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16 Feb, 2025 by Greg plaster
03 Feb, 2025 by Logan peterson
I cannot express enough gratitude for this law firm and Brittany Carper for the role as the guardian ad litem in our custody case. From the very beginning, it was clear that she genuinely cared about the well-being of my child and took her responsibility seriously. She was thorough, compassionate, and truly invested in understanding the full picture to make the best recommendations.
Throughout the process, Brittany remained professional, fair, and dedicated to ensuring my child’s best interests were at the center of every decision. Her ability to listen, communicate effectively, and navigate sensitive matters with care made all the difference. It was clear she wasn’t just doing a job—she was advocating for what was right.
If you’re looking for a guardian ad litem or custody laywer who is both compassionate and committed to the children she represents, I highly recommend Brittany Carper. I am incredibly grateful for her work and the positive impact she has had on my child’s life.
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Brandon white
I do not understand how two different people, from the same law firm, with the same access to information, come up with such a drastic difference of opinion, other than personal bias.
In 2019 Ms. Carper recommended that I have sole legal custody and that mom be on supervised visitation, and in 2022 when my daughter finally got that stability, my daughter thrived. When Ms. Dillon took over as GAL for the appeal that was going on, she pushed for my daughter to go back to her mother, and if I understood her recommendations correctly, that Mom have sole legal custody.
And I done believe that recommendation was based on what was best for my child, but was made because Ms. Dillon doesn't want to admit that she has made bad calls that have favored the mother over what was best for my daughter.
I feel like it doesn't matter what I say though, as It is going to be ignored, and blown off as a father who is just mad because the GAL didn't side with him, but I am at the point where I am beyond frustrated and angry at the way Ms. Dillon.
But I am not mad because the GAL didn't side with me, I'm mad because Ms. Dillon has continuously pushed me in to agreeing to orders, and then held it against me that I followed those orders. She continuously ignored anything that didn't fit with her narrative of events, including the observations of Doctor's and counselors. and she even made her own observations about how the mother was negatively impacting my relationship with my daughter, and then recommended the mother have custody so that she could facilitate resolving those issues. I feel like Ms. Dillon has used her "authority" to retaliate against me for all the times i have pointed out that her plan of putting my child back with her mother isn't working, that she was being deceived by the mother, and that she was making assessments about my parenting style and mental health that she was in no way qualified to make.
I have felt like Ms. Dillon has had a bias in favor of my child's mother since she came onto the case. And when I walked out of court in January and found out that one of the mother's witness went to the same church and Ms. Dillon, granted they hadn't seen each other in a while, I it only furthered my concerns about her bias towards in father of my child's mother.
I don't believe that Ms. Dillon has the best interest of my daughter in mind when she makes recommendations on custody or visitation.
I love my daughter, and I have fought for 13 years to be a part of her life and keep her safe from her mother's neglect and abuse. And for 5 years I thought I had done that, then a year ago Ms. Dillon made recommendations for my daughter to go back to her mother, and was celebrating with her mother in her accomplishment, since then exactly what I said would happen has happened and everything has gone downhill. My daughter's mental health has plummeted since Ms. Dillon made the recommendations for a change in custody so that my child’s mother could pull my child out of a residential treatment facility AGAINST the advice of her long term counselors.
I am an Army veteran, with a long history of service to my community and nation, with no history of drug or alcohol abuse, or any other factor that would warrant her recommendations to keep my child away from me for almost a year. I have an MBA, PMP, a stable career with a TS clearance, and a supporting family where my daughter thrived. And my name has been drug through the mud because I have wanted to see my daughter succeed in life, and wouldn’t blindly agree for my daughter to go back to her mother, for no other reason than that’s what she wanted to do because her mother would let her do almost anything she wanted.
What has happened to my daughter is a tragedy, and is the reason why no one actually trust the "system" that is supposedly in place to help them. I would not trust anyone from this law firm as a GAL.
Read more
16 Feb, 2025 by Greg plaster
03 Feb, 2025 by Logan peterson
I cannot express enough gratitude for this law firm and Brittany Carper for the role as the guardian ad litem in our custody case. From the very beginning, it was clear that she genuinely cared about the well-being of my child and took her responsibility seriously. She was thorough, compassionate, and truly invested in understanding the full picture to make the best recommendations.
