me the best that I could get.

Would you recommend Mr. Kaufman? What would you say to a friend when you gave him/her Mr. Kaufman’s name?

I already have, because he is a kind person, he knows the law, and takes good care of you. I would especially recommend him to women, since he is so skilled at taking care of those who are blindsided by their marriage falling apart. Steve is supportive, a wise person, someone who you would want on your side.

Any statement, testimonial or endorsement contained herein does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the ultimate result or outcome of your legal matter. If any result of any legal matter is portrayed in this website, please note that the result portrayed was dependent on the facts of that case, and that the results will differ based on different facts.