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Wendy Allison Reese

Divorce and separation Attorney at Hoover, AL

4.5   10 reviews
  • Licensed for 24 years
    State AL
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Occupational License - Authorized to Practice No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Wendy

Learn Wendy’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    50%
    Uncontested divorce, contested divorce, complex divorce trial experience, legal separation, divorce decree modification, contempt of court, mediation, collaborative practice

    23 years

  2. Child custody
    20%
    Child custody is usually a part of divorce but under this category, I am specifically referring to change of custody, a relative seeking custody, DHR removing custody, and custody battles between non-married parties

    23 years

  3. Family
    15%
    Juvenile delinquency, mental health commitment of a child under the age of 19, paternity, child support between non-married parties with a child, violation of the compulsory school attendance law, and prenuptial agreements

    23 years

  4. Appeals
    10%
    Appeals can be necessary if you are unsuccessful in a trial matter. I handle appeals from all family law matters including, but not limited to divorce, custody, child support, and termination of parental rights.

    23 years

  5. Adoption
    5%
    Step-parent adoptions and non-relative adoptions

    19 years

Ms. Reese began her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida and completed her Bachelor's of Science in Political Science at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida.  Ms. Reese completed enough hours in statistics to also graduate with a minor in statistics.  While at the University of Central Florida, Ms. Reese served on the President's Leadership Council and was both the Student Government Judicial Advisor and the Attorney General.  

 

Ms. Reese graduated in the top of her class from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama in 1999.  While at Cumberland, Ms. Reese served as the Senior Associate Editor of the American Journal of Trial Advocacy and had several articles published during her tenure with the American Journal of Trial Advocacy. Her articles can be found at the following citations:

 

Reese, Wendy A., Professional Responsibility - Switching Sides: Analyzing Lux v. Commonwealth - Does the Presence of a Criminal Defendant's Former Counsel in a Prosecutor's Office Require Disqualification of the Entire Office, 21 Am. J. Trial Advoc. 431 (1997-1998).  Ms. Reese’s article, Professional Responsibility - Switching Sides: Analyzing Lux v. Commonwealth - Does the Presence of a Criminal Defendant's Former Counsel in a Prosecutor's Office Require Disqualification of the Entire Office? has been cited by the South Dakota Supreme Court.

 

Reese, Wendy A., Tort Law - Actual Exposure or Possible Exposure: The AIDS Phobia Debate - Are Courts Opening the Litigation Floodgates or Illustrating Judicial Proscription?, 22 Am. J. Trial Advoc. 495 (1998-1999).  Ms. Reese’s article Actual Exposure or Possible Exposure: The AIDS Phobia Debate - Are Courts Opening the Litigation Floodgates or Illustrating Judicial Proscription? has been taught at Duke University School of Law in a course entitled AIDS and the Law.  Further, Ms. Reese’s article was cited by the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in Shumosky v. Lutheran Welfare Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Inc., 784 A.2d 196 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2001), reversing and remanding the lower courts decision and holding that Shumosky could assert a “fear of AIDS” claim where she was able to establish actual exposure to HIV.  Ms. Reese’s article was also cited by the Mississippi Supreme Court in South Central Regional Medical Center v. Pickering, 749 So. 2d 95 (Miss. 1999), affirming the decision of the trial court denying South Central Regional Medical Center’s motion for summary judgment and, further, holding that where a defendant allowed or caused evidence to be destroyed, there is a rebuttable presumption in favor of the plaintiff that she had been actually exposed to the disease.  

 

It was during her time with the American Journal of Trial Advocacy that Ms. Reese developed her love of legal writing and the intricacies associated with legal writing and correct citation.  Ms. Reese was also on the National Moot Court Team and the National Trial Team at Cumberland.  

