Richard Whitten Barnes Jr.

12 years stuck in an endless, HIGH conflict, custody dispute...and still never having a final permanent custody order, prior 5 (FIVE) attorneys all handled their clients (me) in similar fashion- extended response times, bill driving by way of endless phone calls with opposing party council to "negoti...ate". hardly a peep or a meeting in months then they show up to court having absolutely NO grasp of the situation and grossly underestimated the narcissism and lengths opposing party would go to just to "win". 5 lawyers, 5 hefty retainers (all depleted long before court date-with NOTHING to show for all that "work" they claimed) nearly every court hearing ended with continuances, short term temp orders and my daughters life in scrambled chaos... I know Mr Barnes was different from day 1, he listened to every story, he was engaged-asking questions and repeating important parts to ensure he heard and understood exactly my words- He was cool and level headed, no nonsense and CHILD FIRST, attorney who won't drive up your bill with necessary stalling tactics. within 1 year we FINALLY had a permanent order in place that was written to reflect the BEST INTEREST of my daughter-based on the the situation as a whole-not generic half truths. She is 19 years old now and shows little signs of her chaotic, ever changing, emotionally charged childhood. Without a doubt Mr. Barnes is responsible for finally putting a stop to the vicious unbreakable cycle that was destroying her childhood, putting his efforts towards diffusing parental disputes- putting an immediate end to child fueled ammunition, refusing to acknowledge pettiness between parents and NEVER "playing dumb" or leaving unfinished business. He is fair in his retainer and hourly fees and worked with me-letting me handle the footwork as much as I could to keep my costs down and the case on track. 100% Richard Barnes is the BEST choice attorney in the Greater Charlotte area-probably the entire state. A true Diamond in the rough!