Joanna Lynne Challacombe

I filed for divorce from my abusive husband last year. My first attorney charged me $20,000 and obtained literally zero results for me. I was desperate not to have to live in the same house with him any longer, and I knew the kids needed me as the residential parent, and I was terrified that he would... make good on his threats to either have equal time with them or even become the primary parent. After months of being terrorized by him and getting absolutely nowhere with my attorney I did what I should have done in the first place. I asked the personnel in the courtroom which attorney they would hire if they were getting a divorce and Joanna’s name was always given so I let the other attorney go and hired her. Smart, tough, fearless, and compassionate is what they told me, and it has been true. Within 2 months she got him out of the house and despite a lot of obstacles we were able to enter an order for a parenting time schedule that I could live with 2 months later. Joanna believed me when I told her what my husband is like and understood that he would make the process very difficult and would not easily settle the case. I have always felt that she really cares about the outcome of my case and that I am not just a file to her but a real person who is going through a difficult time. She has a strong sense of justice that is tempered by an equally strong sense of pragmatism. In my case that combination has led to things actually getting done. If only I had hired her in the first place I think my nightmare would be over by now. Besides her intelligence and confidence she is also very conscientious. With my previous attorney I often got a feeling that she was a bit slick and was not completely trustworthy. I have never had that feeling with Joanna. Divorcing an abusive person is very difficult, and when kids are involved it can be pure hell. If you are in a similar situation I highly recommend hiring Joanna as your attorney.

Joanna came into my Divorce case after an inexperienced attorney had me scared of the court system and unable to sleep at night. Joanna gathered the facts quickly and was ready for the next court date in just 7 days. She is honest, always puts my children's best interest first and never forgets a d...etail. During trial she was professional and doesn't let anything get by, she is in it to win it and speaks her mind. Her knowledge of the law is second to none.

If you need and want a top of the line attorney, Joanna Challacombe is your only choice. I have worked with and observed hundreds of attorneys. When I needed a divorce lawyer, I chose Joanna because I saw her in action. Joanna is always prepared for court, and studies case law like no one else. Joan...na will fight, and win, for you. Every time we went to court, Joanna was there and always prepared. Joanna is confident , serious, and has a no-nonsense approach to any case she is involved in. If you need a very tough attorney who is afraid of no one , a pit-bull in court because the other side tries to intimidate you, you better have Joanna in your corner-she is the best in the business. Joanna also works in Civil court and is excellant. I have recommended only one attorney to friends , relatives and aquaintences -Joanna Challacombe.

I walked into court with another very soft spoken attorney (intimidated by opposing council) and the daunting task of a single father trying to get custody of his four year old son. My son was "kidnapped" from daycare on the morning of the first day of court preceedings and taken out of state. Life... as I knew it was the worst!! After months of no-shows by my son's mother and excuse after excuse by opposing council, the courts appointed Ms Challacombe as guardian ad litem... that was when everything changed!! Ms Challacombe was not there for the money, prestige or for the man vs woman fight... she was genuinely concerned and focused on the current and future well being of my son. And she was NOT intimidated by ANYONE. I will admit that I wasn't "happy" with initial preceedings (as I stated, my son was allowed to be taken out of state and I had to pay child support), but Ms. Challacombe took the time to explain her position and that support of the child is the right thing to do. I assumed "That's it... I'm one man in a fight with 4 women"..."they've got my son and money... it's over", but I was wrong. Ms. Challacombe followed up with both opposing councils and parties to get background and determine where her client/our child would ultimately be placed. She met with me in my home and monitored my interaction with my son (once I was allowed visitation for the summer). Just when I thought her "investigation" was all for show, she showed up in court with additional evidence that supported my complaints and suggestions that the proper placement for my son would be with me, the father. Ms. Challacombe had done a thorough background check on both parents (including criminal). Her thoughtfulness and focus on the child (not the paycheck) was ultimately the deciding factor for the decision to place my son with me. As a single father, I had absolutely NO FAITH in our justice system and still believe MUCH change is needed, but... Ms. Challacombe did restore my faith in humanity. She could have easily told the judge to leave my son with his mother (after all... he was only 4), but she was professional and caring enough to do her job and represent her client's best interests. I would recommed Ms. Challacombe ANY DAY!!! She will fight for her client.

Very highly recommended !!! Joanna is a strong advocate for her clients and their positions. She knows the law, understands legal strategy, and personally cares for those she represents. She quickly came up-to-speed on specific issues and laws unique to my situation - she has a good network of colle...agues that she can consult with, if needed, for special unusual situations, as in my case. Bottom line: Joanna has compassion and sympathy for her clients. She is passionate and gets involved in causes about which she feels strongly (social, political, otherwide), and that passion is extended to her work on behalf of her clients. She is very easy to talk to and you can feel comfortable telling her your concerns, fears, thoughts, etc. She separates required demeanor in court from that during personal discussions. She is a really nice, down-to-earth person who knows her stuff and who cares. She can "read" judges and other attorneys, and is quick to alter her approach in order to take best advantage of quick-moving situations and others' attitudes. Joanna's "no-nonsense" approach is terrific - you don't feel "schmoozed" or "handled" in any way. I appreciate her directness and honesty. While sympathetic in her presentation, she doesn't sugar-coat things when they don't look good, but is ready to strategize and suggest the best way to handle a situation. She is respectful of her clients wishes, even if they disagree with her recommendation, but she will be sure to thoroughly explain her position and intended long-term strategy so that the client can make an informed decision. Joanna's experience in practicing in several of the area counties is a plus, as well, since many attorneyes and judges know her and respect her abilities. Again, Joanna is terrific and I highly recommend her.