Andrea Merrell Caster

When I met Andrea, she was so different than any other lawyer I had spoken to over the years. She was patient, kind, considerate, DV and trauma-informed, and did not make me feel stupid for not knowing something or for the decisions I made in my past relationship. I instantly knew that I wanted to wo...rk with her after our first consultation. I hired her that same week. Throughout the year we worked together, Andrea helped prepare me for the court process, hearings, and trial. She would assure me that I was going to do fine, answered my numerous questions, and walked me through the process each time. Working with Andrea helped me regain the courage to advocate for myself and my child: something I had not experienced since I filed for custody years ago. Andrea was always willing to work on things that were important to me and for the best interest of my child. In our trial briefs, she used DV research, and she highlighted evidence and issues that I felt were important to my case. It always felt like a collaborative exercise, and it made me feel like I had some agency through the court process. In court, Andrea was a constant support and advocate. She engaged me in every issue, explained and discussed what she thought would be best options moving forward. I always felt as though I had a say in what was going on. Court and trial were difficult and terrifying, but Andrea helped me take things one step at a time and get through the hardest thing I have ever done: face my abuser openly and honestly in trial and do everything in my power to obtain full custody of my child. She fought hard for me during a 5-day trial. I gave over 14 hours of testimony and Andrea was there supporting and uplifting me the whole way. I was so anxious and felt like it was impossible, but Andrea took the time to walk through my questions and concerns each time. She always supported me and did not belittle me for the choices I made as someone who survived an abusive relationship. Instead, she asked questions and discussed details and shared resources and research that supported my reality as someone who survived DV and was trying to obtain orders that helped protect me and my child moving forward. I feel like she did everything she could to support me in this complicated process. I honestly do not think I would have been able to do it without her. In the end, I got sole custody of my son and the judge adopted almost all of the schedule we had requested to the court. Throughout the process, Andrea’s kindness, dedication to her work for DV survivors, and her understanding and care for her clients and the children involved makes her an absolutely amazing and one-of-a-kind lawyer (and human being): one that I never ever imagined existed. It has been a hard and long journey, but I thank my Ancestors and Creator for Andrea. Because of her work and dedication to my case, and my family; I am now able to make decisions for the best interest of my son and can move forward with our lives. I would highly recommend Andrea to everyone. She has been a huge blessing to me.

Andrea handled a very complicated case for me that involved domestic violence, a dissolution of domestic partnership, and child custody. She was so compassionate and caring throughout the entire process of getting a restraining order and multiple court appearances. It was a very dark and lonely time ...in my life and having Andrea by my side made a world of difference. I was so scared to walk into the courtroom and see my perpetrator but Andrea always made me feel at ease. She was so knowledgeable and professional with a gentleness that was exactly what I needed at that point of my life. I would highly recommend her (and have) to anyone needing an amazing family law attorney. I felt like I hit the jackpot with her! I find it interesting that some people have left negative reviews but done so anonymously. They obviously did not actually interact with her or they would have also left a glowing review because Andrea is absolutely fantastic!

I couldn't have asked for a better person to take care of my case. Andrea knew what to do and how to do it, no hesitation. I am also a person who bends over backwards and tends to "cave" and Andrea would have me do no such thing. Not only is she an attorney, but she is a counselor on how to handle co...urt and domestic violence situations, in my case, verbal. She saved my life and my son;s life and there will never be a way proper way to repay her. As long as I stay strong, do what the court orders say, and take care of my boy, that will be a start.

Originally I requested her to assist me with a child support case, but I have since requested her help several times since and have always been grateful of her knowledge and cool demeanor. I was very nervous going into the whole ordeal, but she reassured me and kept me informed about each step. I app...reciated the fact that she was personally present when I needed her at court hearings, for concerns that I had, and more... not a representative from a busy firm that didn't know my case. I was able to sit in during an informal meeting with opposing council before we went into court and I was in awe. She had already prepared me prior to the court date for the things that the attorney would say (example: the father would like visitation) and she didn't bat an eye or miss a beat in her responses (he was welcome to file the correct paperwork and we'd comply with the wishes of the court). She told me that he'd probably never pursue it and she was right. Not only did I feel secure through the entire proceedings, but due to Mrs Caster, the outcome of the case was very favorable. I continue to seek her council to this day and if I should ever have to step in the courtroom again, she is the only person I'd want by my side. I highly and enthusiastically recommend her services and remain grateful for the good things she has done for my family.