@ComputerizedFinancials I noticed that your venting is your first post here. Most of the answers here are from other seasoned Lacerte users and often will get you a quick resolution. I know the frustration, but my guess is every software product this year is a bit stressed.
Lacerte Appointments is archaic and leaves much to be desired. For a single practitioner, consider Google Calendar.
Data errors such as what you described do occasionally happen. Garbage ASCII occurs everywhere. My solution would have been to add a dependent. Exit Client. Enter Client. Delete Dependent. Rinse and repeat.  

Hang in there and post your next problem here.