Started divorce process in May 2019. Was supposed to be a 90 day process. It has been 8 months and I am still working towards this. This attorney does not return calls or emails, nor does she communicate in any way after initial consultation. She somehow “forgot” about me for 3 months and because I thought she was working on my case I didn’t know until her paralegal called me to inform me they were beginning the process. Even then, it has still taken 5 months instead of 3. DO NOT USE! Find someone who will do what they say they will do and not forget about you after taking your money!
Review Left On 02/26/2020
Sadiyyah Robinson
It has been over a year since I hired Avia to handle my divorce. Initially, I was not going to write a review, but now that my divorce is all over, I decided that I wanted to revisit this. One of my biggest issues was the fact that she almost made me lose custody of my children! In addition, she never completed my divorce decree, rarely answered calls or emails herself, and she kept pushing me off on an incompetent paralegal who couldn’t properly calculate my child support, meet deadlines, or answer simple questions about my case.
Our initial encounter was great. She was prompt, professional, and her fees were reasonable. My petition for divorce was filed, and I patiently waited the 60-day period. During that time, I had not received child support from my ex-husband. I called and spoke with Felicia, her paralegal, and I was advised to file for temporary relief.
When we went to court for this issue, Avia was about an hour late. Fortunately, the judge called in sick that day, so we were not able to see her anyway. As a result, we rescheduled for a later date. After the first experience, my ex-husband decided he would rather begin providing consistent support than to pay his attorney for another court appearance. I advised Felicia of this and requested that they cancel the upcoming court hearing. A couple of weeks passed and I received a call from my ex-husband stating that I was supposed to be at court because my attorney never canceled. He informed me that he and his attorney were given the option to be awarded full custody due to my failure to appear, but he decided against it.
I immediately contacted Avia, furious at the thought of losing my children by default! I was told that it was their oversight and that Felicia called in sick and forgot to cancel my hearing. So she threw her employee under the bus when the fault was actually due to her failing to follow up with her paralegal! My ex and I were finally able to come to an agreement on our own. At that point, Avia and I corresponded via email and discussed in great detail what all needed to transpire and the fees involved. I paid all the fees, and afterwards, spoke with Felicia, who gave me a date that she would have my decree completed. When that deadline passed without any communication from either of them, I contacted Felicia for an update. I was told that Avia was having a difficult time with the portion of my decree dealing with retirement, and that there would be an additional fee for a QDRO order. I reached out to Avia several times to ask for clarification about the invoice that I had just paid since, to my understanding, that fee was to cover the QDRO. It was at that point that things went downhill fast! I was told that I had no right to question her about her fees, and that I was looking for a discount because I was referred to her by my sister. At no point did I ever ask for a discount and I had swiftly paid any invoice that was sent to me without question. However, the first time I had a question about her fee, it was a major problem that unfortunately we were not able to rectify. We agreed that she was not helping me, and I requested a refund of my last payment. She never gave my money back for the work she did not do since she never did produce a divorce decree. Money, energy and time totally wasted!
Review Left On 02/26/2020
Tony Gauthier
Gauthier Law Firm helped me with my LLC formation, as well as collecting on a bad debt. The team was very professional and responsive, and the hourly rate was very affordable.
I highly recommend using this firm for your legal needs.
Talk about Trash AND Unprofessionalism!!! Do NOT I repeat do NOT waste your time and especially your money! I chose this law firm after doing research. I saw the mixed reviews, mostly good but some bad. My husband and I went in for a consultation and I (the wife) ended up arguing with the lawyer. We showed up 20mins early as asked and then we were directed to a conference room. The office is small and we were pretty much looking at Ms.Gauthier the entire time. So we were asked to fill out paperwork, ok np, done. Still no Ms.Gauthier. ok I go to the restroom and come back, still no Ms. Gauthier, my husband goes to the restroom and comes back...STILL no Ms. Gauthier! She hasn't even acknowledged us but we are looking right at her; so distasteful. My husband decides to walk out and the nerve of this woman; her first words to us ALL DAY are "Oh what Y'all don't have no Money!" Wait what! We came to hire you. She literally started shouting at me and I told her you have ignored us from the time we got here. She claimed she was on her way in when my husband went to the bathroom. I told her I was there and waiting; she told me I was NOT the client! I responded we are together, I am his wife and I am listed on the paperwork as well and I was to be respected just as much. Ms Gauthier told me its NOT about respect. But to tell me I don't have money! This entire law office is a disater waiting to happen. 1st impressions are Everything... I wouldn't want her showing up in court for us AT ALL I've heard of casual Friday but "I don't care Friday" no thanks. I'm not here to bash but relay an honest review which is my opinion of what I encountered today while at her office. I expect some long rebuttal which she will make this incident my fault as with any other negative review she has received. Word of advice pay attention to the details of the reviews and carry on at your own risk! We have seen 4 lawyers today and she is by far the worst! RESPECT is everything especially towards potential clients but according to Ms Gauthier it's not about Respect or even acknowledgment for that part.
