Whittier Law Center-LaVerne Carslon LaVerne Carlson, Paralegal Unethical, unprofessional,antagonistic, rude and belligerent to clients- ripoff billing practices Whittier, California

In May, 2012 I first contacted Ms. Laverne Carslon in order to utilize her paralegal services in the preparation of my divorce, ending a marriage of 10 years (separation of 4 years). At first, Ms. Carlson appeared to be professional and genuinely concerned about my situation. She stated that the total cost for her services would be exactly $250, which included preparation of all necessary documents and any other consultation concerning the divorce. I agreed and paid in full during that office visit.

As per our verbal agreement she prepared some documents and instructed me to go to the courthouse to submit the paperwork accordingly for processing, copying and filing. My husband was served, appeared in court, and all that is left at this point according to the court is a prerequisite income and expense workshop that both parties must attend. So far, so good, right?

On August 1st, 2012 I contacted Ms. Carlson to inform her of the progress and provide her copies of some of the filed paperwork for her records. Astonishingly she did an about face and demanded that I pay her additional $350 under the threat that she would destroy and trash all of my paperwork. She berated and insulted me, calling me "stupid" and illiterate, falsely claiming that I botched up the entire process. It did not make sense since the judge gladly accepted the documents, and they were processed and filed with the court.

Ms. Carlson (no longer operating out of her office) was rude and condescending. She falsely stated that the documents served to my husband were useless because the wrong pen color was used (black) and everything was only temporary anyway, without her approval all of my efforts to this point would be worthless and I would not be granted a divorce. Loud and obnoxious, she even mocked my disability, insinuating that I could not do anything right on my own. I couldn't even get a word in edgewise. I fled her office in tears.

I am shocked and dismayed that this person whom I entrusted with such a critical and sensitive matter would become a verbally abusive monster. I am sad to report that I was intimidated into writing her a check for an additional $350, however later I placed a stop payment on it and I called to inform her that I will no longer be utilizing her services. She told me that she was now throwing away my documents and hung up in my face.

I am writing this in hopes that no other consumer is victimized by the unethical and unprofressional practices of such a horrible person.