Rayden Family Law Solicitors | St Albans

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Reviews

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  Timothy Smith

  I really cannot recommend this firm. I dealt with one of their people (Partner and Financial Arbitrator) on a family law case. From mid-April to July 2022, they charged me over £31,500. Not a high value case and no court appearances, though there was a read in fee (increased after leaving their offices) and arbitration directions hearing of a few hours. Every month, the invoice was way over what they had estimated (2-3 times higher). I instructed them to submit an offer to try and resolve things and the partner got so many details wrong in the draft letter (ownership of assets, our ages, my proposed distribution of assets etc.) I was left wondering if it was him who actually drafted it, even though I was clearly paying his rates. After the directions hearing I had to question him on his advice because he still had key dates wrong. His explanation was that he was dictating it without the necessary paperwork in front of him. So I have to pay +£300 an hour for a guy who gets this much wrong?! They wanted to spend a week working on the s25 statements, which I knew would be another £18,000+ before even getting to arbitration. I had to tell them to stop EVERYTHING just to get a hold on the charges and they still continued to try and do stuff and charge me for it. When I dismissed them in September 2022, a full lever arch file full of papers (correspondence etc.) which I brought with me at the time of instruction, had been disposed of without my consent. Complaint copied to the senior partner who carries the name of the company - no response. My honest advice would be don’t go there and if you are there and scratching your head about the rates, leave straight away. I am wondering if there are ex employees of this company who would have a few things to say. Update after posting: The response form Raydens is definitely telling….there is no doubt I complained very loudly about the charges, the mistakes and disposing of my physical file, with the most senior partner in copy. I am not sure if they only regard it as a complaint if the ombudsman gets involved.

  27-04-2023
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  Simon Oliver

  I dealt with Claire Howard at Rayden's who was professional and efficient at all times, especially so dealing with matters of a personal nature. I also found the costs to be very reasonable compared to London Firms. I would highly recommend her.

  27-11-2022
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  Anna Reeman-Webster

  Excellent service - the most helpful local solicitors I could find and the best value. Suzanne Hymers was efficient, kind, clear and incredibly helpful. Would absolutely recommend. Thank you Rayden Solicitors!

  27-08-2022
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  Donna Modeste

  In March 2020, just before the pandemic, I had my first meeting with Che regarding high conflict CAO. I worked with Raydens for over 2 years in total. I have found Rayden's to be proactive, understanding and take thought out actions. I found the team to be professional and effective despite challenging responses and scenarios to consider. I could not have got through this traumatic experience without all of the team working on my case. When I struggled the most, I was guided through the process in an understanding, professional and to the point manner. I always found Rayden's to be upfront and honest from costs, to outcomes, expectations and processes. The coaching I received on how to respond in court was exemplary and are lessons that I have taken forward in my life. I would always recommend Rayden's to other parents. I feel that Rayden's is an environment that strikes me as supportive of other colleagues who share experiences of cases and outcomes to provide the best possible service for Clients facing the challenging process that is family court. I have not had one negative experience of working with Rayden's in over 2 years. I am deeply and forever grateful to Rayden's for the best possible outcome that I could have received in my Final Hearing. Hopefully I never have to return to court in the future but if I do it would be with Rayden's on my side.

  27-08-2022
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  Stephen Port

  I’m not sure why anyone would give less than 5 stars for Raydens. They are a very professional outfit. They helped me secure safety for myself and my son after years of domestic violence from my partner. As a male victim it was several times harder but they supported me through the process. Not only did they win the case for me, they showed empathy and patience. They also secured an amazing barrister for me. All in all, I highly recommend Raydens solicitors.

  27-05-2022
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  J Stone

  I went to these solicitors to help with my upcoming divorce. They emailed a complete stranger all my personal details and my (ex)husbands details. Initially they tried to lightly dismiss the issue, but then the reality sunk in of this data breach. In a nutshell, these solicitors are exceptionally unprofessional. They are cheaper than other companies, however, you will pay for their stupidity in the long run. Don't do it!

  27-05-2022
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  Cathryn Nikitis

  Positive: Professionalism

  27-05-2022
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  Mike Ashton

  Edit: The comment below still applies. I decided it would be best to move solicitors,. My experience now is that Raydens managed to make a mistake with their final bill where I was asked to pay twice what was actually owing - luckily I queried this - and having received payment, promised to hand over the file to my new solicitor last week, however I'm still waiting. Very disappointed in the level of service. Sometimes you need your solicitor to be available, and unfortunately this isn't always the case. You do, however, receive an email explaining he is very busy with other clients. This is extremely frustrating when you have to pay thousands of pounds in advance.

  27-05-2022
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  Alicia

  *DO NOT USE THEM* the worst solicktors in the UK. JUST MONEY MAKING, They take your many and after do not do the job. Careless about your case. For them you are a walking wallet. A family solicitor can ruin your life, and this is what this people do! If you can avoid them, is perfect! Just find a 'Real' solicitor if you have family problem.

  27-05-2021
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  Caroline

  I was pleased to have Lehna Gardiner and Rachel Nicholl as my solicitors. So many of my friends complained that calls to their solicitors were not returned and they didn't know what was going on. In contrast, Lehna and Rachel were responsive and combined a really pleasant manner with sound, sensible advice with a clear rationale. It made a difficult time that much easier. I continue to recommend them without reservation.

  27-05-2019