Joan-Marie Kettell Dean

I had an extremely long drawn out divorce that resulted in me switching attorneys, and the difference was night and day. Joan was great to work with, provided sound advice, and represented my interests with great professionalism even though the opposing counsel and opposing client did not always tak...e the high road. Joan was able to get a resolution to my pending divorce that allowed me to move on with my life. I would recommend her to anyone that faces the unfortunate reality of divorce.

My husband and I were recommended to Joan-Marie by another attorney . He did so because we needed an attorney that has experience with Appeals and he said she was the best. We have been in an adoption case for two years. Long story short, we were handed a 7 week old baby whose birth parents were more... concerned with drugs than him. Both parents have been incarcerated and thru our legal system the birth father was given an appointed attorney to represent him after the adoption was finalized. The birth father wanted to appeal the adoption. We have been thru so much with our case and all we wanted to do is protect our baby. Joan Marie accepted our case and immediately after our initial meeting I felt a huge burden lifted from me. She explained everything to us and what to expect. I left her office knowing our son would be protected because Joan-Marie was fighting for him. She went to court for us once and almost immediately she won that round. We never had to see a court room again. The Alabama Appellate court dismissed the appeal the birth father filed due to her diligence. We have our son who can now have a happy safe life and the adoption is final. We owe much of this to Joan-Marie and the role she played as our attorney.

I hired Joan-Marie to handle my divorce and I could not have been happier with the personal attention that I received, the outcome of the divorce, and follow-up that's taken place in the years to follow. I had been married for over 11 years of my military career, with two small children, when I foun...d myself going thru a divorce. Joan-Marie went out of her way to talk me thru the process, was expert on Alabama divorce law, and understand the implications of military service in a divorce. She places the needs of her clients above those of her self and always makes the time to meet or talk on the telephone. I could not have had a better experience and outcome. Through her understanding of law and negotiation efforts, I was able to retain 100% of my military retirement and a substantial amount of my assets. When my ex-wife asked for additional child support 6 years following our divorce, I again turned to Joan-Marie. Although I was required to pay more child support, since my salary had increased, Joan-Marie provided expert advice and documentation to ensure the modification was reasonable. The qualities that I like best about Joan-Marie is that she's straight forward and honest. She knows the law and will be honest about the pros and cons of any legal action. She is sensitive to the emotional ups and downs of going thru a divorce. Joan-Marie is absolutely the "best of the best" and I highly recommend her to those who are faced with divorce!

Not only is Joan Marie professional and highly educated, she will make you feel like family. She cares about your case because she has been there. Her staff welcomes you and assures you are comfortable why you wait. Her confidence put your mind at ease. I have never once had an issue with her nor her... staff returning an email or phone call. I highly recommend her!

Ms. Sullivan came recommended to me by another attorney in town. Given the circumstances surrounding my divorce and subsequent child custody proceedings, I could NOT have made a better choice. Her knowledge of the law, her vested interest in my well being, as well as my son's, her empathy regarding m...y experiences and her stellar representation of my case contributed greatly to a very positive outcome! I would not hesitate to recommend her to any person in search of a qualified and professional attorney in north Alabama.