I chose Platt & Westby because I read positive Google reviews. What a mistake. I was painfully reminded that Google reviews and Yelp reviews can be written by friends. In addition, people can be paid to write positive reviews. You have to find the real reviews and understand which ones are fake reviews. Here is my real review. I was burned by a seller and the real estate fraud is going to cost my family over $20,000. Peter and Angela Bachner hurt me and my family. Peter Bachner is the IT Director for McDonald Douglas Helicopters in Mesa so you would think that he would have higher integrity. I was so mad that I met with Harvey Platt and Kent Millward for a "free" consultation to get assistance with this legal issue. During the free consultation, I provided my documentation and photos of the real estate fraud. Harvey told me that I can go after the sellers for the fraud plus attorney fees or I could "eat the $20,000+ loss". He told me about cases that went well as a result of legal action by his firm. I was sold. I came back for a second appointment and gave him a check for $1,500 as a retainer. I told him that I was concerned about high legal costs. He told me that the costs would go significantly higher if we pursue additional actions, including mediation and trials. Kent Millward wrote a demand letter. He sent me the draft. The letter had significant grammar problems, including missing punctuation and run-on sentences. I should have closed my account with this firm immediately. Instead, since I was already financially committed, I fixed the grammar errors and sent the draft back to Kent. Kent sent the letter out to the sellers. As a response, the sellers hired an attorney and claimed that they did not know about any of the hidden defects. The plumbing backed up twice within two days of moving in and flooded our downstairs and soaked the carpet with urine and plumbing backflow. Two times in two days -- there is no way the sellers did not know about the plumbing issues! Since I lost my trust in the Platt & Westby firm, I met with a different attorney based on my realtor's recommendation. This attorney (Chris Combs) did not give a "free" consultation. I had to pay him $250 for the meeting. He reviewed my documents and photos and told me that I did not have a case. He said that I had a "very weak case at best". He said that we had to prove that the sellers knew about the defects and that it is almost impossible to do so when they are claiming that they did know about the defects. I was very disappointed, but I appreciated the honesty. I closed my account with Platt & Westby immediately. They told me that their billing company works at the end of the month and I would be sent money back at that time if I had any due to me from the retainer. I did not get a check by the 15th of the next month, so I called Platt & Westby. The person I talked with told me that bills were sent out and she resent the bills to me. Not only was the entire $1,500 retainer fee used up, but I owed them an additional $695. Oh my God, you have to be kidding me! $2,195 to set up my account and write a demand letter with grammar errors???? I called Harvey and told me that this was not fair. I told him that the other attorney said that I did not have a case. He said that he agrees with the other attorney, but sometimes you need to take "exploratory actions" to see what happens. I told him that $1,500 was way enough for even "exploratory actions". He said that he would talk with his "billing committee" to "see if he can discount the fees for me". I received a letter offering to discount the $695 balance down to $347.50 "providing that said payment is received within the next ten days". I will end up paying $1,847.50 so this attorney office can set up my account and write a demand letter with significant grammar errors. Wow. I was hurt by the sellers and now I get another smack in the head by the attorney. Ouch. read more

We had a very difficult probate/estate issue regarding my Aunt in Arizona beginning in 2013. We had some bad experiences with attorney's in Sun City West so decided to look in the Phoenix area. After much research, we contacted Platt & Westby and met with Peter Westby at the hospital in Sun City West. He was able to discuss the issues involved in changing a POA/Fiduciary with my Aunt and us and agreed to help us. Peter Westby was very professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. He assured us that he and his partners would try for the quickest and most cost effective way to solve our problem. We then met with Andrew Rahtz who continued to help us try to resolve this situation as quickly as possible. Due to the complexity of the case and the refusal of my Aunt's Fiduciary to honor her wishes, this became a long battle. However, Andrew Rahtz and Peter Westby never gave up as we pursued ways to move my Aunt where she wanted to be. They were always available to help via email or phone and were very sensitive to all of the issues involved. Andrew Rahtz even worked with my Aunt's other relatives who wanted her moved near family. After Mr. Rahtz helped us through mediation to have my Aunt moved near us, he helped us pursue and win a very contentious court case to change her Fiduciary. Peter Westby reviewed everything and was available as needed. They are an extremely professional firm and willing to go the extra mile to help you. All of the proceedings lasted from 2013- 2015 but were definitely worth it. My Aunt still says she doesn't know what she would have done if we had not found them to help her out of such a bad situation. We highly recommend both Peter Westby and Andrew Rahtz. read more

I can't express enough gratitude for the incredible work Matthew Hayes did on my case. From the very beginning, he demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, compassion, and determination. Despite my prior felonies, he managed to achieve what I thought was impossible--getting me into a diversion program. I know how slim the chances were, but Mr. Hayes believed in my case and fought tirelessly to make it happen. What truly stood out was how seamless he made the entire process. I didn't have to step foot in court even once--he handled every appearance for me. He kept me informed every step of the way, and I always felt like I was in capable, trustworthy hands. As we approached trial, his strategic expertise and negotiation skills were evident. He managed to settle the case out of court right before trial, sparing me a long, stressful ordeal. His efforts not only gave me a second chance but also restored my hope in the legal system. If you're looking for an attorney who is knowledgeable, dedicated, and truly invested in getting the best outcome for his clients, look no further than Matthew Hayes. He goes above and beyond, and I couldn't recommend him more highly. Thank you, Matt! read more

