Kelly Marie Shaffer

My wife’s children were removed per an emergency order resulting from a baseless claim of child abuse. Despite us having video and audio evidence that contradicted the allegations, Kelly’s advice was to wait 6-8 months for DCS to investigate. She told us that we were not able to fight the allegations... or the removal of custody of the kids. We sought several outside opinions and all were in agreement that our evidence was very strong and that *not* fighting the allegations would imply guilt on our part. Even worse: The day that the kids were taken away, I called and the office to beg them to contact my wife by phone that day as she was very distraught. Blake Binion-Holliday told me (verbatim), “We are not a crisis line. You are entitled to legal advice and you will receive that in writing by the end of the day.” I cannot believe the lack of empathy afforded to a client in the field of family law… In our opinion, Kelly’s office is fine for handling simple run-of-the-mill family cases. But if you have a complex case or one that goes before a judge, you need an attorney that exudes confidence and can get the judge’s attention and make your side of the case heard. Kelly proved utterly incapable of doing so - to the point that we wish we had hired the opposing attorney. Her lack of ability in front of a judge, her obvious inexperience in cases involving false allegations of abuse where DCS has become involved, and her unwillingness to admit that she was in over her head lead us to strongly recommend against representation from her office for all but the simplest of cases.

I hired Kelly for custody representation. I put $5,000 retainer which she blew through in several days and I also paid her hrly, which balance was paid in full, on time, by me. She used all my own work, forms, declarations, with nothing new to add to the table. I caught her "dealing" with opposing co...unsel and didn't want to help me whatsoever. In my opinion, she is only in it for the money and how she can over bill clients. She was dishonest with me and when I questioned her on certain things, she got upset with me and closed herself off. I had to start representing myself, which I absolutely did a spectacular job. Now I have fantastic representation and couldn't be happier Kelly is behind me.

I hired Ms. Shaffer to file and complete an uncontested divorce. There was never a need for court time, just filing the appropriate paperwork. She did not do this correctly and that ended up extending the finalization by 6 months. I did not find her professional and felt she lack attention to deta...il. I would not recommend her or her firm.

Looking back I can honestly say that I made a great decision in working with Kelli Satterly in my Divorce and Child Custody needs. Although the separation was amicable and to the point where I initially considered going through the process without representation, it quickly became quite clear that I... would not have been able to do this on my own. The amount of stress alleviated through the support I received (with quick and knowledgeable answers to my questions) helped me along the way in making better/more informed decisions. Emails and phone calls were quickly responded to and in stressful situations as this, being given that priority makes a world of a difference in being able to put my concerns to rest. I cannot imagine now going through this without her assistance. I am very grateful and would most certainly consider recommending her to my friends and family who may find themselves in need.