 

Upon graduation from Cumberland, Ms. Reese passed and was admitted to the Alabama State bar on September 30, 1999.  Ms. Reese formed the partnership Bailey, Wollitz & Reese, LLC which she remained a founding partner of until 2002 when she decided to form her own law firm.  Bailey, Wollitz & Reese, LLC handled federal civil rights cases, criminal cases, family law matters, juvenile court matters and civil and criminal appeals. In 2002, Ms. Reese formed the sole-proprietorship, Wendy Allison Reese, Attorney at Law.  From 2002-2008, Ms. Reese operated as Wendy Allison Reese, Attorney at Law focusing on family law matters, juvenile court matters, and federal and state criminal and civil appeals.  In August of 2008, Ms. Reese formed her current business entity, The Law Offices of Wendy Allison Reese, LLC (“WAR Law”).  Ms. Reese's practice areas remain family law matters including divorce, divorce modification, child custody, juvenile court matters, such as juvenile delinquency and DHR matters as well as federal and state criminal and civil appeals.  

 

Ms. Reese has spoken before the Alabama Senate Judiciary committee several times in regard to Alabama's system of indigent defense.  In 2010, Ms. Reese was appointed to the Senate Judiciary Committee Sub-Committee on Indigent Defense by the Honorable Sue Bell Cobb, Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court and still serves on that committee today.  Ms. Reese is a founding member of the Jefferson County Association of Family Court Attorneys (JCAFCA) and has served that organization as Vice President.  Ms. Reese is currently on the By-Laws Revision Committee for JCAFCA.   Ms. Reese has been recently appointed to the 2014 Birmingham Bar Association Scholarship Committee which reviews law school scholarship

applications for the recommendation of two Birmingham Bar Association scholarships.  Additionally, she is a member of the Family Law Section of the Alabama State Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar Association.  Ms. Reese is also an active member in the Birmingham Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program.  Ms. Reese also volunteers her legal services through Birmingham AIDS Outreach.  In June 2014, Ms. Reese will be attending a 40 hour Divorce and Family Law Mediation Continuing Legal Education seminar in Huntsville, Alabama.

 

Ms. Reese is a member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent located in Birmingham, Alabama.  Ms. Reese currently serves as the Alpha Delta Pi Collegiate Province Director for the Beta I Province.  She oversees and assists three chapters of collegiate women at Troy University, Epsilon Kappa Chapter, the University of Montevallo, Zeta Delta Chapter and the University of North Alabama, Zeta Eta Chapter.  Prior to serving as Beta I Collegiate Province Director, Ms. Reese served as the Chapter Advisor for the Zeta Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority at the University of Montevallo for three years and as the Standards Advisor for Zeta Delta for four years.  Ms. Reese believes that it is one of her callings to inspire young women to pursue higher education and become strong, ethical leaders.  Ms. Reese is also an active supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities. 

 

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Contact Wendy

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Law Offices of Wendy A. Reese, LLC
100 Chase Park S Ste 124
Hoover, AL, 35244-1860

