Avoid This Lawyer and Law Firm - Costly Mistakes and Zero Accountability I strongly advise against hiring Michelle for any divorce case--whether for full representation or document review. I came to her in good faith, seeking help to finalize my divorce paperwork. In April, I paid for a one-hour consultation where we reviewed the entire package line by line. She gave handwritten instructions, which I followed exactly (see picture). Despite that, the court returned the entire file, flagging the very same sections she told me to fill out a certain way. This wasn't a one-time issue. It was the second time our file was returned after Michelle's "review." The first time, she missed the fact that we hadn't even signed one of the key forms--something any competent attorney should catch in seconds. After the second rejection, I reached out and politely asked for a refund, explaining the rework and financial burden it placed on me as a single mom. Instead of taking responsibility, she denied any fault and shifted the blame onto me, despite the fact that I have her handwritten notes as proof of her instructions. At this point, I can't help but question whether these mistakes are intentional. Having the paperwork rejected conveniently leads clients back to her, needing more help--and paying more fees. It's hard not to see a pattern. Michelle may come across as polite, but don't be fooled: her legal advice created more problems than it solved. I'm now out $550 (including notary and resubmission costs) for the second time, plus my precious time, and now will have to pay another attorney to clean up the mess. This has been emotionally exhausting, financially draining, and completely avoidable. Save yourself the time, money, and stress--look elsewhere for your divorce representation. Michelle's office is not where you'll find competent, ethical legal support. read more

R&S Law Group, APC - Michelle's handwritten instructions, which I followed exactly. The court returned the entire file, flagging the very same section - Divorce & Family Law Near Me - Tustin, California

First impression was good. Michelle was very reassuring and relatable. Unfortunately as the process went on communication started to become less. There were also a few times that I had to question the bills, and have them corrected for inaccuracy. I replied heavily on Michelle's experience to help me navigate through an unfamiliar process and she really left a lot of income and financial security on the table. I had to take the other party back to court over an oversight "we" (she's the expert so it should be "she") made and she was quick to remove herself from the case so I had to deal with it on my own. But she was kind enough to send a bill for it - I had to call and get that removed. I was so disappointed. I had really high hopes that Michelle was a good choice for me. Unfortunately I cannot and will not recommend her to anyone I know. read more

I went to R&S after my original attorney "fired" me. (It was actually a mutual decision based on ridiculous expense and weak performance.) When R&S took over, the case began to move quickly. The cost was very reasonable and the results were better than I could have expected. Michelle Sherwood handled most of the work but others in the office were also available and helpful. I was always informed of the tasks completed and remaining. I couldn't have asked for a better team. Five stars! read more

My experience with R & S Law group was horrible! In my opinion you should steer clear of this firm. This firm directly put my case in harm's way. Discovery was not done in timely matter when my case depended on it. My attorney asked me questions about what happened in the hearing, is this not what I'm paying you for? She came unprepared and sloppy. When she tried to back track she offered me a settlement agreement that wasn't written by anyone other than the opposing party which only benefited them!! She did not submit a subpoena in a timely manner that was crucial to my case and then she ditched me 11 days before trial and found another job??? It is my experience that this is the worst law firm you could ever go to, they are not timely, have no knowledge of the law and you will spend more money on attorneys cleaning up their messes. It also appears on their website that they are passing off paralegals as attorney's ?? I'm amazed in my opinion that they have not been shut down. From someone who runs, Glassdoor, Yelp and Indeed, maybe you should be selective on who you retain as your clients as you never know how the bad reviews could hurt your business. read more

I retained R & S Law Group, APC, to represent me in a name change case. The attorneys who represented me kept me informed and updated about everything. I felt comfortable picking them to represent me. I found them on a Google Search and noticed they have a good reputation. This is a good law firm to use if anyone needs a lawyer for a family or civil matter. read more

Biggest disappointment. I could have done my divorce paperwork for less than $500 elsewhere instead of paying this firm more than $5000. Nothing was done for me, no negotiation skills to represent their clients. No spousal support, no letter to protect their client's assets from abusive spouse even after I was on the phone begged the attorney to please write a letter to let him know about their clients right, and for his abusive behavior, nothing was done that can benefit their client. All the work and settlement was done by me. All they did was write it up, and filed. It's all about money nothing about their clients. read more

I needed legal advice and was connected to this group through the legal services benefit I have with my employer. During my initial 'free' consultation, I was verbally told the services I would require would be about $400, then by the end of the call, she changed it to $500. I needed to think about this because it was more than I anticipated. I ended up going with them to help me but from the get-go, I made it clear that it was important to me to keep the cost to a minimum and come in under $500 if possible. After everything was completed, besides the $500 I had already paid, I was sent an invoice for an additional almost $400, making this twice what I was initially quoted. In what universe is this OK? I would have given one star, but the paralegal I was dealing with was very professional and nice and they did do what I needed them to, just at double the cost. So, if you plan on using their legal services, they will likely be able to help you - just plan on being misquoted and have to pay at least double what they tell you. read more

