Bob S., The Corporate Executive

The Problem: Bob was a Vice President at a $10 billion company. He could afford the best attorneys in California. But after spending over $30,000 in legal fees and getting an increase in his child support and no real change in his visitation, he went to United Fathers of America and asked them to help. The Solution: When the attorney representing Bob’s “ex” called again and tried to reduce Bob’s visitation even further, Bob almost went crazy with frustration. Then the attorney agreed to compromise if Bob agreed to pay many more thousands of dollars in legal fees incurred by his “ex”. Bob placed his trust in United Fathers of America and worked with them to prepare a response exposing the other side’s case for the bullying that it was. The other attorney’s motion was denied and no legal fees were awarded. Bob prevailed in court; his visitation time was not reduced.

George C., The Truck Driver

The Problem George’s drivers license and his commercial license were taken away for allegedly failing to pay child support. Three attorneys stated that they couldn’t promise him anything, but for a $2,500.00 retainer, they “would try” to help George. Out of desperation, George turned to United Fathers of America, saying this was his “last ditch effort,” as he just didn’t have the $2,500.00. The Solution United Fathers of America suggested that George retrieve his file from the County Clerk’s office. They then took the time to organize George’s payment history and produced documentation which proved that George was, in fact, current with his most recent court order – it was being paid by the state mandated wage assignment. United Fathers of America made one telephone call and then faxed the facts to the District Attorney. Later that same day, the District Attorney faxed a “release of license” letter to George and he was able to continue working.

Susan P., The Penniless Housewife

The Problem Susan came to United Fathers of America saying her ex was refusing to pay support because she had a new man in her life. Although she worked part-time, she earned “too much” to receive state aid, yet “too little” to afford an attorney. She went to the Family Support Division of the District Attorney’s office, but they told her it could take 6 to 8 months before her case would be heard in court. Susan stated she could not last that long. The Solution Susan joined membership in United Fathers of America (a little known fact: Over 30% of clients are mothers!). Susan was in court within 45 days and had a child support order issued and payable by wage assignment. Susan was able to provide the necessities of life for her two small children.

Debbie and Don S., The Amicable Divorce

The Problem Debbie and Don decided to get a divorce, but wanted to be as reasonable with one another as possible. They each hired an attorney to handle their divorce because “that’s what people said we had to do to get divorced". Debbie paid her attorney a retainer of $1,500.00 and Don paid his attorney $3,500. After the first court hearing, both parents came to the same startling conclusion: Their attorneys were making up problems which even Debbie and Don did not know existed between them. In the heat of the adversarial court process, a fight between them was being created by others and they wanted no part in it. Confused by this process, they watched their legal fees grow. They had heard about the mediation experience of Marvin Chapman of Untied Fathers of America and they decided together to “give Marvin a try". Anything would be better than paying their attorneys to make up problems. The Solution The couple joined membership with United Fathers of America. They went through four (4) sessions of mediation and came to an agreement on all issues. A Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) was prepared and signed by both parties. They took their agreement to their attorneys. Despite the fact that both attorneys did not like them working out their own agreement, both attorneys signed off on the Agreement.

Dave P., The Man Whose Children Were Taken Out of State

The Problem Dave’s wife had recently taken their children out of the State of California and filed for divorce in another state. Dave talked with his family and friends and was referred to an attorney. The attorney stated that since the mother was out of California, there was nothing that could be done. The Solution Dave went to United Fathers of America and asked for their assistance. After reviewing the documents and the case history, United Fathers of America proposed making a call to the mother’s attorney in the other state. The call focused on legal jurisdiction and concealment issues that United Fathers of America understands very well. Upon notifying the attorney in the other state that Dave was willing to fight for jurisdiction in California, the attorney asked Dave what he wanted. Dave outlined the exact custodial timeshare he desired and requested the mother pay for all transportation costs for visitation, since she had secretly moved out of California, preventing their children from having a normal father-child relationship. The attorney called back one hour later and said that the mother would agree, providing Dave did not contest jurisdiction. The matter was resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. In spite of the fact that Dave had been told that “nothing that could be done,” the children now have an opportunity to have a relationship with both parents.