Dearest Mr. Raggio, As the 2nd anniversary of my divorce arrives, I find my heart filled with gratitude for you and all your brilliance. My children and I are incredibly happy and peaceful these days and thanks to your wisdom, [the children’s dad} has devoted his time to becoming a wonderful, responsible father. Words cannot convey how thankful I am to you.
Most Sincerely, Martha N
I had another leading lawyer represent me in my collaborative divorce action in Dallas County. There were some loose ends from that divorce agreement and my former spouse sued me. Ken Raggio was able to come in and analyze the situation, and then he took immediate, effective steps to get the dispute resolved without anybody having to go to court. I am grateful for his quick, efficient, effective, and decisive actions.
Dr. S.B., M.D.
Thank you for being in my corner & protecting my interests & that of my children through the divorce process. I can’t thank you enough for your hard word, diligence & tenacity throughout the duration of my case. You’re truly the best!
D.W.
Ken, third time’s the charm! I filed for divorce from my husband three times – the first with your mother, Louise Raggio, almost 20 years ago. Two of the divorce actions were dismissed before I had the courage to continue to finalize a divorce. You superbly handled my husband’s attempts, as well as that of his lawyers, to try to control and bully me in the process. Your skill led to my receiving property in the divorce that will more than support me – and whatever charities or relatives I wish to support – for the rest of my life.My life “IS WHAT IT IS” today because you stuck with me. A simple thanks will never be enough.
J.S.
Dearest Ken, Thank you endlessly for taking such fine care of me in my divorce. You were right about everything! [My ex-husband] is closer to the children than he has ever been – and [my children] are richer and happier for that. And I do not think I have ever been so happy. Thank you, Sir.
Most Sincerely, M.N.
Mr. Raggio: It has been 25 years since the divorce where you represented me. Even after 25 years, I still thank you for the professionalism, skill, and kindness with which you handled my case. In many ways, I was a “basket case” at the time of my divorce, but your skill navigated me through the process, and helped speed my recovery from the divorce. I still thank you for all that you did for me.
L.F.
I was extremely happy with the services that I received at Raggio & Raggio. Their expertise and experience were invaluable in helping me navigate through a difficult time in my life. I would and have recommended this firm to anyone in need of family law services.
L.
Tom Raggio helped me through a very difficult time in my life with a painful divorce. He insisted that we handle the matter in a dignified manner although it was an undignified process. He explained that I would have to live with the consequences forever; and that he would give his advice which was always reasoned, measured and with a long term perspective.
R.B., COO
Tom helped me through the most horrible period of my life. We very much tried to settle my divorce case, both property and custody, but my spouse and/or her attorney had unreasonable demands which bordered on blackmail. We ended up trying the case for two days and I now have full custody of my two daughters. I will be forever grateful.
F.C.
It is a privilege to write this letter to let you know how grateful I am for Barbara Van Duyne and her amazing work. I first became Barbara’s client three years ago. I brought to Barbara an extremely complicated and challenging case. Barbara took on my case with a passion and energy that is unparalleled. Barbara has worked tirelessly on my behalf and the results have been invaluable. Because of Barbara’s thorough preparation and keen instincts, we have prevailed in multiple court hearings. Barbara’s expert representation has achieved the protection of my children’s interests through the family law courts. Worked alone cannot express my gratitude for this protection and what it has meant to my son’s physical and emotional well-being.
I would recommend Barbara Van Duyne to my family, friends and associates because I know she will represent them with the same energy and care that she would one of her own family members.
C.H.
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you, your firm and especially Barbara Van Duyne for helping me get through probably one of the hardest things a person will ever have to go through.
My goal was to exit an unhealthy marriage in a manner that was best for my children and in such a way that I would have no regrets for my behavior during this process. I hoped to do this as quickly and painlessly as possible so as not to scar my kids, myself or my ex-spouse any more than necessary. I did not want to have to answer years down the road to my children for anything that would seem unjust. Not only did I feel confidence in Barbara’s knowledge of the law through this first meeting, I was impressed by her character and class. I knew that she was someone who would fight to make sure that my children and I had what was fair and just under the law, and she would never do anything that I would have to apologize for down the road.
This battle lasted for over a year. Through it all Barbara remained true to character and she kept me true to my goals. If we were going to be dragged through this, we would not lose sight of what was right. She was well-prepared, patient and insightful. She always knew the questions to ask and, at the heart of everything, she knew what was most important. I learned to trust her with everything. Through all the ups and downs that this journey entailed, I never once doubted her ability, support, character or her determination to see this through till the end.
Ultimately she gave me and my children our life back. She took a horrible situation and turned it into something positive and in such a way that I will always be able to hold my head up high. Words cannot express what she has done for my children and me. I will always count her and this firm as a true blessing in my life.
I would recommend Barbara and this firm to anyone who asks and I am grateful beyond measure for what she and Raggio and Raggio have done for my family and me.
K.A.
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My husband suddenly filed for divorce last year, and even though we had not been getting along, the filing was a shock to me. My husband sat at our kitchen table and told me that he had drawn up an agreement that was “fair and equitable”. He told me that I would not need an attorney, because he had hired an attorney that would be “ours.” He insisted spending more money on attorneys would be a waste.
Despite my husband’s reassurance that he was doing the best thing for me and our two young children, I decided to speak to an attorney. Somehow, I was lucky enough to have a friend suggest Raggio and Raggio and I made an appointment. Within 20 minutes of meeting with Ken Raggio, he had already pulled up the information on my house (that my husband and I shared since before the birth of our first daughter), only to learn that I in fact, (and contrary to what I had been told), I was not an owner of the house. Unfortunately, Ken had the duty of showing me the bad news; I was on the deed of trust, but not the deed. So in essence, I was financially responsible for the house, but had no ownership in our home. Additionally, my husband had emptied our bank accounts of over six figures and put it beyond my reach. Essentially, I had nothing. I was left to borrow money and bounce checks in order to take care of the children and pay for child care. He had the house. He took the money. He had more than half a million dollars in retirement; and I did not even have enough money to hire an attorney. Or so I thought…
Ken Raggio also informed me that my husband had hired a very aggressive lawyer whose only position was that my husband was “right about everything and I should just agree to his terms because he was being generous” In that so-called generous offer, my husband got his house (after all, it was his separate property) and I got a little bit of savings, got child support, my car, and my retirement. To quote Ken, “this would be the deal you would get in your worst day in court.” And so our divorce started in earnest.
Well, we had to set various matters down for a hearing before the court that would get him to move off of his “my way or the highway” view of the divorce and of life in general. So we got temporary orders about my use of the house, about support, use of credit cards, and payment of attorneys and legal expenses. Oh, yeah, we also managed to get my husband’s huge and upcoming bonus frozen so he could not try and hide that from me or our children.
Even though it was a contentious and expensive divorce, I am smiling: I got the house with (with the mortgage paid in full) and my children have the stability of staying in the only home they have ever known. Additionally, I got my retirement, a car, and above guideline child support. I have more enthusiasm at work and more time with my children.
Moving forward, life is good. I am stronger than I could have ever imagined and I fought for what I knew was right; but, I truly believe that I would not have been able to do so without Ken Raggio and his firm. Only now do I understand that practicing law seems to be a delicate balance of timing, emotional support, stern advice, and knowing the law. Ken Raggio has that delicate balance down to a science.
I am extremely grateful to Ken Raggio and his firm for helping me get the courage and resolve to fight for myself and my children, and as Ken said, to get my husband’s “foot off of my neck.” I highly recommend Ken and his firm.
ARB