Attorney you can trust Michelle Sherwood is very personable and professional at the same time. She was able to help with my divorce right away and her experience in the field is obvious. At all times during our conversations, Michelle was transparent, laying out all possible actions that can be taken and what would be the best course of action and why. Michelle was focused on settling with the opposing side which was refreshing as her main objective was not to incur an excessive amount of attorney fees but, rather help finalize my divorce in a highly contentious case. Michelle was able to help me get a court-ordered move away out of state with my children with 100% custody and in California that is extremely difficult. My case is still ongoing and the opposing side has an endless amount of financial backing - Michelle continues to represent me and is a valuable advocate to have on my side. Choosing an attorney is difficult especially when dealing with an emotional legal battle such as divorce. I have had other attorneys and Michelle is the right choice to help navigate you and represent you through this difficult process. I am truly blessed to have her on my side. read more

I can honestly say that the entire team at R&S is great!! Communication was on-point (Thanks Sara and Catherine), billing was fair (Thanks Steve and Michelle), and advice was sound (Thanks Erin and Michelle). Michelle, Erin, and the rest of the team do a wonderful job of being realistic and dealing with very UNrealistic ex's and ex's attorney!! Throughout the process I knew I was in good hands and would be given sound advice. Unfortunately our system is set up for the degenerates to have the benefit of the doubt (over and over again), but (as I said earlier) Michelle and the rest of the team were diligent and always fair in the billing. Can't say enough kind things about my experience in getting through my divorce. The Team at R&S made it as painless as possible!! read more

Knowledgeable, Compassionate, Great Time Management are a few of the words I would use to describe Michelle. Working with a great reliable attorney made my divorce & custody issues go much more smooth. I will defiantly be referring her to anyone I know that has to go through these stressful type of situations. read more

This law firm is extremely incompetent.. not only am I getting stories from my ex wife about my attorney talking about her personal life for 45 minutes to my ex wife ( which I was being billed for) but I've also received double invoices after I've paid said invoice. I was told numerous times that there was a way to get my wife to pay for her half of this bill.. like we agreed apon through said attorneys but when it came down to it I was lied to by my attorney about what I would have to pay and wouldn't have to pay and about taking my ex to court for the money and that's why I fired her. Now, after paying every invoice and getting the run around about the duplicates, they have sent me another invoice for days and services I've already paid. Yes I said that correct, I can take this last invoice, compare it to past and paid invoice and see the same days and the same services being charged! On top of all that when you're trying to make it so they aren't double charging you they don't answer the phones, when you leave a message they don't call you back until you've called 3 or 4 times and emails aren't responded to in any timely manner what so ever. I would have been better off having my 4 year old daughter represent me.. at least then I wouldn't have a law firm trying to steal my money by sending duplicate invoices or picking through previous invoices and charging me for days and services already paid.. luckily I kept invoices and receipts of payment they sent me! If you're thinking about this law firm I would strongly suggest you go somewhere else! read more

I would have to say Michelle did a great job of helping me make the right decisions at the right time. Divorce is very emotional and you need a cool head to help you be fair and reasonable. If anything she helped me save money by making me realize I would be spending a lot of money to go to trial versus compromising a little and paying thousands less. I would highly recommend this law office to anyone having to deal with the misfortune of divorce. read more

These women are ABSOLUTELY the BEST! They are indeed our angels, they are so amazing at what they do and they go WAY ABOVE and BEYOND for you they truly care and are extremely passionate about helping you! My son has been physically abused by his biological father his entire life these amazing women stood by his side and fought their hearts our to protect him and that is EXACTLY what they did! They saved my son from this monster and proved to the courts that my son was in danger and stood by my side through the battle field the entire way leading us all to the ultimate victory! Judge granted me sole legal and physical custody! Now my son has a beautiful loving home and life, he has now had the chance to bloom into the sweet, amazing boy that he was always meant to be! No more nightmares or PTSD! Nothing but joy, laughter, love and protection for him now and forever! We thank you ladies every single day for helping us get through the scary times and we will ALWAYS be grateful for you! These women are strong and these are the women you need by your side! We LOVE YOU R&S Law Group!!! read more

Melissa helped me prevail and keep my cool. She handled things so efficiently and with class - I just breathed a HUGE sigh of relief when we were in court because I knew it would be all right - and it was. TOTALLY recommend Melissa and Michelle to handle your matters. CANNOT tell you how great they both were. read more