Law Offices of David Bliven

For individuals in the Bronx, New York, seeking legal assistance with divorce and family law matters, the Law Offices of David Bliven is located at 3190 Riverdale Ave, Suite 1. As a legal service provider listed in the 'Nearby Lawyers' category, this office offers consultations and representation in divorce cases to the local community in the Bronx and surrounding areas. The office is situated in a commercial area along Riverdale Avenue, providing accessibility for clients seeking legal counsel.

Location and Accessibility: The Law Offices of David Bliven are situated in a multi-story building on Riverdale Avenue. Suite 1 suggests a ground-floor or easily accessible office space. The Riverdale area of the Bronx is a residential and commercial neighborhood, making the location potentially convenient for local residents seeking legal services without having to travel far from their community.

Potential Legal Services in Divorce and Family Law: Based on the context of the provided reviews, the primary area of service discussed is divorce law. Therefore, the Law Offices of David Bliven likely offer a range of legal services related to marital dissolution and family-related legal issues, which may include:

• Divorce Representation: Providing legal counsel and representation to individuals going through the process of divorce, including matters such as property division, spousal support (alimony), child custody, and child support.
• Divorce Consultation: Offering initial consultations to individuals seeking information and clarification about the divorce process, their rights, and potential outcomes. One review specifically mentions a consultation that provided significant information.
• Understanding Opposing Counsel's Strategy: Assisting clients in understanding the potential strategies and perspectives of the opposing party and their legal representation, as indicated in one of the reviews.
• Negotiation and Settlement: Representing clients in negotiations with their spouse or their attorney to reach amicable settlements on divorce-related issues.
• Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, providing legal representation in court proceedings to resolve divorce-related disputes.
• Related Family Law Matters: Depending on the firm's broader practice areas, they might also handle related family law issues such as child support modifications, custody disputes, visitation rights, and enforcement of court orders.

Observed Features and Concerns Based on Reviews: The two provided customer reviews offer contrasting perspectives on the Law Offices of David Bliven, particularly regarding the attorney's fees and billing practices:

• Informative Consultation: One client found the initial consultation with Mr. Bliven to be very informative, providing clarity on their divorce case and insights into the opposing counsel's perspective. This suggests that Mr. Bliven possesses knowledge and the ability to explain complex legal matters.
• Perceived High Cost: The same client who found the consultation helpful also noted that Mr. Bliven's services are "super expensive" and considered it a potential "sacrifice" to retain him.
• Severe Overcharging Allegations: The second review strongly advises avoiding this attorney due to alleged severe overcharging. This client claims to have been billed multiple times a day for seemingly minor actions such as answering or replying to emails, or reading documents.
• Questionable Billing Practices: The second reviewer details a billing practice of charging separately for asking for a document and then charging again for responding to or opening that document, leading to multiple individual charges per day.
• Recommendation Against Hourly Billing: The second reviewer explicitly recommends against engaging Mr. Bliven on an hourly basis and suggests seeking a fixed price for the entire case, or looking for alternative legal representation.

Important Considerations Regarding Fees and Billing: The significant discrepancy in the two reviews, particularly the serious allegations of overcharging in the second review, warrants careful consideration for potential clients. It is crucial to have a thorough and transparent discussion about fees and billing practices before retaining the Law Offices of David Bliven. Potential clients should:

• Inquire about all potential fees and costs upfront.
• Request a clear and detailed written fee agreement.
• Understand the billing increments and how communication (emails, calls) is charged.
• Discuss the possibility of a fixed fee arrangement for the entire case, if applicable.
• Seek clarification on any charges that seem unclear or excessive.

Promotional Information and Cautionary Note: The Law Offices of David Bliven offer legal consultations and representation in divorce cases in the Bronx. One client found the initial consultation to be informative. However, another client strongly advises against using this attorney due to allegations of severe overcharging through frequent and seemingly excessive billing for routine communications and actions. Potential clients should be aware of these concerns and exercise due diligence in discussing and understanding the fee structure before deciding to retain the Law Offices of David Bliven for their legal needs. It is recommended to have a clear and written agreement on fees to avoid potential billing disputes.

Given the serious nature of the overcharging allegations in one of the reviews, prospective clients should proceed with caution and ensure they have a complete understanding of the financial implications before retaining the services of the Law Offices of David Bliven. While the initial consultation may be informative, the potential for high costs and the reported billing practices are significant factors to consider.

In Conclusion: The Law Offices of David Bliven, located in the Bronx, offer legal services in divorce law. While one client found the initial consultation helpful, another client raised serious concerns about overcharging and questionable billing practices. Local users in need of divorce attorneys should carefully consider these contrasting views and prioritize a thorough discussion and written agreement regarding all fees and billing procedures before making a decision.