Throughout the process, Brittany remained professional, fair, and dedicated to ensuring my child’s best interests were at the center of every decision. Her ability to listen, communicate effectively, and navigate sensitive matters with care made all the difference. It was clear she wasn’t just doing a job—she was advocating for what was right.
If you’re looking for a guardian ad litem or custody laywer who is both compassionate and committed to the children she represents, I highly recommend Brittany Carper. I am incredibly grateful for her work and the positive impact she has had on my child’s life.
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Brandon white
I do not understand how two different people, from the same law firm, with the same access to information, come up with such a drastic difference of opinion, other than personal bias.
In 2019 Ms. Carper recommended that I have sole legal custody and that mom be on supervised visitation, and in 2022 when my daughter finally got that stability, my daughter thrived. When Ms. Dillon took over as GAL for the appeal that was going on, she pushed for my daughter to go back to her mother, and if I understood her recommendations correctly, that Mom have sole legal custody.
And I done believe that recommendation was based on what was best for my child, but was made because Ms. Dillon doesn't want to admit that she has made bad calls that have favored the mother over what was best for my daughter.
I feel like it doesn't matter what I say though, as It is going to be ignored, and blown off as a father who is just mad because the GAL didn't side with him, but I am at the point where I am beyond frustrated and angry at the way Ms. Dillon.
But I am not mad because the GAL didn't side with me, I'm mad because Ms. Dillon has continuously pushed me in to agreeing to orders, and then held it against me that I followed those orders. She continuously ignored anything that didn't fit with her narrative of events, including the observations of Doctor's and counselors. and she even made her own observations about how the mother was negatively impacting my relationship with my daughter, and then recommended the mother have custody so that she could facilitate resolving those issues. I feel like Ms. Dillon has used her "authority" to retaliate against me for all the times i have pointed out that her plan of putting my child back with her mother isn't working, that she was being deceived by the mother, and that she was making assessments about my parenting style and mental health that she was in no way qualified to make.
I have felt like Ms. Dillon has had a bias in favor of my child's mother since she came onto the case. And when I walked out of court in January and found out that one of the mother's witness went to the same church and Ms. Dillon, granted they hadn't seen each other in a while, I it only furthered my concerns about her bias towards in father of my child's mother.
I don't believe that Ms. Dillon has the best interest of my daughter in mind when she makes recommendations on custody or visitation.
I love my daughter, and I have fought for 13 years to be a part of her life and keep her safe from her mother's neglect and abuse. And for 5 years I thought I had done that, then a year ago Ms. Dillon made recommendations for my daughter to go back to her mother, and was celebrating with her mother in her accomplishment, since then exactly what I said would happen has happened and everything has gone downhill. My daughter's mental health has plummeted since Ms. Dillon made the recommendations for a change in custody so that my child’s mother could pull my child out of a residential treatment facility AGAINST the advice of her long term counselors.
I am an Army veteran, with a long history of service to my community and nation, with no history of drug or alcohol abuse, or any other factor that would warrant her recommendations to keep my child away from me for almost a year. I have an MBA, PMP, a stable career with a TS clearance, and a supporting family where my daughter thrived. And my name has been drug through the mud because I have wanted to see my daughter succeed in life, and wouldn’t blindly agree for my daughter to go back to her mother, for no other reason than that’s what she wanted to do because her mother would let her do almost anything she wanted.
What has happened to my daughter is a tragedy, and is the reason why no one actually trust the "system" that is supposedly in place to help them. I would not trust anyone from this law firm as a GAL.
Read more
16 Feb, 2025 by Greg plaster
03 Feb, 2025 by Logan peterson
I cannot express enough gratitude for this law firm and Brittany Carper for the role as the guardian ad litem in our custody case. From the very beginning, it was clear that she genuinely cared about the well-being of my child and took her responsibility seriously. She was thorough, compassionate, and truly invested in understanding the full picture to make the best recommendations.
Throughout the process, Brittany remained professional, fair, and dedicated to ensuring my child’s best interests were at the center of every decision. Her ability to listen, communicate effectively, and navigate sensitive matters with care made all the difference. It was clear she wasn’t just doing a job—she was advocating for what was right.