Reviews

4.5 / 5.0
  10 customer reviews
Posted by anonymous | January 22, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome service
I hired Ms. Wendy for an uncontested divorce which unfortunately became contested. Wendy was great, patient and attentive. The documents drafted were top notch and I loved that they were sent to me to review each time a document was filed. I would definitely recommend Ms. Wendy.
Posted by anonymous | December 31, 2014
Highly recommend Wendy Reese
Ms. Reese represented me in a child custody case in Jefferson County Family Court. She is very knowledgeable and experience in handling child custody matters. She was able to assist me in understanding the process and facilitate communication with DHR. Wendy was a strong advocate for me and I cannot thank her enough for the countless hours she spent working on my case. We spent numerous hours in court and I was able to watch lots of attorneys and I can say, without a doubt, that Wendy is one of the best. Do yourself a favor and hire her if you are seeking to regain custody of your children.
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Posted by anonymous | December 31, 2014
Great!
Wendy handled an adoption case for me in Jefferson County Probate Court. The adoption went very smoothly and Wendy was great about getting all of the paperwork drafted and filed quickly. My husband and I were very impressed with Wendy's office and that Wendy kept us informed and up-to-date regularly with how the case was proceeding. I am very pleased with the results and would recommend Wendy to anyone needing an adoption/family law attorney.
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Posted by anonymous | December 30, 2014
Professional, well prepared attorney, that will fight for you!
My case wàs particularly difficult as my ex was not only attempting to end my alimony but also was dragging me through bankruptcy court. Ms. Reese, contacted a bankruptcy attorney to help guide us through the waters. She held my hand through the two year ordeal and never let me give up. The results were better than I could have expected, not only did we get everything we were asking but we also got an increase in my alimony. I highly reccommend Ms. Wendy A. Reese for any of your family court needs.
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Posted by Brett | December 30, 2014
Most patient and understanding attorney ever!
Over the past several years I have personally had to deal with a divorce, child support, and financial issues from the divorce. Ms. Reese has been absolutely the best in helping me through all of those issues and keeping me focused on the right way to handle them with character and dignity. I would be comfortable in recommending Ms. Reese to anyone. She is awesome! Thanks for all you do.
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Posted by anonymous | October 30, 2014
Wendy is a great child custody attorney!
Wendy was my child custody attorney in Jefferson County Family Court. My parents filed a petition seeking custody of my children and I hired Wendy to defend me against their petition. I was pleased with my initial meeting with Wendy. She was very clear in explaining how Family Court worked and explaining the process. I was also pleased with how Wendy handled herself in court, fighting for me and my children. She was diligent and effective. I was pleased with the outcome of the case. I retained custody of my children and the case was closed. I have since hired Wendy to represent me in a child support matter and am just as pleased with the services she is rendering in that matter. I would definitely recommend this attorney.
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Posted by Tiffany | October 29, 2014
Fantastic!
Ms. Reese represented me in a child custody matter. I really appreciated how open and honest she was with me at all times during my case. She really knows the law and is excellent in court. She really fought for me and my daughter. I would not have custody of my daughter today if it was not for Ms. Reese. I recommend her to anyone needing assistance with legal matters involving child custody.
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Posted by Brooke | October 29, 2014
Excellent divorce attorney
I hired Wendy for a divorce matter. My husband had been threatening me and I needed help quick. Wendy met with me the day after I called. She was very understanding and sympathetic. I thought I would "shop around" for attorneys but after meeting Wendy and her staff and the respect, dignity and confidentiality I was shown, I decided to retain Wendy on the spot. Although this was a very stressful and worry filled time in my life, Wendy did everything she could to reassure me and the frequent communication between her office and myself helped to keep my anxiety at bay. I would HIGHLY recommend the Law Offices of Wendy Allison Reese, LLC to anyone seeking a divorce or child custody attorney in Jefferson or Shelby County, Alabama. This is the best experience I have ever had with an attorney!
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Posted by anonymous | December 22, 2014
Wendy Reese 2014
I retained Wendy Reese to represent my 19 year old granddaughter in a paternity/custody case in March of 2014. She provided us the legal assistance and direction that we needed to CALM a very emotional situation. I really appreciated Wendy's down-to-earth, honest communication style and her calming legal demeanor throughout our legal proceedings. She handled our legal woes very effectively and got the desired results we were seeking. She professionally negotiated a support/visitation agreement that I feel was fair for all parties involved. Most importantly, we retained primary custody and obtained the financial support from the father of the child that was needed to assist this young mother and her child going forward.
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Posted by Caitlin | August 31, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The worst legal representation I have ever experienced
This is the worst lawyer I have ever come into contact with. I came to her based on these reviews, and wish I had looked elsewhere. On two separate occasions, she went to court knowing the other party had not been served. Why go to court when nothing can be accomplished unless you're simply trying to drain the retainer? It was hundreds of dollars wasted. I was also told by her that she would let me know whether I should come to court on another date. I emailed after not hearing anything weeks after and was told to come. I took off work, showed up, and she was not even there. Beyond all common courtesy, I was billed for the subsequent phone calls I made for showing up for no reason that amounted to less than 6 minutes. When I asked that they be removed, the immediate rebuttal was that they forgot $200 in fees on my invoice from months prior, but would be happy to remove the $50. I was also emailed someone else's extremely private DHR document instead of mine. Even after voicing my uneasiness to Wendy, I did not receive an apology. I have never received an apology for this unprofessionalism. I felt like a paycheck, not a valued client. The unethical treatment took an anxiety inducing situation and made it a complete nightmare. I hired her Dec 2017, and after $2,054 of legal fees, have gotten absolutely nothing accomplished.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 225-225 per hour
  • Pro bono 3 %
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.3 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Law Offices of Wendy Allison Reese, LLC
  • 2002 - Present
  • Member
  • Senate Judiciary Committee Subcomittee on Indigent Defense
  • 2001 - 2010
  • Partner
  • Bailey, Wollitz & Reese, LLC
  • 1999 - 2002