Review Left On 06/26/2019
Jackie D
Mrs. Avia was wonderful! She answered all my questions and was great to just talk to. She wasn't at all intimidating like some lawyers can be. She was very understanding. Wonderful all around.
Review Left On 06/26/2019
Diana M
MRS AVIA RICE IS ONE OF THE MOST PATIENT INDIVIDUAL I HAVE EVER MEET. SHE LISTENS WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT TO EVERYONE VERY KIND AND CARING...AND VERY PROFESSIONAL. ..I WOULD RECOMMEND HER TO ANYONE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MRS. RICE!
Review Left On 06/26/2019
Melinda K
She an wonderful and caring lawyer. She goes out of her way to make sure understand what is needed to file
Review Left On 06/26/2019
Lajoyce H
Ms. Gauthier represented me in my divorce case in Dallas county within a 48 hour time frame notice. I was awed by her professionalism, yet courteous, fast, and effective service! The service her firm provides was impeccable from beginning to end, and even afterwards... Communication was excellent! Her assistant was very accommodating and they both respected my wishes throughout the entire ordeal. Ms. Gauthier made my case worry and hassle free and I will definitely use her as my personal attorney again, and refer her to family, acquaintances and friends as well!
Review Left On 06/26/2019
Erick G.
Avia and Felicia were on point! Loved how easy and flexible they were and helped me close a difficult chapter for me. Now I can move on to the next chapter in life with confidence. Thank you for facilitating the process and explaining everything with detail. Felt confident the first day I met with Avia. I thought it was going to be a dreadful experience like previous lawyers, but on the contrary she took her time to explain the process and answered every question I had. Thank you! Thank you so much!-
Review Left On 06/26/2019
Jessica Parker
I just wanted to thank you two ladies so much for everything yall did to make Wednesdays outcome possible. It's the first time I have defeated them in court and knowing my daughter isn't moving again and that I get to see her a little more makes me completely happy and I just wanted to thank you both so much! Y'all are amazing! Avia fought for and continues to help me and willing to do what it takes to make sure my daughter doesn't go anywhere and is trying to make sure I get my daughter home to me! I couldn't be any happier with hiring Mrs. Gauthier as my attorney
Law Firms Reviews
Our initial encounter was great. She was prompt, professional, and her fees were reasonable. My petition for divorce was filed, and I patiently waited the 60-day period. During that time, I had not received child support from my ex-husband. I called and spoke with Felicia, her paralegal, and I was advised to file for temporary relief.
When we went to court for this issue, Avia was about an hour late. Fortunately, the judge called in sick that day, so we were not able to see her anyway. As a result, we rescheduled for a later date. After the first experience, my ex-husband decided he would rather begin providing consistent support than to pay his attorney for another court appearance. I advised Felicia of this and requested that they cancel the upcoming court hearing. A couple of weeks passed and I received a call from my ex-husband stating that I was supposed to be at court because my attorney never canceled. He informed me that he and his attorney were given the option to be awarded full custody due to my failure to appear, but he decided against it.
I immediately contacted Avia, furious at the thought of losing my children by default! I was told that it was their oversight and that Felicia called in sick and forgot to cancel my hearing. So she threw her employee under the bus when the fault was actually due to her failing to follow up with her paralegal! My ex and I were finally able to come to an agreement on our own. At that point, Avia and I corresponded via email and discussed in great detail what all needed to transpire and the fees involved. I paid all the fees, and afterwards, spoke with Felicia, who gave me a date that she would have my decree completed. When that deadline passed without any communication from either of them, I contacted Felicia for an update. I was told that Avia was having a difficult time with the portion of my decree dealing with retirement, and that there would be an additional fee for a QDRO order. I reached out to Avia several times to ask for clarification about the invoice that I had just paid since, to my understanding, that fee was to cover the QDRO. It was at that point that things went downhill fast! I was told that I had no right to question her about her fees, and that I was looking for a discount because I was referred to her by my sister. At no point did I ever ask for a discount and I had swiftly paid any invoice that was sent to me without question. However, the first time I had a question about her fee, it was a major problem that unfortunately we were not able to rectify. We agreed that she was not helping me, and I requested a refund of my last payment. She never gave my money back for the work she did not do since she never did produce a divorce decree. Money, energy and time totally wasted!
I highly recommend using this firm for your legal needs.