If you’re looking for a guardian ad litem or custody laywer who is both compassionate and committed to the children she represents, I highly recommend Brittany Carper. I am incredibly grateful for her work and the positive impact she has had on my child’s life.
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Brandon white
I do not understand how two different people, from the same law firm, with the same access to information, come up with such a drastic difference of opinion, other than personal bias.
In 2019 Ms. Carper recommended that I have sole legal custody and that mom be on supervised visitation, and in 2022 when my daughter finally got that stability, my daughter thrived. When Ms. Dillon took over as GAL for the appeal that was going on, she pushed for my daughter to go back to her mother, and if I understood her recommendations correctly, that Mom have sole legal custody.
And I done believe that recommendation was based on what was best for my child, but was made because Ms. Dillon doesn't want to admit that she has made bad calls that have favored the mother over what was best for my daughter.
I feel like it doesn't matter what I say though, as It is going to be ignored, and blown off as a father who is just mad because the GAL didn't side with him, but I am at the point where I am beyond frustrated and angry at the way Ms. Dillon.
But I am not mad because the GAL didn't side with me, I'm mad because Ms. Dillon has continuously pushed me in to agreeing to orders, and then held it against me that I followed those orders. She continuously ignored anything that didn't fit with her narrative of events, including the observations of Doctor's and counselors. and she even made her own observations about how the mother was negatively impacting my relationship with my daughter, and then recommended the mother have custody so that she could facilitate resolving those issues. I feel like Ms. Dillon has used her "authority" to retaliate against me for all the times i have pointed out that her plan of putting my child back with her mother isn't working, that she was being deceived by the mother, and that she was making assessments about my parenting style and mental health that she was in no way qualified to make.
I have felt like Ms. Dillon has had a bias in favor of my child's mother since she came onto the case. And when I walked out of court in January and found out that one of the mother's witness went to the same church and Ms. Dillon, granted they hadn't seen each other in a while, I it only furthered my concerns about her bias towards in father of my child's mother.
I don't believe that Ms. Dillon has the best interest of my daughter in mind when she makes recommendations on custody or visitation.
I love my daughter, and I have fought for 13 years to be a part of her life and keep her safe from her mother's neglect and abuse. And for 5 years I thought I had done that, then a year ago Ms. Dillon made recommendations for my daughter to go back to her mother, and was celebrating with her mother in her accomplishment, since then exactly what I said would happen has happened and everything has gone downhill. My daughter's mental health has plummeted since Ms. Dillon made the recommendations for a change in custody so that my child’s mother could pull my child out of a residential treatment facility AGAINST the advice of her long term counselors.
I am an Army veteran, with a long history of service to my community and nation, with no history of drug or alcohol abuse, or any other factor that would warrant her recommendations to keep my child away from me for almost a year. I have an MBA, PMP, a stable career with a TS clearance, and a supporting family where my daughter thrived. And my name has been drug through the mud because I have wanted to see my daughter succeed in life, and wouldn’t blindly agree for my daughter to go back to her mother, for no other reason than that’s what she wanted to do because her mother would let her do almost anything she wanted.
What has happened to my daughter is a tragedy, and is the reason why no one actually trust the "system" that is supposedly in place to help them. I would not trust anyone from this law firm as a GAL.
Read more
16 Feb, 2025 by Greg plaster
03 Feb, 2025 by Logan peterson
I cannot express enough gratitude for this law firm and Brittany Carper for the role as the guardian ad litem in our custody case. From the very beginning, it was clear that she genuinely cared about the well-being of my child and took her responsibility seriously. She was thorough, compassionate, and truly invested in understanding the full picture to make the best recommendations.
Throughout the process, Brittany remained professional, fair, and dedicated to ensuring my child’s best interests were at the center of every decision. Her ability to listen, communicate effectively, and navigate sensitive matters with care made all the difference. It was clear she wasn’t just doing a job—she was advocating for what was right.
If you’re looking for a guardian ad litem or custody laywer who is both compassionate and committed to the children she represents, I highly recommend Brittany Carper. I am incredibly grateful for her work and the positive impact she has had on my child’s life.