Education

  • Samford University, Cumberland School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1999
  • University of Central Florida
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1996
  • University of Florida
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1995

Legal Cases

  • T.S.H. v. Jefferson County Department of Human Resources
  • Petition for Writ of Certiorari granted by Alabama Supreme Court
  • T.S.H. v. Judge S.S.
  • Petition for Writ of Mandamus Granted by Alabama Court of Civil Appeals
  • T.H. v. Jefferson County Department of Human Resources
  • Case reversed and remanded to trial court
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Legal Writing Institute
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • American Society of Legal Writers
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Birmingham Collaborative Alliance
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • National Association of Professional Women
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Jefferson County Association of Family Court Attorneys
  • President
  • 2010 - Present
  • Alabama State Bar, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Birmingham Bar Association, Women Lawyers Section
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Birmingham Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • Alabama State Bar
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • Birmingham Bar Association
  • Scholarship Committee Member
  • 2013 - 2014
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top Women Attorneys
  • B-Metro Magazine
  • 2015

Publications

  • American Journal of Trial Advocacy
  • The AIDS Phobia Debate
  • 2008
  • American Journal of Trial Advocacy
  • Professional Responsibility
  • 2000

Speaking Engagements

  • Second Saturday, What Every Woman Needs to Know About Divorce
  • Divorce
  • 2014
  • Jefferson County Association of Family Court Attorneys Continuing Legal Education
  • Appellate Issues in Family Court
  • 2011
  • Jefferson County Association of Family Court Attorneys Continuing Legal Education Series
  • Handling a Juvenile Dependency Case, Start to Finish
  • 2009
  • Jefferson County Association of Family Court Attorneys Continuing Legal Education Series
  • Being An Effective Guardian ad Litem
  • 2008
  • Lorman Education Services Continuing Legal Education Series
  • Dependency & Termination of Parental Rights
  • 2007
  • Lorman Education Services Continuing Legal Education Seriece
  • Dependency & Termination of Parental Rights
  • 2006
  • Lorman Educational Services Continuing Legal Education Series
  • Dependency & Termination of Parental Rights
  • 2005
  • Lorman Education Services Continuing Legal Education Series
  • Juvenile Delinquency
  • 2005
  • Lorman Education Services Continuing Legal Education Series
  • Juvenile Delinquency
  • 2004
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (11)
Given (12)
Endorse Wendy
Divorce and separation Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Child custody Attorney | Jan 04
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I’ve had cases against Wendy, and she is a very competent attorney. She works hard for her clients and obtains great results. She is a pleasure to work with and well-liked among lawyers and judges."
Child custody Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Wendy is a dedicated, diligent and professional attorney, bound to solve even the most complex and challenging cases. She is a top notch attorney in her areas of practice and a well respected lawyer in the legal community. I recommend her quality services without hesitation to anyone seeking legal representation."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Ms. Reese whole heartedly. She knows the law and how it is applied in real life. She is one of the people out to help others and makes me proud to be an attorney."
Family Attorney | Dec 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Attorney Wendy Reese. She is highly skilled in the courtroom as well as on appeals."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have reviewed Wendy's gratuitous responses helping others. Wendy is well written, has knowledge and experience in the area of matrimonial law."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I wholeheartedly endorse Ms. Reese. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community"
Unknown Attorney | Dec 30
Relationship: Other
"This lawyer is highly respected in the community. I endorse this lawyer."
Adoption Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
View more endorsements
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Criminal defense
Divorce and separation
Child custody
Divorce and separation
Hoover Divorce and separation Lawyer Wendy Allison Reese
Wendy Allison Reese
Divorce and separation Attorney
Hoover, AL
Licensed for 24 years
Free Consultation