My Nonprofit Reviews

I was referred to KLS (Seneca branch) by my advocate at The Crisis Center, where I was receiving services as a victim of domestic violence. I needed a legal referral because the abuse didn't stop when that romantic relationship ended. In fact, it escalated quickly when my abuser decided (on 3 different occasions) to misuse court services as a means of continuing his control over me. A retaliatory protection from stalking order was filed against me the same day the abuser broke into my home, cornered me in my bathroom, and screamed at me, resulting in me calling the police. The abuser beat me to the courthouse, filing first to protect his image, influence the story and shape what was bound to happen next. The judge (in MS CO) would not let me file a counter protection order against the abuser, even though I had a legal right to do so. The local undersheriff even told me he didn't think the Judge was accurately protecting my rights. That's when I sought help and was paired with attorney Ben Romney. Ben helped me understand my rights, my options, and tried to advocate for my rights with the judge. Ben guided me about what evidence I should keep on hand in case it was needed and offered suggestions about when to push issues verses when to just lay low hoping not to stir the pot. Ben was available to me when the abuser (after filing the PFS which made it so I could not communicate with him) got angry that I would not communicate about giving him access to his personal belongings, which he'd left behind six months ago at the home I owned. When I followed the order & refused contact, the abuser then took me to small claims court. The Judge chided the abuser for that sequence of issues and dropped the small claims filing. Ben also supported me after the abuser claimed theft of personal property from his home, which resulted in the local police performing a search warrant of my home (no items seized, no charges filed). Ben was prompt to respond to my communications. He was professional and offered solid guidance. At the same time, he was a good listener. He was compassionate, trying to offer thoughts and resources about abusive issues. I never felt like I had to convince Ben to believe me. I believe he read over the evidence I provided and asked questions to get to the bottom of issues. He was good about asking me what resolutions I was hoping for. I feel like I was a DV victim, afraid to be in the same courtroom with the man who abused me, but also a victim of litigation abuse - scared of the judge and cops. Having Ben stand up for me helped me be more confident and calm. It was a blessing that a rational, educated outsider was advocating for me in a situation that was highly emotionally charged. I'm thankful that my referral led to KLS and to Ben. I am grateful that my services were paid for in full by a grant for DV victims. I hope I never need to use this service again but if I do, I'll be requesting Ben's help again.