Read more
28 Jan, 2025 by Brandon white
I do not understand how two different people, from the same law firm, with the same access to information, come up with such a drastic difference of opinion, other than personal bias.
In 2019 Ms. Carper recommended that I have sole legal custody and that mom be on supervised visitation, and in 2022 when my daughter finally got that stability, my daughter thrived. When Ms. Dillon took over as GAL for the appeal that was going on, she pushed for my daughter to go back to her mother, and if I understood her recommendations correctly, that Mom have sole legal custody.
And I done believe that recommendation was based on what was best for my child, but was made because Ms. Dillon doesn't want to admit that she has made bad calls that have favored the mother over what was best for my daughter.
I feel like it doesn't matter what I say though, as It is going to be ignored, and blown off as a father who is just mad because the GAL didn't side with him, but I am at the point where I am beyond frustrated and angry at the way Ms. Dillon.
But I am not mad because the GAL didn't side with me, I'm mad because Ms. Dillon has continuously pushed me in to agreeing to orders, and then held it against me that I followed those orders. She continuously ignored anything that didn't fit with her narrative of events, including the observations of Doctor's and counselors. and she even made her own observations about how the mother was negatively impacting my relationship with my daughter, and then recommended the mother have custody so that she could facilitate resolving those issues. I feel like Ms. Dillon has used her "authority" to retaliate against me for all the times i have pointed out that her plan of putting my child back with her mother isn't working, that she was being deceived by the mother, and that she was making assessments about my parenting style and mental health that she was in no way qualified to make.
I have felt like Ms. Dillon has had a bias in favor of my child's mother since she came onto the case. And when I walked out of court in January and found out that one of the mother's witness went to the same church and Ms. Dillon, granted they hadn't seen each other in a while, I it only furthered my concerns about her bias towards in father of my child's mother.
I don't believe that Ms. Dillon has the best interest of my daughter in mind when she makes recommendations on custody or visitation.
I love my daughter, and I have fought for 13 years to be a part of her life and keep her safe from her mother's neglect and abuse. And for 5 years I thought I had done that, then a year ago Ms. Dillon made recommendations for my daughter to go back to her mother, and was celebrating with her mother in her accomplishment, since then exactly what I said would happen has happened and everything has gone downhill. My daughter's mental health has plummeted since Ms. Dillon made the recommendations for a change in custody so that my child’s mother could pull my child out of a residential treatment facility AGAINST the advice of her long term counselors.
I am an Army veteran, with a long history of service to my community and nation, with no history of drug or alcohol abuse, or any other factor that would warrant her recommendations to keep my child away from me for almost a year. I have an MBA, PMP, a stable career with a TS clearance, and a supporting family where my daughter thrived. And my name has been drug through the mud because I have wanted to see my daughter succeed in life, and wouldn’t blindly agree for my daughter to go back to her mother, for no other reason than that’s what she wanted to do because her mother would let her do almost anything she wanted.
What has happened to my daughter is a tragedy, and is the reason why no one actually trust the "system" that is supposedly in place to help them. I would not trust anyone from this law firm as a GAL.
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Sameerah williams
She lost my case
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03 Jul, 2024 by Tim ortiz
Both Janet and Ms Kym were amazing, my case went just as I prayed it would and got what was best for my children accomplished. Thank you!
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15 Apr, 2024 by Ann pons
I would not recommend. There were many times I had to remind her she represented me and not the other party because she prioritized getting any information THEY requested over what I needed before court. I also had the exact same experience another client posted for their review, despite stressing that we needed to ask for child and spousal support she said, we can ask for that during your divorce case and waited until right before we were about to walk into court to run the paperwork up to the clerks office so not only did we not get that set but because paperwork had not been submitted until the last minute I was ordered to pay the other parties attorneys fees. The only time she was quick to make sure I recieved paperwork was when I went to sign off to end her representation as my lawyer. I was told I owed her thosands of dollars and because my retainer had been used up and when asked why this was the first time I was hearing about this was told "we've been emailing the bills to you" despite me repeatedly informing her I was having issues recieving emails. The multiple times I was in her office there was no mention that she was now billing me well after and that my retainer was used up. Instead I was handed a large envelope on the spot that was as thick as a book listing billed hours. You are better off handing your money directly to the other party and saving yourself the time and frustration.
