Laura E Brooks

I had a nasty custody battle and divorce. I still do not feel educated on my rights at all. Ms. Brooks advised me to file a PFA, then advised me to drop it at the hearing (despite more acts of abuse and no contact violations in between) She completely misled me on “stipulation of dismissal and interi...m custody agreement”. My emotionally and physically abusive ex threw out marital property, stole checks, forged my name, and accused me of stealing from the home. She did not answer my questions and I was forced to sign another insurance check in court (at custody hearing) Ms. Brooks told me to sign it and it would be worked out in the ancillary hearing.. between the custody hearing and divorce pretrial she continually asked about the paperwork, but did not answer my questions regarding the fraud and how it would be worked out. She then filed a motion to drop me as a client days before the pretrial conference- since i didn’t send the papers back without my questions being answered- as I didn’t want to get screwed. So I was left at pretrial conference alone to defend myself against another attorney - who made it clear she & ms brooks discussed my case a lot during their personal relationship.. The worst of it all is that she forwarded my emails to my ex’s attorney without my consent. I believed i was speaking in confidence and my own emails to my lawyer were entered as evidence against me.. and had I known my ex would have seen it- i wouldn’t have sent it at all. That significantly strained the relationship as I wasn’t sure how to speak to her about anything anymore for fear of my ex. I made it clear I was trying to ensure I got full custody- at least primary residency, and specifically asked for a lawyer understanding narcissism and emotional abuse. I strongly advise a different attorney - especially if you are the victim of abuse.

I retained Laura to assist with a complicated multi-state PFA and Custody Hearing. Laura is an excellent attorney who is very competent and compassionate. As with most Family Court matters the issues surrounding my case are/were sensitive and very emotional. While the custody matter is scheduled fo...r mid April, Laura worked with co-counsel in NY to successfully petition the NY Family Court to order the custody matter be heard in Delaware. Laura was also successful in arguing for the dismissal of a PFA filed in Delaware. I would highly recommend Laura as she is a thorough communicator, attentive listener and superior legal strategist. Laura is honest, responsive and after every interaction I am left feeling that Laura genuinely cares about me as a person and parent. Throughout what has felt like the "fight of my life", Laura has remained focused, positive and incredibly supportive. Having held several positions in the Family Court prior to being admitted to the Delaware Bar, Laura has develop lasting and mutually respectful relationships with seemingly everyone in Family Court. I highly recommend Laura!!!