This review is for a consumer. My experience with Marie Koestner was through a court-appointed order of Minors Counsel without my choice. She was brought on to my case because the Mother of our children stated our children were suicidal and needed legal representation.
I am speaking as the party -a father- whose custody and visitation are at a minimum and she was brought in as "the voice" for our girls then (8, and 12) at the time. My concern is for the parent fighting for custody and she is assigned to the case for the kids.
Mrs. Koestner has taken a biased approach since day 1. What do I mean by Biased? Let's just say the information provided to her was never verified through an interview or interaction with me and our girls. She simply spoke to both of my girls and their primary caregiver and when she came at me, she came accusing me and asking for explanations as to the why of some concerns brought to her attention by both the girls and their mother.
Here is my concern as a consumer. As a legal specialist in this matter of family law, she is more than aware that people twist facts and information. She should know there are always 2 sides to the story. She should also look at the red flags and dangers of when a parent is coaching, interrogating, and when a child is simply acting on a loyalty bond and fear-based.
In the entire length of her being in the Case which is August of 2022, I have only received 1 -3 min call and 1- 2 min call. So in 5 minutes of speaking to me, she has made her conclusion of me as a father and made her very firm opinion on our hearings. All opinions bashing my actions and not once seeing any of the mother's actions as a major concern.
All her court hearings are based on putting requirements for me to complete. For example, get a signed order to cut the girls' hair, although they have a hard time managing their long hair. Also to Do court therapy sessions and report back to court, but only me, not the mother.
Keep in mind this matter has been ongoing since the day of my separation in 2017. The hostility that exists from other parents is very apparent and counsel sees no concerns. The mother's aggressive behavior through talking parents' messages, her abusive speech toward me, and how the mother of our girls confesses she interrogates girls after each visit, is of no concern to counsel.
All this has been overlooked and I as the father was called out solely for putting our girls through trauma and stress because they don't have their personal space when visiting me 2x a month. Or because I am cutting their hair.
As I expressed concerns to this counsel by email and provided important information regarding the case and the girl's overall concern, she never replied to any of my messages. She is taking this approach as the girl's voice and not considering the amount of proof provided through RFOs. What voice is that, I ask? Is it her personal voice or the voice of the mother who wants the father 100% out of their lives?
She really isn't looking out for the best interest of the children. Her approach is which parent tells the better story and which side of the story the children confirm. No in-depth interview process is offered or any sessions to see interactions between the girls and I. It is very sad she is appointed by the courts to be the voice of a child whose maturity level is that of a child. I hope this review helps a parent who she is assigned to, immediately request a replacement and do your research on past reviews of her from other parents. You will see many have encountered the same outcome as myself. Once she makes up her mind, no evidence and facts will help your case. So for the mental well-being of your child speak up fast and loud. read more
