Masha Allen Update: “Irreconcilable Differences” Delay Justice

Last fall we published a definitive statement on Masha Allen’s pending wrongful adoption litigation, publicly expressing a long-held concern that “a traumatized, abused and exploited child like Masha needs a competent and independent decision maker to protect her legal rights and guard her pecuniary well being.”

Now Masha’s third attorney in three years, high-powered litigator Robert N. Hunn, is withdrawing from representing her citing “Irreconcilable differences” with Masha’s mother Faith Allen. According to Hunn, “the irreconcilable differences have made it impossible for [my firm] to continue as counsel for the plaintiff. . . . The differences have not resolved but have worsened since . . . January 30, 2009.”

Hunn, who extols his experience “representing victims in a wide variety of . . . complex tort litigation” is asking the federal district court in New Jersey to relieve him of all responsibility for the case he filed on September 15, 2008, forcing sixteen year old Masha to find new counsel within 60 days.

Masha Allen first came to international attention over four years ago. Concern for her well-being has echoed around the world from Vladimir Putin to John Kerry to Oprah and Nancy Grace.
Her past and present circumstances are well-known to judges and government officials in Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey and Washington, DC.

Tragically, no one can muster any outrage that justice delayed is justice denied and that the “irreconcilable differences” reverberate far beyond mere words on paper.

Thanks to Niels at Pound Pup Legacy for his continued coverage of this case.


3 Replies to "Masha Allen Update: "Irreconcilable Differences" Delay Justice"

  • Robert Fellmeth
    March 25, 2009 (10:18 pm)

    I would say “right on, James.” Except that would date me. Bob

  • James R. Marsh
    March 25, 2009 (10:33 pm)

    No Bob, actually “groovy” would date you! “Right on” seems about right. Unfortunately this situation is neither groovy nor right on.

  • James R. Marsh
    October 5, 2009 (11:04 am)

    I just discovered The Untold Story of Masha Allen posted on PoundPupLegacy.org. Another excellent perspective on this story written by Niels.
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