Charles Levatino Attorney at Law

Review: Attorney charged me for services he did not provide.

Hired April 9th and paid $4,500. I had 3 meetings that I initiated before trial. Attorney did not disclose specifics of settlement and what was awarded to other party even after I repeatedly asked.When I asked him questions about divorce settlement before signing on trial day he stated" shut up and sign the [redacted] paper before I rip it up and you don't get [redacted]". He was hostile towards me when I questioned what was going on with my case and went so far as to hang up on me when I attempted to find out specific settlement numbers. A request for copies of my file did not include any settlement as well. I was phoned by attorney and told he made mistake of $17,000 after the mediation trial.

In a meeting regarding the mistake he stated "retirement settlement is done" but he provided no documentation of settlement specifics. What he stated was untrue as I am now having retirement split by the QDRO attorney. When I questioned the QDRO attorney I was told the divoce settlement reads as all my retirement is community property. Once again Mr. [redacted] told me this was already done and no further action was going to be taken against my retirement account. I have been repeatedly denied access to my divorce settlement finance paperwork. I do not know details of how settlement was decided, the values of assets and how they were divided is something I should be privy to. He has been hostile and used foul language to me when I attempt to have him provide supporting documents of his calculations. I am learning now months after my divorce that what he stated to me is incorrect. He has already stated to me he made mistakes and by not providing documentation that I feel he is attempting to hide more mistakes. As my attorney I am to be informed of my settlement and have my questions answered truthfully and without hostility. In reading complaints about this attorney I see this is not an isolated incident and seems to be a common behavior of his. I would like my divorce settlement paperwork that shows the values of all the assets and how the division was decided. The settlement was decided behind closed doors with only attorneys present and without any collaboration on my part.Desired Settlement: I am asking for the supporting documentation of the values of community assets, retirement accounts and the calculations of such used to decide the division of community property in my divorce settlement as I repeatedly requested.

Total waste of money. I could have done a better job representing myself. Calls not returned, questions not answered, promised follow up not delivered. Over charged, made settlement arrangements without my knowledge, admitted making mistake in settlement agreement. DO NOT hire this man. He will not look out for your best interest.