Law Office of Laura N. Venezia

Laura was recommended to me by my divorce lawyers, who don't specialize in QDROs (legal agreement to transfer retirement funds to an ex). I interviewed two different lawyers who specialized in QDROs. Laura's estimate for cost for managing the QDRO was about 1000$ less than the other lawyer I interviewed, and I liked that she had worked with my lawyers before. She was responsive, direct and processed the QDRO quickly, the costs were affordable and she promptly reimbursed me for the remaining amount from the retainer. I was happy with her services and recommend her if you need QDRO services.

Was fair and represented my daughter very well.

The only reason I am giving this firm one star is that there is not an option for less. Stay away from this lawyer. When she was not able to get the TSP order accomplished; twice, I contacted TSP, asked what exactly needed to be in the order and communicated that to the lawyer. She wrote the order with the direction that I provided and that is what it took to get the order complete. She did no research, I had to do it. I was told that I was holding up this order and if I did not comply she threatened legal action. I informed her that I had not received the required documentation that was to be provided to me. I told her what TRP said they required to transfer another retirement account and Laura informed me that I did not need the gaining account information. Laura was wrong, easily verified by contacting TRP like I did. Laura informed me that the gaining account was set up although her client informed me that the account had not been set up and it would be set up once the transfer was completed. There is a discrepancy with the truth. I had to point out that it was Laura's responsibility to complete the documentation per the contract and her responsibility to create the gaining account per the contract. Laura continued to communicate that I did not know what I was talking about, she was proven wrong by reviewing the contract. TRP requires a Medallion guarantee. When I informed Laura that the second largest bank in America requires both the losing and gaining account information, she told me to go to a different bank to get the Medallion guarantee. Laura told me to go to the local TRP office to get the Medallion guarantee, which they do not perform. Laura told me that I was the only person in her 30 years’ experience and hundreds of TRP transfers that this was an arduous task to get completed. It pains me that Laura, as the subject matter expert, refused to understand that TRP required the Medallion guarantee and BOA required both the source and gaining account information, not me. Laura did no investigation or analysis to validate her demands to me. I had to do all the research and constantly fight with her to get the orders accomplished. Laura is an incompetent lawyer because she is lazy, she just wants to fill out a form and submit it. A caveman can do that... Do not use this lawyer, there are plenty of other more qualified people that can fill out a QDRO.