London S Ballard

After having had unpleasant consults with other lawyers who couldn't seem to wrap their heads around the idea that two women might be married and getting a divorce, it was important to me to find a lawyer who understood the queer community and London was that lawyer. She handled my divorce case and w...as indispensable in helping me get my kids back after my ex absconded with them and filed a baseless restraining order to prevent me from seeing them for more than a few hours a month under close supervision. She skillfully litigated the restraining order matter, even getting my ex to testify that she had no actual concerns about me that would warrant the order's restrictions. We were able to get a 50/50 parenting plan agreed to within a couple days of a judge dismissing the entire restraining order. As my ex continued to throw up roadblocks to avoid the even split we'd talked about, London was able to handle all of them and her priority was always ensuring equity and the wellbeing of my kids rather than resorting to petty tactics or advising that we respond to my ex's roadblocks with escalation. We were able to settle and avoid going to trial, but I know that if we had ended up going to trial, I would have been in good hands.

London Ballard handled my divorce case in 2023-24. Mine was a complex case that involved a child custody and cross border (US-Canada) parenting plan issues and London and her team dealt very deftly with the case. They showed great professionalism and knowledge of the legal process in protecting my i...nterests as they navigated through the legalities and administrative niceties of the case and brought it to a closure.

I began working with London at their previous firm and decided to follow them. My situation was rather difficult as my case became a cross State, I'm in Washington and I had to move my case to Multnomah County, Oregon. I had an estranged relationship with my 2 children. Limited time, no phone calls ...or overnights. It was my dream to have more time with them. London became that person I could confide in and helped me learn the justice system. It wasn't easy, many challenges ahead. London learned my background and got to know all parties involved. It took some time to get what I had hoped for. No relationship will ever be perfect. But London helped some of the gap. My kids and I are in a better place today. London also understood my kids language and that made a huge difference. London helped me learn. I strongly recommend London. Just remembering what we went through and feelings of giving up. London reminded me there is hope at the end. Thank you London, I'm forever grateful.

Divorce has been the most difficult and painful experience of my life. London was a light through all of the transition. She listened, navigated, negotiated with integrity and care. Her expertise and clarity supported the choices I needed to make as I was in repair of a transitioning life. Prior t...o meeting London I did not feel safe, knowledgeable, or supported in the judiciary system . I was scared. The thoughts of not being able to protect my 7 year old daughter kept me up at night. The anxiety was impacting every aspect of my life. London is a person who can hear your concern and directly address it. Her responses were immediate and thoughtful as I felt she respected the urgency of what I was moving through. London and her team know multiple ways of moving through a situation. I appreciated her honesty, understanding, and offering of choices. London advocated for a plan that worked for everyone. Her advocacy has given my family a sense of restoration, reciprocity, and hope.

I had a trial in less than a month, that I hoped I could do solo. I soon realized I needed additional help with Oregon case law. London came extremely highly recommended and now I know why. She took me on weeks before trial and scrambled to get caught up. Drafted and prepped the trial memo, helped pr...ep all the exhibits and my testimony. Without her, I don't know if I would have won. Thankfully, the trial memo was so detail oriented with case law, I was able to get full custody of all three kids and move them. Thank you London for everything!