Suzanne Plyler Shankar

I had a complicated case that spanned more than 5 years. Ms. Shankar was attentive, empathetic and always provided solutions that worked best for me. She always asked how my family was, and was sincere. She kept me informed on possible outcomes for each scenario prior to me making a decision, so I w...ould know what to expect and what worked best for me. She kept me informed every step of the way, and fought hard for my family. My children and I are in such a good place now, thanks to Ms. Shankar and all she has done for us.

I had retained Ms. Shanker as my attorney for the contempt proceedings my ex boyfriend had against me. Prior to our consult, I had emailed everything I had to support my case and my position to her. The documents included: 1)Picture of the marks that were left on my baby when he was two months old b...y the Defendant (I was considered the Plaintiff) 2) Picture of my face showing the injuries I had sustained from the Defendant punching me. 3) The copy of the original agreement entered by the defendant and myself. 4) A copy of the agreement the defendant’s lawyer had typed up that was very different than our agreement. 5) Voluntary Psyche evaluation I did with a forensic psychologist that is court admissible outlining the abuse I and the child suffered and attested to other things such as the defendant not having any contact with the minor child. 6) The Original Complaint that the Defendant was now claiming against me 7) My responses to the complaints. I had also, outlined in the email: “Important notes: Father has not seen child since September 12th court date Father has not had child since August 14th 1) Father dropped child off at daycare with hand foot mouth, without meds, without notifying mother or daycare 2) Pictures of how advanced it was are attached 3) signed letter from daycare director is on file with me; no she is not allowed to do notarized on school letterhead. Father has never facetimed/skyped his son Father has never texted or called him Father has not seen him…I will have two witnesses with a possible third available for court on the 22nd to contradict his alleged involvement in the child's life. I have a stack of affidavits.” I would later provide the document from the forensic attachment specialist stating his recommendations that the child have no overnights and supervised visitations and how terrible the consequences would be. I had thought I had satisfied the agreement that “both parents agree to abide by the professional’s opinion.” Ms. Shanker refused to argue that I had done as the agreement stated. She stated that she didn’t believe anyone could be an expert on a child this young. I told her that he had gotten an injunction stating that the child couldn’t leave the state, but he didn’t live in the state anymore and neither did I. That there was a Military protection order in place, but he came up and cornered me in the lobby of the court house in front of the kids. That he and I went into another room to talk and that he told me that he will take my son and I will never see him again. That he has a lawyer and I do not that he is married now and I am not. “Do not make me fight for my son.” Attorney Shankar had this knowledge and evidence, did not vet it, twice relayed to me what my ex was saying though my evidence contradicted it. She told me not to show to a court date that there would be a continuance and then entered into an emergency visitation hearing without letting me know that gave my ex the right to take my nonverbal 15mo anywhere with “no provisions” even though I do not have his address, phone number, he lives in another state, his wife lives in yet another state. She had called me and my son names such as “mistress” and “love child” though I had stated that my ex was not married when my son was conceived and born and instead he cheated on me. I have filed a complaint with the NC State Bar attaching all of the above documents. It is pending review.

I retained Suzanne Shankar to handle my Child Custody/Support, Equitable Distribution and ultimately my divorce. The attention she gave to my case far exceeded my expectations and I could not be more pleased with her representation. On my initial consultation, Mrs. Shankar gave me some great advise, ...that later paid off during litigation. Mrs. Shankar and her staff kept me informed of the status of case and were always very prompt in returning phone calls and/or emails. I believe she is very fair her fees/rates. I highly recommend Suzanne Shankar if you are seeking a family attorney that is professional, dependable, confident, and trustworthy.

From our first meeting I knew Mrs. Shankar was the right lawyer for me. I wanted to finalize my divorce in the most cost effective manner possible and ensure that my paperwork was correct. She walked me through the separation agreement and made sure it was changed/updated and I was prepared to have... it roll into my final divorce decree. She always got back to me promptly and in the end I saved a fortune. She did not take advantage of me, which would be very easy to do with hidden fees etc. that I've heard of other places doing. I would recommend her to anyone.