Davis Smith & Jean, LLC

Sonja Jean was appointed as the Guardian ad Litem in my case, referred to me by attorney Paul Leinoff, who described her as an “amazing” professional. Unfortunately, my experience was the complete opposite, and I believe it is important for others to know my side before deciding to hire her to represent you or your children. From my experience, Ms. Jean collected $4,500 from me without a court order authorizing that payment, which I believe was done unlawfully and under pressure. The agreed order in my case clearly stated that I was to pay an initial retainer of $7,500, and that any additional fees or payments would be decided by the court. Evidence of this can be seen in Ms. Jean’s own motion for Guardian ad Litem fees (see attached), where she admits to receiving money from me. However: Her invoices do not reflect these amounts. Her motion fails to list the amounts collected. When I asked for a refund or at least an equal split of the overpayment, she refused and responded in a rude and unprofessional manner. In my opinion, this raises serious questions about transparency, proper billing practices, and compliance with court orders. The role of a Guardian ad Litem is to act in the best interests of the child and maintain the highest ethical standards. I do not believe her actions in my case met that standard. From my experience, I strongly recommend avoiding any dealings with Ms. Jean. In my view, her handling of funds was neither transparent nor court-authorized, her communication was unprofessional, and her unwillingness to resolve a financial dispute in good faith left me with serious concerns about her integrity and suitability for such a sensitive role. For anyone considering hiring a Guardian ad Litem, I strongly encourage you to do your own thorough research and request full clarity on fees, billing practices, and court authorization before making any payments.