Joe Stafford, one half of Cleveland’s reviled brother-brother divorce-lawyer team, is getting a view from the other side. According to decree filed in Trumbull County this summer, Stafford and his wife have ended their marriage of 17 years.
This means Stafford is on the market, ladies. So if you’re into smug, money-sucking lawyers who once called a woman judge a “fucking bitch” and who’ve been accused of shoving and choking a female attorney, among other lousy transgressions, track him down. I’m sure he’d be a delightful first date.
This, however, does not mean that the lawyers and clients who have had the displeasure of sharing cases with Stafford – or his equally unpleasant brother – will get to watch some other greedy lawyer squeeze every last dime from Stafford, as he’s been accused of doing many times before. Despite living in Cuyahoga County, Stafford filed for the dissolution in Trumbull County, where you only need be an Ohio resident to file. And it appears he’s learned a little something from his line of work: according to court records, his marriage ended amicably and with no legal fisticuffs whatsoever. – Joe P. Tone
This article appears in Sep 12-18, 2007.
Could not have happened to a nicer guy. Stafford tried to get into a tennis club on Chagrin blvd but was turned down since he is such an asshole. His wife must have been very pissed at him .
You should look into his relationship with Judge Flannigan also. Whenever he needs something he goes into his office and gets what he wants. All the domestic relationship attorneys are aware of it but are scared to confront the problem since they have to do other cases in his court room.
Stafford puts gas on the flame and does not care about the getting families through a tough situation or what his actions do to children. I am surprised he has visitation with his kids.
I had some friends that went to law school with him and he thought he was Mr Wonderful back then too. None of the girls would date him since they thought he was so scummy. I guess things have not changed.
Stacey
Interesting perspective Stacey. Joe told my mother that he was going to chew her a “new asshole” when he got her into court and nothing ever happened nor was he reprimand.
I actually started a trial and Mr Stafford was able to end the case over a technicality by going to complain to Judge Flannigan and everything I had worked on for almost 3 years was thrown out. I was told I would have to re file every motion to get a new pysc report and a new guardian etc . This would have cost me another 30 or 40 k and in the meantime I was still being denied visitation of my children .
Our domestic courts are very insane and Stafford is the worse. He gives game tickets to judges and magistrates and courts do not care about a parents ability to have shared parenting rights violated.
I wish you and any one dealing with Joe good luck since in the end it will only cost you money and you will never get what is fair or reasonable.
I was surprised to hear that Stafford was even married. Who would want any piece of that asshole. Obviously took her 17 years to figure that out.
Judge Flannigan, no doubt he’s on Stafford’s payroll. In fact, the entire Domestic Relations Court is on his payroll.
Hey Joe, good luck finding a new mate. Maybe someday when they catch you bribing the Judge you’ll find a new love in a 6 x 6 cell in Mansfield. Don’t worry they’ll treat you real gooooood!!!
Charlie
charlie:
I guess you had the the experience of going to court with Stafford too?
So sorry our courts still wont stand up to him . The judges and magistrates don’t want to work they just want to get the cases off of their docket and dont care about parents right to see children or what is fair . They let stafford swear at you in the hallway and even though they are aware of it they do nothing
good luck to you
This is ridiculous the way Domestic Relations court is run. Flannigan needs to be removed fom his pulpit. Anyone out there understand how the hell he can possibly still be the head puke at Domestic Relations? Hey Stafford(s)maybe you got the answers. How much you paying him???? Reminds me of the movie Roadhouse!
Gee, i wonder why he did not file for his divorce in Cuyahoga County? Frankly, I am surprised that there was an actual woman who would take him as a spouse, let alone have him as a father to their children. If he actually has kids, can you imagine how messed up those kids are now?
here is something that i bet not everyone knows about Joe Stafford. A check of the court records in Cuyahoga County shows that at least one client of Joe Stafford’s committed suicide because of the way Stafford handled his case. This person ended it all on or around March/April 2007. He was a Stafford client. If you ever get the chance to talk to Stafford, just ask him about Mr. James. Do you think Stafford gave a damn about it. Not a chance. For once, someone got out of being gouged by Stafford. How much do you want to bet that when prospective “clients” meet with the Staffords, this event is never mentioned. I would want to know something like that. Wouldn’t you? Not a normal question a prosective “client” might ask, but try it, and see what happens. “So, Mr. Stafford, how many of your clients have killed themselves?” One is too many.