I hired this firm to resolve a property dispute. Mr Peter Westby gave some very good advice during the initial (free) interview and did not pressure me to engage their services. I liked his forthright manner. When I did hire his firm, he assigned Ms Mallory Powers to my case. She represented me in court and arranged for me to 'appear' telephonically when necessary as I live 1400 miles away. Whenever things needed to be filed with the court or sent to my ex she would do so promptly. Whenever I communicated with her she responded promptly. When communicating with other staff at the firm, they were always courteous, professional, and efficient. I love it that this firm doesn't try to drag things out as many law firms tend to do. They are well worth the money!! read more

I must say that I am very impressed by the professionalism of this firm! Starting with the receptionist who answered promptly listen carefully and set up a consultation with attorney Mr Westby. Once I spoke with Mr Westby , he listen carefully reviewed a document I sent him and and proceeded to give me his professional advice on my situation. Upon finishing our conversation , I offered to pay for my consultation , and he graciously said that it was of no charge to consult for a few minutes, which to me seem unheard of since our conversation was more than a few minutes. Anyways In my opinion I would highly recommend him and his firm for any of your real estate and title insurance problems. Thank you again Mr. Westby ! Gina C. read more

I was referred to Andy Rahtz by a mutual friend to review a situation that I was told by other firms would be fruitless. Right from the start, Andy gave me incredibly helpful advice. He explained things in a way that was easy to understand and gave me hope. Extremely knowledgeable in all the different facets of law surrounding my business case, he answered any questions I had quickly, courteously, and (just as important ) accurately. I always felt he always had my best interest in mind and made it a priority to keep me in the loop with the progress being made on my case. I highly recommend Andy and the team at Platt & Westby! Thank you for helping me get justice! read more

I would highly recommend Andrew Rahtz! He came across town to see me for our initial consultation and my whole case was settled quickly. I know some firms don't even give you a free consultation and charge even if they don't end up taking your case! I appreciate Andrews' Integrity and Professionalism in handling my case! I really felt he was invested in righting where I had been wronged and making sure I was made whole again! Gaysha at the front desk was also very helpful and friendly. I hope I don't ever need legal services again, but if I do I'm calling Andrew Rahtz! read more

I'm a Paralegal from California, and have worked with many high level attorneys for over a decade, and also a Partner of a major law firm in Beverly Hills. I came to Arizona recently, and reached out to Mr. Peter Westby regarding an issue I've found myself dealing with. Without friends or family in Arizona, Mr. Westby's willingness and availability to advise me is most appreciated. I would highly recommend this firm. There seems to be a high level of integrity, and charitable work as well. Thank you. read more

The legal team at Platt and Westby did an outstanding job in all aspects of my case. With their guidance I was able to get everything I wanted and children needed. Custody, legal decision making, and child support. My case was a complicated one with several court appearances. I can't recommend highly enough. Andrew Rahtz is the most knowledgeable and professional attorney I've ever dealt with. The entire team handled my case and I with thoughtfulness and care. Thank you Andy! read more

Platt & Westby is the best. Peter Westby has handled several legal issues for me and each one concluded satisfactorily and in a timely and cost effective manner. Divorce, child/family, and property issues were all resolved properly. His ethics, honesty, and sense of fairness is beyond reproach. The fees were reasonable. ALL of my questions and inquiries were promptly addressed. I don't write reviews. Platt & Westby get an A+. Thanks for all your help. read more

My family had some unfortunate business to take care of in Arizona after the death of a sibling. Searching for an attorney online, I kept returning to a Justia.com profile of Andrew Rahtz of Platt & Westby, P.C. I spoke with Mr. Rahtz on the phone several times and we met in his office when we arrived in Phoenix. We are all thankful for the excellent advice we received, and for Mr. Rahtz's sensitivity and tactfulness regarding our situation. read more

No one likes to think about dying, but with a proper estate plan in place, there is a peace of mind that comes with discussing personal wishes details with a compassionate and kind attorney. I recommend Peter Westby for that very reason. The day arrived to finalize the estate documents; a professional binder was provided to hold important papers. Tick-box checked. read more

This law firm has been a tremendous help to me with dealing with a most difficult tenant and an awful property management company. They have helped me to have peace of mind. I put my confidence into their professionalism. I always know they are a phone call away. The attorneys I have are Andrew Rahtz and Mallory Powers. read more

I spoke with Andy Rahtz...and I have to tell you...he was MOST helpful and spoke to me in terms that I could understand. He was very knowledgeable in the subject of my situation. I truly hope I don't need a lawyer again any time soon but if I did my first call would be to HIM. He was Great! read more

Mr. Westby was a great help to me when I needed to work through my father's probate. He was very knowledgeable and spot on explaining my options and how to handle the process. I would highly recommend him for working probate and elder law matters. Thanks Mr. Westby Darla M read more

I hired this firm for my business and corporation matters and their work was very helpful. They communicated with me and gave me good suggestions. I have also used them for litigation matters and again I was pleased with their legal representation. read more

Elizabeth Westby is top notch! She helped us with a real estate issue promptly and efficiently. She made herself available and made what was a precarious situation simple and clear. I highly recommend her and her team of paralegals! 5 stars! read more

We were so appreciative of Andy Rahtz's help in our free consultation. He took the time to clarify the legal issues and provided a clear direction for us to proceed. Thank you Andy and, the Platt & Westby team, for your help. read more

Mr. Westby was great and very knowledgeable and the staff was friendly and very responsive and kept me informed every step of the way... I would and will definitely recommend Platt & Westby P.C. to friends and family. read more