Barbara Ann Topinka

I am a professional Therapist and teacher. I have met many attorneys in my career. Some that are of great quality, some that are of poor quality. I live quite a distance away from the State College/ Bellefonte area. However, my niece lives in the county in which Attorney Topinka works. My niece had l...ost custody of one of her son's after making an immature mistake and marrying an abusive man. The man she married abused her but not the boy. Her son was then given to her son's immature and irresponsible father, to whom she was never married. He had custody for a year and had a responsible and caring live in girlfriend who took care of the boy in an average but sometimes questionable manner. After her son was removed from her home, my niece immediately left this husband and hired a "free" attorney. This "free" attorney did nothing. Filed nothing. Made no progress. It was approximately one year later when the father of this boy, and his live in girlfriend were married. One month later, they split and she left. The boy's father began to increasingly neglect and physically abuse the boy. He came to school without having eaten, bathed, or even changed clothing. The school officials were attempting to contact CYS. 3 reports of abuse were made. The "free" attorney did nothing. This is when I hired Attorney Barbara Topinka. I could not tolerate my niece's attempts to have her son returned to her without assistance. Attorney Topinka, began working immediately. She set up a family court review, to which the boy's father did not show. After 4 days, the boy was beaten for a second time, by his father. Attorney Barbara Topinka advised us to take pictures of his bruises, gooseegg over his eve, cut next to his eyebrow and split lip. We followed her instructions. This 6 year old was returned to his mother's custody. He was being treated well by his mother. He was being fed, taken to school regularly, taken to the doctor when he had an ear infection. The end result, after only a 4 month period, is that the irresponsible, abusive father has not been showing up for visits. The boy is happy and healthy and no longer petrified. This 6 year old boy's school work improved 10 fold. His confidence has skyrocketed and his relationship with his mother, younger brother and extended family (on his mother's side) Has reunified! I have NO DOUBT that Attorney Barbara Topinka's professional work and expedient involvement in this case, saved my grandnephew's life! He was 38lbs when she first began involvement. He is now 59 lbs. Our family thanks God for Attorney Barbara Topinka's involvement. Any accusations toward the father in this case are supported by letters from the school to the court, as well as the court record. Thank you for allowing me to comment on Attorney Barbara Topinka's work! It might not be supported by anyone other than our family members and the school. however, we believe Attorney Barbara Topinka is an angel that we all prayed for! Sincerely, Thankful Grandaunt