Be Careful. Do Research. Don't be vulnerable like I was.
I had a concerning experience with Chellei Jimenez, whom I retained near the end of 2021. She deviated from our initial discussions and altered the agreed-upon objectives. Ironically, I now have a restraining order against the mother based on the same
evidence I previously presented to Chellei. This same evidence I presented to Chellei was one of her reasons in requesting a motion to withdraw. Our judge granted the restraining order without a hearing, indicating that my papers and concerns had merit.
Unfortunately, my daughter has been diagnosed with an emotional disturbance disorder, after the same events I expained to Chellei kept happening. Chellei's approach exacerbated the situation, increasing conflict and casting me as the antagonist. She advised me to dismiss serious issues, although they eventually led a judge in California to issue a restraining order against the mother. Despite successfully fighting a domestic violence restraining order about three years ago, Chellei's decision to request a short-cause custody trial, which I believe was a critical mistake, has had long-lasting effects on my relationship with my daughter.
Our honorable judge is now questioning why it took me so long to bring these issues up. The delay was due to Chellei's tactics, which ultimately reduced my custodial time with my daughter by 80%.After I sent her an email with evidence of the abuse, she downplayed it and filed a motion for withdrawal, claiming the information was irrelevant to my case. (It was used as an exhibit and restraining order was granted recently with another attorney)
After two years of law school and several consultations, I've been validated in my belief that her tactics hurt my case tremendously. I hope we can work toward a remedy and implement additional ethical guidelines for attorneys who claim to be specialized and certified in family law.
I have never wrote an in-depth 1 star review until now. I hope this post helps a single mother or father out there in making an informed decision.
