Michelle’s Story

Michelle is a stay at home mom from Orange County with 2 children, ages eight and six. She thought she was mediating her divorce with her husband. However, she learned that the mediator was actually her husband’s attorney. After this revelation, Michelle hired Dishon & Block to protect the best interests of her and her two young children. This is Michelle’s story in her own words.

Can you tell me your experience with Dishon & Block?

Very eye opening, as I went to consult with Carrie, after being referred by a friend, just to ask some questions. I was supposedly in mediation with my husband, but when Carrie checked the records, she found that our mediator was actually my husband’s attorney. At this point, I retained Carrie’s services. She did an excellent job, and it was really important that she worked for a firm that specialized in family law, as my husband’s attorney did not, which caused a number of problems. In the end, the divorce was settled fairly amicably, about as amicably as can be expected.

“Carrie showed me that she really was that type of attorney who would make sure that she got it right the first time.”

The initial consultation really opened my eyes. I had heard from others that it was important to get things done right the first time. Carrie showed me that she really was that type of attorney who would make sure that she got it right the first time. Her knowledge level was really impressive; really that of the whole firm was, even the paralegals. It was clear the firm is a well run operation.

“Carrie was really concerned about what was best for the children, in the long run and down the line.”

Were there any custody issues with your divorce?

Yes, and I was starting to get frustrated because the mediator we had was not really talking about custody. Carrie was and she made it about the kids’ best interests right away; she told us this is how it needs to work. This really opened my eyes to what my husband wanted. In the end, Carrie was really concerned about what was best for the children, in the long run and down the line.

What did you expect from Ms. Block and what did you receive?

Since I was referred to Carrie, I expected to be very well taken care of, since my friend told me I would be. Compared to what I would have received if I had not discovered that our mediator was my husband’s attorney, Carrie was magnificent. She really knows her stuff, and knows what to think of for the future with children too. She is still helpful even now. I believe that she will continue to be helpful for years to come.

Did you work with any other staff members at Dishon & Block?

Barbara was in charge of corresponding with me, and I received plenty of email and was always kept up to date. Joi was a paralegal who was very helpful. Courtney was the first person I interacted with, and she was very nice when she gave me Carrie’s background.

Was there any part of the process that surprised you?

Not really. Carrie has a great command of her profession and she really prepared me for the process. She knew what I was entitled to and helped to alleviate a lot of fears I had. People you know will tell you lots, but they don’t really know the law. Carrie did and it was really calming that she had been doing it for so long and doing it well. She really helped me get through it.

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

I would have gone to Carrie or someone like her immediately. I now know how important it is to hire a family law specialist.

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

Yes, because she knows my case so well and knows what I’m doing. I wouldn’t want to start over with someone I didn’t know. I will continue to work with Carrie whenever I’m in need.

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

I would recommend Carrie to anyone who needed a divorce attorney or asked me who I used. She took really good care of me. She doesn’t sugar coat it, and that’s good; it was like a reality check. She identified with my desire to stay home with my children and how beneficial that has been and will be. I know that Carrie is a mom herself and it is clear that this has some bearing on how she helps women.

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.