If you ever have the chance to speak to some of Stafford’s unsatisfied clients, and i am sure there are many, you will hear all kinds of horror stories. I spoke with one recently, and she would go to court, do his thing, then emerge and not speak to his client, even when asked, but would bark at the client (his employer) and insist that the client make an appointment to come in to the office and discuss what happened in court. Why? More billable hours and ultimately, more money. And nothing to show for it. If you have Stafford for an attorney, you need to get rid of him immediately and get a real attorney who won’t gouge every penny out of you. There are some out there if you just look and do your homework.
Has anyone ever noticed that Stafford has someone bring his stuff in. He actually has his own lackey to bring his stuff into the court for him. Stafford carries nothing.
Stafford’s reputation is just as bad with the Court of appeals.
Any attorney who does not stand up to Stafford does not deserve to be paid or employed, and should be immediately disbarred. They are paid to represent you, not to be intimidated by Stafford. He is nothing but a sociopathic bully, and as always happens, someone eventually stands up to the bully and knocks him on his ass!!
I am appalled that you would post such a ludicrous comment on your site! HOW ABSURD!
I knew Mr.James EXTREMELY well and know ALL the circumstances of his life prior to his divorce and afterwards. Joe Stafford had ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with his suicide, but was in fact, THE ONE person that was fighting very hard for Mr. James rights and his child’s rights.
If you knew Joe at all, or have ever seen him with his children, you know he is an amazing father to his children.
What happens in court is a product of your marriage failing – don’t blame Joe – shame on him for being such an intelligent person that he actually KNOWS the laws and KNOWS his job! Thanks for lawyers like him – since there are so many deceptive, vindictive, and malicious people that feel they need to destroy the person that they supposively loved so much to marry – someone needs to defend the innocent.
Joe Stafford has always been a true gentleman that has shown kindness, concern, and respect whenever I have been in his presence. His astute nature is initiated by the failed attempts of others to deceive or connive. He has a keen intuition-so don’t insult his intelligence by attempting to pull one over on him.
He is smart, eloquent, and sophisticated enough that he can end his marriage in a civilized manner. Guess if you are complaining about his tactics, you weren’t.
Most civilized people try to end their marriage amicable but when Stafford won’t negotiate or has delay after delay and physically threatens opposing council and plaintiffs he is not being nice or a civilized man. He is a true asshole . Ask his wife if she thinks he is a nice person . Rest assure it is the later.
Hey, if you think this guy is so bad, you obviously have never heard of Randal Lowry of Summit County. He eats roaches for breakfast and makes his clients children homeless!
Hey, I know Joe Stafford and he is a piece of shit, much like his brother and add their boy Flanigan to that. It’s about time the Supreme Court of Ohio stepped in to look at this good ole boy network at Domestic Relations Court. What they may find out is their all in it together making a shit load of money ripping off people in despair. I hear that Stafford racks up a huge bill on his clients and then forecloses on their homes. Oh my God I can’t believe he procreated, that’s sick to know there will be more Stafford scum bags in this world.
It appears that not only is Stafford corrupt, but Flannigan and all the other judges are compromised themselves to Stafford for their personal gain. Stafford and his judge minnions show utter contempt for both the justice (?) system and people seeking fairness within that system. Stafford and his judges should be disbarred and ALL of them thrown into prison, without a trial or even a remote chance of ever being granted parole.
Very insightful page. Stafford is a putz as is Flannigan. Joe got Flannigan to throw out two guardian reports and two psych reports that would have given me greater rights to my children. Flannigan never even read them and my ex still after 8 years denies me my parental rights and the courts do nothing .
Stafford walks all over the magistrates and they are scared of him too. In my case he was late every day and walked out for 2 hours before he came back and the magistrate did nothing except threaten him. Stafford went to Flannigan and got it taken care of .
Someone should make a blog page to continue this conversation.
Very insightful page. Stafford is a putz as is Flannigan. Joe got Flannigan to throw out two guardian reports and two psych reports that would have given me greater rights to my children. Flannigan never even read them and my ex still after 8 years denies me my parental rights and the courts do nothing .
Stafford walks all over the magistrates and they are scared of him too. In my case he was late every day and walked out for 2 hours before he came back and the magistrate did nothing except threaten him. Stafford went to Flannigan and got it taken care of .
Someone should make a blog page to continue this conversation.