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What a Child Custody Lawyer Can Do for You
A child custody lawyer specializes in helping parents navigate legal matters related to the custody and care of their children, particularly in the context of divorce, separation, or other family disputes. These lawyers assist with determining custody arrangements, drafting parenting plans, and advocating for your rights in court. They also help resolve disputes over physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes decisions for the child), visitation rights, and modifications to existing custody orders.
Whether you're going through a divorce or need to change an existing custody arrangement, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your child's best interests throughout the legal process.
When Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child custody lawyer in several situations, especially when disputes arise or complex legal issues affect your parental rights. Some common reasons to hire a child custody lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: If you're going through a divorce or separation and need to establish custody and visitation arrangements, a lawyer can help ensure the custody order reflects your child's best interests.
- Disputed custody cases: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody or visitation terms, a lawyer can advocate for your rights in court and help you develop a strong case.
- Modification of custody orders: If you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to changes in circumstances (e.g., relocation, changes in the child’s needs), a lawyer can help file a modification request.
- Parental alienation: If the other parent is interfering with your relationship with your child, a lawyer can help address these issues through legal action.
- Domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, a lawyer can help protect you and your child by requesting restraining orders and advocating for appropriate custody arrangements.
- Grandparent or third-party custody: If you are a grandparent or another relative seeking custody or visitation rights, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
- Paternity disputes: In cases where paternity is in question, a lawyer can assist with establishing or challenging paternity, which may affect custody and visitation rights.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help protect your parental rights and ensure that the custody arrangement is in your child's best interests.
What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents resolve custody disputes and secure favorable custody arrangements for their children. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing custody petitions: Helping you file the necessary paperwork to request custody or visitation rights and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
- Negotiating custody agreements: Assisting in negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, often working toward a mutually beneficial parenting plan without going to court.
- Representing you in court: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody terms, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Drafting parenting plans: Helping you draft a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the schedule for physical custody, decision-making responsibilities, and visitation.
- Handling child support issues: Assisting with related issues such as child support, ensuring that financial obligations are properly calculated and enforced.
- Modifying custody orders: Helping you request a modification from the court if you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to significant life changes.
- Mediating custody disputes: Acting as a mediator to help both parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation without the need for litigation.
How Are Child Custody Lawyers Paid?
Child custody lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the nature of the legal work. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child custody lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location. The total cost depends on the time spent preparing documents, negotiating, and representing you in court.
- Flat fee: For simple custody matters or uncontested custody agreements, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for specific services, such as drafting a parenting plan or filing a custody petition.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount varies based on the expected complexity and duration of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers may offer reduced fees or pro bono (free) services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other serious issues.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are included.
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested custody cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any negotiations.
- Contested custody cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for expert testimony, and the time spent in litigation.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or complex custody disputes.
- Mediation services: If both parents agree to work through mediation, costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for the mediation process.
Always ask for a clear cost estimate during your consultation to ensure that you understand the total legal fees and payment structure.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer
Before hiring a child custody lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Some key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with child custody cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, especially if your case involves complex issues like domestic violence, relocation, or paternity disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees for certain services, or requires a retainer, and ask for an estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline from filing the petition to reaching an agreement or going to trial. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Ensure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
Can we pursue mediation or alternative dispute resolution?
Ask whether the lawyer recommends mediation or other forms of dispute resolution to avoid a lengthy court battle.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Custody Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child custody lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and child custody cases.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge the lawyer’s professionalism and success in child custody matters.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on custody cases.
- Check for certifications: Look for lawyers who are board-certified in family law or have memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) or local family law sections.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a child custody lawyer, come prepared with relevant documents and information:
- Court orders or existing custody agreements: Bring copies of any existing custody or visitation orders for the lawyer to review.
- Communication with the other parent: Provide copies of emails, texts, or letters regarding custody, visitation, or disputes.
- List of your child’s needs: Prepare a list of your child’s specific needs, such as medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.
- Timeline of the case: Outline key events related to your custody case, including changes in living situations or parental involvement.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions about the custody process, legal fees, and the lawyer’s strategy for your case.
By being well-prepared, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible advice for protecting your rights and your child’s well-being.
