I hired Marvin on 2-27-2016 to handle a very simple adoption. At the time of hire, the Attorney advised us how easy it was, and explained no more than 6 months to. We paid him in cash at the time $1600.00 because Marvin said he did not accept checks or credit cards. He provided a handwritten receipt. 30 days later we were signing petitions and thoughtbit was gonna be a smooth deal. BOY WERE WE WRONG! After 90 days went by I called to check the status of the Parental Notification of the intent to Adopt. Marvin first excuse that he had some personal matter come up, and that he would get it done. Another 90 days goes by and I called again. Another excuse this time that he was embroiled in a lengthy trial and that he was almost done. As the Holidays came and went we lost track of time.
I called Marvin back in January expecting good news, after all its been 10 months now. Marvin stated he disnt have the money to publish the notifications. I asked him at that time when he was aware that he didn't have the money, and why not? I'm not a poor man by any means, as I make more money than he does. He could have called me at any time, and it should have been a major flag that an Attorney couldn't afford to pay for the publications even after me giving him $1600.00 cash up front. So I took Marvin anotjer 400.00 to do the publications. In February we seen the publications and let them run their course. I called Marvin 3 weeks ago again asking the status of the now lengthy adoption. Marvin replied he had just been in an automobile accident that he would do it the coming Friday and fax me a copy of the filing. Now here it is 7-10-2017 and I still haven't heard from him.
19 MONTHS! 13 months longer than stated. The first thing out of Marvins mouth was that he was just in an automobile accident. Now I am feeling ripped off. I explained to him that he told me that same excuse 3 weeks ago! Marvin began stuttering........and said I'll try to get it filed in the next few weeks. I told him I need a firm date as I have been patient for 19 months. Marvin then yelled "find someone else I quit"! I then stated I wanted my money back, he said tough that I wasnt getting it back. I explained in a very calm voice that I was gonna contact the Indiana Bar Association and file Suit if I am not refunded. He said I was threatening him and hung up the phone. I don't know why he perceived it as a threat, it's a fact! BEWARE OF THIS ATTORNEY, HE IS VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND NEGLIGENT! Don't take a chance with this Attorney and your sensitive family matters.
Marvin Lopata Attorney at Law Reviews
I hired Marvin on 2-27-2016 to handle a very simple adoption. At the time of hire, the Attorney advised us how easy it was, and explained no more than 6 months to. We paid him in cash at the time $1600.00 because Marvin said he did not accept checks or credit cards. He provided a handwritten receipt. 30 days later we were signing petitions and thoughtbit was gonna be a smooth deal. BOY WERE WE WRONG! After 90 days went by I called to check the status of the Parental Notification of the intent to Adopt. Marvin first excuse that he had some personal matter come up, and that he would get it done. Another 90 days goes by and I called again. Another excuse this time that he was embroiled in a lengthy trial and that he was almost done. As the Holidays came and went we lost track of time.
I called Marvin back in January expecting good news, after all its been 10 months now. Marvin stated he disnt have the money to publish the notifications. I asked him at that time when he was aware that he didn't have the money, and why not? I'm not a poor man by any means, as I make more money than he does. He could have called me at any time, and it should have been a major flag that an Attorney couldn't afford to pay for the publications even after me giving him $1600.00 cash up front. So I took Marvin anotjer 400.00 to do the publications. In February we seen the publications and let them run their course. I called Marvin 3 weeks ago again asking the status of the now lengthy adoption. Marvin replied he had just been in an automobile accident that he would do it the coming Friday and fax me a copy of the filing. Now here it is 7-10-2017 and I still haven't heard from him.
19 MONTHS! 13 months longer than stated. The first thing out of Marvins mouth was that he was just in an automobile accident. Now I am feeling ripped off. I explained to him that he told me that same excuse 3 weeks ago! Marvin began stuttering........and said I'll try to get it filed in the next few weeks. I told him I need a firm date as I have been patient for 19 months. Marvin then yelled "find someone else I quit"! I then stated I wanted my money back, he said tough that I wasnt getting it back. I explained in a very calm voice that I was gonna contact the Indiana Bar Association and file Suit if I am not refunded. He said I was threatening him and hung up the phone. I don't know why he perceived it as a threat, it's a fact! BEWARE OF THIS ATTORNEY, HE IS VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND NEGLIGENT! Don't take a chance with this Attorney and your sensitive family matters.