To the anonymous individual who says he knew Mr. James EXTREMELY WELL. Yes, i have been informed of some of the other circumstances in Mr. James life. But the simple fact remains, Mr. James decided to take his life, partly because of the way Joe Stafford handled his case. But i also know other people who were involved in his case, and Mr. Stafford was not fighting for his client and didn’t give one damn about the children. Joe Stafford, an amazing father? Are you kidding? Why do we never hear nothing of this? Probably because it is not true. If he was an amazing father, he would understand what fathers are up against, and not be so damn deceitful and underhanded. He would fight for fathers and fathers rights, but instead, simply cashes in on families falling apart, and will use whatever tactic he can use to get what he wants, including Flannigan. It is all about the dollar for Joe Stafford, nothing more, nothing less. When you run out of money, Joe abandons you and if you owe him money, he will sue you. He has contributed to more people filing bankruptcy after a divorce than anyone else i know. His track record proves it. He is being sued for malpractice quite often. Just check the court records. Yes, there are people who feel the need to be vindictive and malicious toward the person that they once “loved”. The reason they can do this is because of people like Joe Stafford. There is simply no excuse for cases being dragged on for years. You must not be in his presence very often, and i question what you are writing in his defense, partly because you remain anonymous. You are the only person who has ever attempted to defend Stafford. You are way off base in your comments.
Does anyone realize that Stafford fled Cuyahoga County to file his own divorce? Even though he lives in Gates Mills, He went all the way to Warren (Trumbull County) to file his own divorce. Him and his ex-wife, Mary Sotera, filed paperwork in 2007. Get this, Stafford does not pay child support. Check the file in Warren (it is public record). One can only imagine how much alimony he is paying her. He even represented his ex-wife. He is so reviled, that he does not even name his kids in the decree, but uses only initials. He wants everything to be kept confidential, because if the media found out about the terms of his divorce, I am sure they would have a field day with it. Yes, Stafford learned something from his work, he knows that the fight is nothing but pure BS and quite expensive, that is why he avoided it at all costs. Yet, when it comes to his clients, he incites anger and fighting, all the mighty dollar. It is no secret, for the attorney, the longer you keep a case going, the more money you get. He will drain every dollar from his client, but when it comes to his own money, oh no, settle quickly and quietly and move on with life. What a hypocrite.
Does anyone where Joe currently lives and his address?
Joe quit claimed it to his ex 7/24/2007
He paid $ 267,000 for it back in 1992
Those of you complaining obviously did not have the foresight to have Joe represent you in court to begin with. My experience was miserable. First attorney I originally had retained had the usual ‘lawyer to lawyer’ freindship that I have since become aware of with my ex’s attorney (who somehow is allowed to maintain his practice while being Mayor of a Local Suburb- unbelievable- and shame on the city that votes for someone who makes his living through the breakups of marriages- couldn’t find someone who generally creates jobs, experienced in managing economic growth, or demonstrates civic community responsibilties?). I payed the extra $ to get Joe straighten out what was going to be an obvious lingering mess AFTER the settlement when I learned had far too many loopholes in the agreement- loopholes written by the Mayor that obviously the ex- was schooled on utilizing. Joe delivered on key deliverables as discussed. And I have more than 50% of my kids- so I take obvious offense to people who are quick to suggest all Dad’s are deadbeats and all Dad’s can do nothing to help themselves. Thanks, Joe for all your help thus far- unfortunately I think I will be needing you again when the mayor convinces my ex- to go back for more when spousal support runs out on her this year. Nice system we have.
And by the way … for those thinking I must be paying little or nothing .. it has been mentioned to me through people who set up payroll systems he/she has never seen the kind of child support I pay for the range of $ I earn- a tradeoff negotiated by Attorney #1 with the Mayor. So don’t think for a minute I have a walk in the park.
Envious, jealous and sore losers come to my mind after reading these pathetic comments. Can’t find some better way to divert your bitter energies than venting on black & white? To the unhappy clients – you hired him to clean up the mess you made. This also gave you the ability to fire him at any time if dissatisfied with his job perfomance. To those of you on the other side of the table of this man, well my condolences. Try to keep in mind he is merely a hired hand by your former spouse. He is a brilliant, savvy lawyer. Expensive & outspoken, yes. Some may say you get what you pay for and the truth hurts. Interestingly enough none of you can attack his ability to practice law. Therefore, grasping for straws, you feel the need to attack his personal life. If ever fortunate enough to be let into his circle, this evil tin man you describe is far from what he truly is.
