Stephanie Bingman Kice

My experience with Ms. Kice was extremely disappointing, particularly given the seriousness and complexity of my high-conflict custody case. I hired an attorney because I needed someone who would advocate for me, thoroughly evaluate the professionals involved in my case, and help protect my relati...onship with my children. I did not feel that happened. One of my greatest concerns was the handling of the GAL. My children’s therapist had provided GAL recommendations, but to my knowledge, Ms. Kice did not meaningfully investigate those options before decisions were made. She also had significant issues with my children’s therapist, and ultimately that therapist was removed from my team. I felt that an important professional who knew my children and our family history was lost at a critical point in the case. My interactions with Ms. Kice also became increasingly difficult. There were occasions when she raised her voice at me, spoke to me in a way I experienced as hostile and demeaning, and seemed personally frustrated with me rather than focused on representing me. I often felt judged rather than advised. At times, the relationship felt adversarial—as though I was fighting with my own attorney while already trying to navigate an extraordinarily difficult custody case. Most significantly, I felt pressured into agreeing to custody arrangements and decisions involving the GAL without fully understanding or believing that my interests had been adequately protected. The consequences for my family were enormous, including losing custody of my children for a period of time. I understand that no attorney can guarantee the outcome of a custody case, and I am not suggesting that one lawyer controls every decision made by a court. I can only speak to my experience: I did not feel adequately advocated for, I did not feel my concerns were taken seriously, and I did not feel that all reasonable options were explored before decisions with profound consequences for my children and me were made. In a high-conflict custody matter, you need an attorney you trust to remain professional, investigate carefully, communicate clearly, and advocate for you even when the case becomes difficult. Unfortunately, that was not my experience with Ms. Kice.

She started out good. Then I’m not sure what happened. At one point she said “well I can’t change the judge’s mind”, when she failed to speak up on my behalf. She would show up late to hearings, unprepared and looked like she had just rolled out of bed. One hearing was on her phone and she couldn’t p...lay evidence in court because “her laptop was dead”. Then to top it off she went on vacation and when I emailed her, she responded with “this could have waited”. I’m sorry, I work too but don’t blame my clients for emailing when I’m the one that shouldn’t have checked my emails? Incredibly unprofessional. She chose my GAL and a bunch of other stuff WITHOUT my approval. She signed off on a journal entry that was WRONG without my approval. Do NOT hire this woman. She will nickel and dime every email and communication, will let you down and will leave you asking yourself what the hell you were thinking. She’s not someone I’d ever want in anyone’s corner. You’re better off pro se, that’s saying something.

Would not file any motions even when opposing side was repeating defying judges orders. Kept bringing up getting GAL involved but nothing got done. Had me go to mediation without even having discovery documents from opposing side. Wasted 6 hours in mediation for nothing. I had to pay her hourly rate ...during this time as well at the mediator fee. Told me I needed to go to therapy when I asked for help with getting opposing side to stop closing financial accounts, make last minute changes to daily schedules for the children, show up unannounced to residence. Best decision I made was finding new counsel.

Stephanie lacks professionalism, she doesn’t return calls. Said the day of court, “I’m really not feeling like court today, I plan on asking for a continuance.” She is extremely accusatory and judgmental. Fees were inflated, she did absolutely nothing. I would not recommend her she will not work fo...r you.