Magdalena Ann Labranch

I know you aren't suppose to mix the legal system with religion but I THANK GOD EVERYDAY FOR Maggie. I came from a controlling, emotionally, mentally and verbally abusive and manipulating relationship that I didn't know my own rights. I didn't know how to fight for myself. I did however know that I h...ad to find someone who could relay what it was I wanted and that was to have my rights as a mother. I'm not & never was a druggy or abusive/negligent to my children, I was just naive and afraid. My ex and I had a verbal agreement but that means nothing in the court of law. He took me to court to take our children from me 100%. He almost got it if the initial lady did not bring to light a few things; my daughter was only 9 months and son was only 3 and they needed their mother. Thankfully, I had them every day for a few hours and every weekend. That wasn't the end of it. I went through 2 lawyers in 3 years and couldn't get anything changed but that the pick up and drop off that was initially done by me alone. My ex is the type to hand our kids off to his father or his mother, but I couldn't prove. And because it was a he said she said battle and he seemed to always know the right things to say to the judge so nothing changed. He didn't even go to orientation. When I was finally introduced to Maggie, my ex made false claims that someone had abused our daughter during his time but since he never came to pick them up I had them. I did leave both my kids with a trusted friend and their were multiple people in the home to help watch. A restraining order was placed against me for a month so an investigation could be completed. Charges were never made and CPS never contacted me. At this point I had only about 3% custody with my kids. Maggie fought for me to get more time. It went from 3% to about 36% and was able to get my ex to go to orientation. She not only fought for me with custody but child support too. He filed when the accusations were made. I gave birth to my new daughter and was unable to attend court due to the fact that the summons were sent to the wrong address. Since I did not show, child support was in full effect, wage garnishment was enforced. We went to court 2 times and the commissioner was not there. We decided that on the custody side I would take over and she would continue to work with me on the child support. Due to her prepping me & continued support I was able to get 50/50 custody. Time came for child support court and she was able to relay to the judge that the notices were sent to an old address, my time with my children increased a little every few months, I had a new baby and my ex was receiving income from someone to pay all his expenses. From that Maggie was able to get me a reductions for all the time changes and for the next hearing my ex has to show proof that he's been looking for a job, 10 jobs/wk, sign up for 5 different agencies and some are maintained by the county and fill another income and expense declaration. Things have always gotten better with Maggie by my side. I can honestly say that I trust her with my family law issues and having the right person to fight for you is very important. Just think about how important it is involved in their life. From my experience I wouldn't want any of my kids to endure any of it. But to know you have someone to help you stick up for yourself; someone that understands the legal system as well as your rights, I suggest you utilize their knowledge. Maggie is more than knowledgeable, she's understanding, helpful, resourceful, kind and will do what it takes to fight for you. As mentioned above, I thank God for her everyday! She's one of the most important people in my life because my kids lives and safety are that important to me. If this doesn't speak to you, than just try her out & you will see for yourself. Family law is not easy but it's good to know you have someone by your side every step of the way.