Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor

Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor is a law firm located at 500 W Lanier Ave Suite 905, Fayetteville, GA 30214, serving the local community and potentially extending to areas like Fulton County in Atlanta. For users browsing the "Nearby Lawyers" category, this firm appears to offer legal services, as indicated by its presence and the limited feedback available online. However, the existing customer reviews present a stark contrast in experiences, requiring a careful and objective analysis to provide a balanced introduction for potential local users.

Location and Potential Environment: Situated on West Lanier Avenue in Fayetteville, Georgia, Suite 905 suggests a professional office setting within a multi-unit building. This location likely provides accessibility for residents of Fayetteville and surrounding areas seeking legal counsel. While one review mentions a positive interaction with a specific lawyer, Lakisha, noting her professionalism and dedication, there is no description of the office environment itself. It is reasonable to assume that, as a law firm, Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor maintains a space suitable for client consultations and legal work, which typically includes private meeting rooms and administrative offices. However, potential clients should be aware that the limited positive feedback does not extend to the overall firm experience as described by other reviewers.

Reported Legal Services: Based on the available reviews, the firm appears to handle divorce and potentially other family law matters. One reviewer specifically thanked "lawyer Lakisha" for her professionalism and guidance throughout what seems to be a divorce case, referring to her as the "Best lawyer in Fulton county Atlanta." This suggests that at least some of the attorneys at Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor practice family law and are capable of providing professional support in such cases. However, another review details a highly negative experience, alleging "subpar attorney" representation in a divorce case, suggesting a potential inconsistency in the quality of services provided by different attorneys within the firm.

Contrasting Features and Concerns: The limited reviews present a significant dichotomy in client experiences, highlighting both potential strengths and serious concerns that local users should be aware of:

Positive Aspects (Based on One Review):

• Professionalism and Dedication: Lawyer Lakisha is specifically praised for her professionalism and dedication to a client's case.
• Guidance and Support: The reviewer felt grateful for the guidance and support received throughout a challenging time, likely a divorce.
• Expertise and Compassion: Lakisha's expertise and compassion were noted as making a significant positive difference for the client.
• Reputation in Fulton County: The reviewer referred to Lakisha as the "Best lawyer in Fulton county Atlanta," suggesting a positive reputation, at least for this specific attorney.

Negative Aspects and Serious Allegations (Based on Two Reviews):

• Unfair Billing Practices: One reviewer accused the firm of "milking" them of every penny, suggesting exploitative billing based on their financial knowledge.
• Subpar Attorney Representation: The same reviewer described receiving "subpar attorney" service.
• Pressuring for More Money: Allegations were made of being offered another attorney for a higher fee after dissatisfaction with the initial representation.
• Abrupt Client Termination: The firm reportedly dropped the client less than a month before a final court appearance.
• Failure to Refund Escrow: Despite allegedly acknowledging that the client did not receive the services paid for, the firm purportedly kept the escrow funds.
• Unilateral Property Lien: A lien was allegedly placed on the client's property without prior communication.
• Accusation of Intimidation: A firm representative, Viktor, allegedly accused the client of "intimidation" for posting a negative review.
• Strong-Arm Tactics: The reviewer claimed Viktor attempted to pressure them regarding their negative review.
• Evasive Responses Regarding Billing: When questioned about the retained escrow and a balance due, Viktor reportedly gave evasive answers, blaming the "computer."
• Owner's Lack of Communication and Action: The firm owner, Mary, allegedly promised to discuss a potential refund but then unilaterally decided against it and proceeded with the property lien without informing the client.
• Blaming the Client: The owner reportedly implied it was the client's fault for staying with the firm despite their issues.
• Billing for Services After Attorney Withdrawal: The client reported receiving a new invoice with "bogus charges" for services allegedly rendered after their attorney had withdrawn from the case.
• Charging for Firm-Initiated Calls: The invoice reportedly included charges for calls initiated by the firm to the client about their attorney.
• Adding Unexplained Charges: The client mentioned charges for things they had no knowledge of.
• Ethical Concerns: The reviewer explicitly labeled the firm as "unethical" and sought assistance regarding their billing practices.
• Vulnerable Client: The reviewer identified as a "struggling disabled vet" who felt "railroaded" by the firm.

Promotional Information and Call to Action: Based on the significantly conflicting reviews, it is challenging to provide standard promotional information for Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor. While one client expressed satisfaction with a specific attorney's professionalism and dedication in a divorce case, the detailed allegations from other reviewers raise serious concerns about the firm's billing practices, quality of representation, and client communication. Local users considering Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor for their legal needs, particularly in family law or divorce, should proceed with extreme caution.

It is strongly recommended that potential clients thoroughly investigate the firm beyond the limited Google Reviews, as suggested by one of the negative reviewers who advised reading Yelp reviews. Seeking consultations with multiple law firms and carefully scrutinizing fee agreements and client testimonials from various sources is crucial before making a decision. The stark contrast in experiences indicates a potential inconsistency in service quality or billing practices that warrants careful consideration.

Contact Information:

Phone: (678) 275-8006

Mobile Phone: +1 678-275-8006

Address: 500 W Lanier Ave Suite 905, Fayetteville, GA 30214, USA

Local users who choose to contact Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor should be prepared to ask detailed questions about billing procedures, attorney assignments, client communication protocols, and their rights as a client. It would be prudent to seek references and inquire about the firm's response to the negative feedback found online. Given the serious nature of the allegations, potential clients must conduct thorough due diligence to ensure their legal needs will be met ethically and professionally.

In conclusion, Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor in Fayetteville, GA, has received both positive feedback regarding the professionalism of one of their lawyers in a divorce case and significant negative feedback alleging unethical billing practices, subpar representation, abrupt client termination, and questionable handling of client funds and property liens. Local users searching for "Nearby Lawyers" should carefully weigh these contrasting experiences and conduct thorough research before considering this firm for their legal needs. Proceed with caution and prioritize transparency and clear communication when engaging any legal representation.