I had heard about this site, but couldn’t believe it actually exists. So, this is where the people who have lost cases to Stafford and Stafford end up. Pouring their bitter pathetic anonymous comments on a screen. Lets face it, if Stafford and Stafford weren’t the best and won so many cases, what would be the point of this site. Stafford and Stafford have been my family’s attorneys for over 20 years and have won every case! They win because they are brilliant attorneys who know the law. And I win because I made an intelligent choice in hiring them to represent me. Period.
Dear DR:
I did not lose any case to Stafford. His antics cost me and my children a lot of money.
In my situation the court took 3 years to end the divorce. Stafford kept running to Flannigan to get delays after delay and reports thrown out. It took me a long time and more money to complete what should have been a fairly easy divorce. As a matter of fact my ex received less financial compensation since Stafford made me fight then I originally offered her. I understand he is now suing her for fees.
I don’t understand how he is a good attorney in your eyes when this happens. You might think you win with him but I am sure you would have received the same results with a more competitive and less combative attorney.
The law associations should just ban Stafford and Flannigan from the courts and save everyone a lot of money.
Royce
Looks like Joe is now paying people to write nice things about him. Inferiority complex, thin skinned, feelings hurt? Bottom line is it’s the Court thats messing up everybody’s life not Stafford. Although I have a distaste for the Staffords, Give them credit they know how to grease the hands of the Judges. It’s not their fault that the Judges are unethical..right?
Why can’t or why wont the bar associations or upper courts intervene ?
I have a suggestion. I believe we need to create a task force that can accumulate data concerning Joe / Vince Stafford and “their Judge buds” that would reflect unethical behavior or bias. I understand that Supreme Court Justice Thomas Moyer had started the process but haven’t heard any outcomes. I think there is enough of us out there with horror stories that can provide what were looking for. What are we looking for? How bout the names of the Judges that cave in to the Staffords. Then we can start a grassroots effort to oust them from their high paying arrogant jobs they think they have come election time.
Let me be the first…Timmy Flanagan, alias the big kahuna, mystery man, never around man. Hey, where were you when Moyer was looking for you? Joe’s place? Time to retire Tim!!!
Dear Charlie brown,
Is Linus grounded? Snoopy out with Woodstock? Lucy dump you? Don’t you have something better to do? Do you realize how hilarious you sound- a “task force/accumulate data?” You’re cracking me up. I hesitated writing back in May, but there are always two sides to a story. And just for the record, your comment that I was paid to write a nice thing stands to be corrected. Sorry to disappoint you-I was not paid. I’m not one to be bought.
This is so crazy. I laugh at all of the negative things that people say about Joe. Jealousy and bitterness are ugly feelings, that I suggest you let go. People have said negative things about him forever, and he still wins cases. So immature to bring his children into the picture. Get a life. Get over it!
Hey DE,
Obviously you don’t have anything better to do because you took the time to respond..you are a real loser. Are you sleeping with Joe for money now that he dumped his wife. This Blog is for Stafford haters not supporters so start your own blog. Dork!
I agree DE Staffard is an a-hole and unreal probably has his nose up his rear .
Joe Stafford is my divorce lawyer. He knows the law. Watching him in trial was like being hypnotized. He is brilliant. yes, he is expensive…but he is good. he is really good at seeing the facts of a case and sifting through all of the “emotional noise”…i like him as a lawyer…he doesn’t hold your hand and may not call you back but he produces results that are fair. i wish that people wouldn’t say things about him personally. that is not fair. he has a special kind of persoanlity- like him or hate him-…he is pure magic.
I have just become aware of the Stafford brothers and I believe all the negative comments. The entire Domestic Relations Department is corrupt. I am in the process of researching and investigating each individual judge and attorney for a book project. Stay tuned 2010! (Stephen Daray, Bernadette Marshall, Staffords, Flannigan, etc)
IndiaKatie Price aka Jordan has reportedly hired a top lawyer for her divorce battle with estranged husband Peter Andre. The glamour model was said to roped in fearsome Fiona Shackleton, called as the Steel Magnolia, to guard her 45 million pound wealth.
johnrocks
Divorce Lawyer
IndiaKatie Price aka Jordan has reportedly hired a top lawyer for her divorce battle with estranged husband Peter Andre. The glamour model was said to roped in fearsome Fiona Shackleton, called as the Steel Magnolia, to guard her 45 million pound wealth..
johnrocks
[url=http://www.legalx.net/blog/category/divorce/divorce-lawyer]Divorce Lawyer[/url]
Lawyers from opposing camps will have the final chance to convince the jury
during the closing arguments. Typically, the prosecution will prove guilt
while the defense will argue innocence. Then, the judge will give
instructions to the jury.
