Zashin & Rich

I had to use this firm as my lawyer told me a couple weeks before court that he was moving there from his previous firm. They said I didn’t make enough money so I had to find a co-signer and give them $7500 as a “deposit, not a retainer”. So they keep that money and bill on top of it. Already red flags. I was then billed for services I did not receive upwards of $4,000. Witness and trial prep that never occurred. Then they took my entire $7500 which now they called a “retainer”, after my hearing, before the dust even settled. The orders hadn’t even reached my home yet. I had a simple question about a new visit schedule that I had to phrase 4 different ways for the attorney to understand, then was billed for his inability to comprehend that question. I was sent a bare bones outline that was their “proof” that he did prep. Meanwhile, I had spent 12 hours prepping myself because he told me it would save money to do it myself. It just feels like a straight scam. This is the most stressful thing you can go through and they take advantage. My attorney even suggested I give up part of my weekend time with my child to opposing parent. My only free, fun time with my kid. I thought I was being pranked. Run! This experience with them and their billing nonsense rivals the stress of going to court.

I have to echo the other reviewers and urge someone seeking a divorce attorney to look elsewhere. I was able to get divorced with the Z and R representation, but left feeling underrepresented in the process. Post divorce was even worse. I agreed to the divorce terms with understanding my QDRO division would be coming. So many unanswered emails, calls, etc about the QDRO. I was continuously told “it’s just up to the QDRO company now”. When I sought out assistance from the partner, I received no support. Ultimately, I hired a different attorney in the area. In doing so, I found that QDRO/retirement paperwork had not been completed correctly and even missing an entire retirement account. The new attorney was responsive and thorough. I truly wish I would have changed course during the divorce and sought out a different attorney. Again, would not recommend Zaschin.

For anyone considering hiring this firm for divorce representation, I highly encourage you to reconsider. Upon retaining them for my own proceeding, I had thought I was hiring the best in Cleveland. In every aspect I felt I was under-represented and there was a complete disregard for communication and explanation of processes. Unanswered emails, phone calls never returned, attempts to reach out to senior partners (that never responded) to try and resolve matters. In short, I can only say that as one of the most stressful situations you will face in life, it is my opinion that you will only be compounding that stress in hiring this firm. A truly disappointing experience.