Michelle Lorene Stowell

Most negative reviews come from clients who lost their case. This is not one of those situations. My experience with Ms. Stowell was extremely disappointing, discouraging, and cost me more than just money, it cost me more quality time with my family. My case was being handled by another attorney at... Ms. Stowell’s firm until that attorney left and I was transferred to Ms. Stowell. The switch was made with assurances that we would “pick right up where we left off”. This was not the case at all. I spent approximately 18 months under her representation with little to no substantive progress made on my case. Communication became minimal, and it often felt like there was limited familiarity with the history or details of my matter, and when referenced I was challenged about that approach. Over the 18 months I never met Ms. Stowell directly or even had a Zoom meeting (despite my offers to meet in both formats), and we directly chatted on the phone approximately a total of one hour. I was repeatedly asked to resubmit information that had already been provided, and key issues, especially regarding custody,were never meaningfully advanced despite repeated discussions. This was not a minor issue. The lack of action on custody resulted in roughly two years of delay in securing an updated agreement that ultimately proved to be in the best interest of my children and myself. I was also encouraged to consider a settlement that was not in my best interest and would have increased my financial burden. The settlement outcomes proposed by Ms. Stowell would have also been more “hours intensive” to complete, benefitting her more than myself and family. After 18 months of representation I finally moved on to a new firm and attorney. I had not switched originally prior due the assurances, but after a year and a half with no progress I had zero confidence in Ms. Stowell’s handling of my case. The contrast after switching attorneys was immediate. Within weeks, my new counsel moved the case forward, filed necessary updates, secured mediation and court dates, and ultimately achieved a significantly more favorable outcome. The financial settlement was dramatically better, more than double prior proposed outcomes. At my new firm the work required to resolve the case was completed for nearly half the cost I had incurred under Ms. Stowell’s representation. It was a night and day difference in every aspect. After my case was finalized, I took the time to carefully review my representation by Ms. Stowell. My priority after transitioning from her representation was seeing the divorce through to completion with new counsel, not raising disputes mid-process with former counsel that could have diverted time and energy away from reaching resolution. Throughout this process, my focus remained on achieving the best possible outcome for my family, the divorce needed to be completed first before raising concerns with Ms. Stowell. I reached out to the firm in good faith to address these concerns directly. Their response focused solely on a 10-day billing dispute window and did not address the substance of the issues raised, including lack of progress, missed actions, and overall representation. I would encourage anyone considering Ms. Stowell to look closely at the substance and timing of her direct positive reviews and cross-reference them across the different attorney review formats. In my experience, many are either dated, clustered, very general, and do not reflect the level of detail or outcomes that matter in a case like this. For an issue as significant as divorce (and given the experience I was told Ms. Stowell had) the pattern of limited, non-specific feedback raises questions. The difference in approach, urgency, cost, and results between this firm and my new counsel was not subtle. It was decisive, meaningful, and reaffirming that I was putting in solid effort to help my case come to a conclusion. I strongly do not recommend Ms. Stowell. 0/5

Michelle was the right person at the right time for me for legal services in Family Law! Michelle was both highly effective in court and out of court. Extremely professional, trustworthy, knowledgeable, experienced, and caring. I could not have asked for more from a Family Law attorney to re...present me!!

The custody process even when it should be cut and dry, never is, and is scary. There is SO much on the line. My ex had criminal and drug problems but can work the system and has no prison record. The mediator wanted to give my lil guy to this druggie half time when he'd never raised him. My baby... had never been without me, or my parents, or out of my reach, and suddenly I might have to let him go hours away to someone he didn't know. I was terrified and angry. This man had done so much damage to our lives I couldn't let him ruin this perfect being I had grown and almost died birthing. To top it off, my son is globally delayed and diagnosed with MR. So if something happened to him, my son couldn't tell me or anyone. Michelle was recommended to me and was an amazing advocate for my son and I. She is not only a great attorney, she specializes in cases with special needs children. I couldn't have asked for someone more understanding of my situation or better fitted to represent my son and what was best for him. I truly felt that she handled the paperwork for me, but represented my son, and spoke for him in a time of panic for me. She made the court see him, and not just a name on a docket. Through every step she was strong and committed and fought with grace and integrity, no name calling or even stooping when the other side tried. Michelle truly rose above and came to our aid at a time I as a mother, wasn't able to fight, but instead protected my son by letting her do what she is great at. There was nothing I couldn't tell her and she made me feel listened to and like my son was her priority and not just another case or check. Thank you Michelle!

I was one of those women who thought they couldn’t afford or need an attorney for my child custody conflict. The process of changing custody orders and adjusting child support was one of the most overwhelming situations I have ever faced. After stumbling through the initial process and making several... mistakes, Michelle Stowell was referred to me by a very trusted colleague. She immediately made me feel empowered and assured. Her professional expertise and compassion were very comforting throughout the entire process and led to a successful outcome for me and my daughters. Thankfully, when I realized I needed an attorney, I chose her! If I could go back in time the only thing I would change is to hire Michelle from the very beginning of my divorce process. I highly recommend Michelle Stowell for anyone battling for their family rights. She was my lifer-saver in a treacherous sea of uncharted waters.

Divorce is usually one of the worse times in a person's life. It definitely was for me, but Michelle really helped me get through the legalities of going on with my life. She kept me out of the drama that the other attorney and my ex were creating while keeping me well informed of what I needed to ...know. She was my second attorney and literally things calmed down as soon as she took my case over. I got a very fair settlement that I would not have gotten without her expertise. She knows how to fly under the radar to get the best for her client. She also was VERY conscientious of being efficient with my money and her fees. It was obvious she takes pride in her work and not just charging as much as she can. I would absolutely recommend her and already have.