It’s now time for deliberation and conclusion. Some cases will take a few
minutes while some take a few days. Upon reaching the verdict, the courtroom
clerk will read it aloud.
With this process, it would be unwise to hire a lawyer who doesn’t specialize
in DUI law. And don’t even try to defend yourself. A DUI charge is a serious
matter and should be given to the hands of the expert.
=========================
henrymaquli
Divorce Lawyer
Regarding Joe Stafford—-He is absolutely the best lawyer in town. I have had an experience with my previous attorney who was a total moron, but later on i was referred to Joe Stafford. His knowledge and experience is unmatched and I am sure he has the right to charge when he is defending you and gets the best for you. When you go to Saks/Nordstrom you do pay for the brand even though you know you can find a cheap imitation at almost no cost but you do pay. That same rule is applicable here too, if you hire the best you do pay. Its just that you hate paying to Joe Stafford as you still have a lot of bitterness from your own unfinished mess. Any penny spent on a dead relationship hurts so you should settle that mutually than having an attorney. People lets stop blaming others for our mess.
He is a normal being who has the absolute right to get divorced himself even though he is an attorney. Remember, we all live in glass houses. If this can happen to us then why not him. Its his choice and we do not have any right to comment on that. If a doctor can undergo a surgery, a teacher’s kid can flunk, a bridge can collapse under an architect and engineer’s direction then why cannot a divorce lawyer get divorced. Get some life people!!!
Its just that you hate paying to Joe Stafford as you still have a lot of bitterness from your own unfinished mess. Any penny spent on a dead relationship hurts so you should settle that mutually than having an attorney. People lets stop blaming others for our mess.
Injury Lawyer
I personally have had experience with Joe Stafford, Vince’s brother in crime. He overcharged me, extorted me, intimidated me, and slammed another lawyer that represented me after I terminated his services. Also, on the day of my divorce hearing, he presented me with a rediculous bill and has continually billed me for the last 6 years charging me a whopping $1000 mo. interest! He won’t sue me because he doesn’t have a valid fee agreement with me. He also billed me for his secretary’s time, his paralegal’s time, his lackey’s time for shlepping all his files to court and on top of everything else padded his bill with extra hours he did not work, and charged me a fortune for photocopies, letters, faxes, and more. He presented me with a 7 page fee agreement when I only signed a 2 page agreement with my signature on the last page. I never initialed the other pages as is standard in a contract. He should be disbarred!!!! He dragged out the proceedings, billed me inappropriately and threatened to not represent me the day before a hearing if I didn’t bring him a “big fat check”! I brought him a check alright, got home and stopped payment since he was useless during my proceedings, even post divorce. (My ex was/is in contempt of the whole darn divorce decree). Then I terminated him. I know several people that retained him for their divorces and had the same experiences – it’s a small world! The only way to stop him is more people need to file a formal complaint to the Cleveland Bar Association and the Ohio Bar Association. Then tell everyone you know not to hire this scheister!!!! He is a disgrace to his profession – even other lawyers hate him!
Both Staffords are scums, they got less than what they deserve from the Supreme Court with a slap on the hand, but knowing them, I know they will be disbarred at one day.
The bigger joke was that lackey Judge Flanagan, he was kiked out of the court very easily, it is shameful that he was allowed to reside on cases with all the indications that he was on the Stafford private club, one of the lawyers told me that he think they have smoothing very incriminating or humiliating on that:”loose screw” judge.
After my 4 1/2 yr divorce was settled and my ex-husband paid all of my attorney fees (which amounted to a full college education through medical school), Joe called to tell me I owed him another $10,000 because of a clerical error. I smelled a rat. I told him he would only get his money after he sends me a statement, he replied, “C’mon, you know my office isn’t set up for that.” I never heard from him again.
In addition, he was always asking me for more money and told me to borrow it from my parents, even though I told him repeatedly that I couldn’t because my father was in a wheelchair. He kept asking right up until the week before our court date.
How can anyone in their right mind defend this guy’s behavior after reading about so many bad experiences from his own clients????
Wondering if anyone knows the % of paternity test cases these guys have won. Has anyone ever challenged the results. Could they have some pull to get the test results to come out whatever way would benefit them?
You guys think Joe is bad….Look up Greg Moore who also worked at this firm until he was indicted…& His brother Vince is an even bigger P.O.S.!!!!
I wish I would’ve found all of these sites and reviews about these guys before I made the mistake of retaining them…
Rick P.