Law firm Google reviews.
In an era where online reviews shape perceptions does Google listen and think when it comes to law firm Google reviews?
We were also curious as to how the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia scrubs up when it comes to customer reviews?
We also wanted to comment on reviews for family law businesses generally, and wonder who at Google actually thinks beyond the algorithm when it comes to meaningful law firm Google reviews – non-linear service delivery businesses?
This is just a fluff thought piece on law firm Google reviews. And we are curious…. is Google actually listening? Well of course we know it is, but does it hear, and does it understand?
Starting with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia currently hold just a 2 star rating from 43 reviews. This of course is absolutely meaningless. A lot of people who review this organisation are embittered, having faced years of awful emotional torment with high emotions and life-changing outcomes. Arguably the Court itself is not the problem. Venting with a one star review does nothing, achieves nothing, and is largely meaningless – it’s not as if there is another Court you can go to.
Scrolling through the negative feedback, it’s clear these reviews reflect deep frustrations and grievances over perceived injustice. Some of the more impassioned reviews state:
Three years in the family court destroyed us, emotionally, financially and physically, with anxiety and stress…
After 2 million in legal fees for all parties, we are still nowhere close to closing the case. How much will it be to see the end of this case? The cost notice says another 2.5 m to see the end…
Absolutely useless, no point going when five years later, nothing has been done…
Worst experience of my life and traumatised my children also…
Some men still feel the system is unfairly stacked against them in parenting and financial matters:
This court doesn’t deserve any stars. It should be closed down. Worst treatment ever towards men…
This is the place where justice served for women! And man, well, he has to find justice some other place!
But in fact, what’s even more surprising is that apart from the majority of one star reviews, there are some good ratings in there as well. It’s clearly a polarising place/issue, creating apparent “winners” and “losers”, presumably leaving “winners” inspired to leave praise, and “losers” driven to firing off one star reviews.
We found this review of one family court precinct quite helpful:
This is the superior Australian court that deals with family law matters; divorce matters, custody disputes, division of properties when couples separate, etc. Besides court proceedings happening here, there’s services available for the public like photocopying services, Justice of the Peace available. There’s public lavatories including disabled facilities, parents’ changing rooms for babies. Wheelchair accessible, lifts available to all public floors.
There’s also volunteer services available on level four that provides tea and coffee and biscuits. Closest public parking in public car park across from the courthouse. There’s hearing loops available by advance requests to the registry, also includes lost property enquiries, lawyers code etc. It’s a mixture of different emotions attending this courthouse depending on the purpose of your visit.
Law firm Google reviews.
When it comes to law firm Google reviews, Google is rubbish at checking these reviews.
How can a grandmother who phones for a free chat with a lawyer who is told she has no legal recourse to force her children to give her access to her grandchildren, give a law firm a one star review? We title these “shooting the messenger” reviews.
How can a client who has been terminated for providing misleading and dishonest information leave a one star “assassin’s” review?
We’ve reviewed reviews for dozens of law firms and there are some shockers. For all its smarts, Google does a bad job at checking reviews are genuine. So, come on Google, you can do better. As a smart company you do some amazing stuff, but some dumb stuff too. Ask, we’ll help – especially when it comes to law firm reviews.
Editorial: Australia’s family courts – The last resort.
For most people, going to family court is usually a last resort when all other avenues of resolving their divorce dispute have failed. Think of the fact that out of all the family law matters that are started in the court system, only around five per cent progress to final judgments. The vast majority of cases are settled along the way, as people take part in court-mandated alternative dispute resolution processes, or come to the realisation that they are far better off reaching a compromise between themselves.
Will Australia’s family courts ever boast glowing five star reviews? We’re not holding our breath. Will the courts ever be a place that people enjoy attending? Highly unlikely. And does the system still need to do better? Absolutely. But it is a system in the process of reform. Efforts to create a fairer system have been ongoing, though progress has been slow.
But although change is gradual and difficult when it comes to reshaping Australia’s family courts to be as effective as they possibly can be, at least change is happening. Whether that’s ever reflected in more positive online feedback is anyone’s guess…
Keen to avoid having to set foot in the family courts to resolve your parenting or property dispute? At Alliance Family Law, our focus is on keeping you out of the courts if at all possible, with our speciality being the alternative dispute resolution process of collaborative divorce. Why not give us a call to discuss if this could work for you? Please contact Canberra family lawyer Cristina Huesch or one of our other experienced solicitors here at Alliance Family Law on (02) 6223 2400.
Please note our blogs are not legal advice. For information on how to obtain the correct legal advice, please contact Alliance Family Law.
