Sarah Elizabeth Hovland

I retained Sarah in October of 2017, to deal with a lengthy case that spanned over 8 years. She came highly recommended from my previous attorney who left Family Law. My case included all areas of Sarah's expertise (Family, Child Support and Domestic Violence). It was complicated. It was lengthy (a ...judge mentioned there were over 400 motions over the years). It was contentious. It demanded timely responses. It required a finesse that only Sarah, I am convinced, could navigate so professionally. I was nervous with a new attorney coming in to such a situation. My son is my world, and my ex was savvy and relentless. The stakes were very high. Sarah was able to calm my nerves, speak to me in a way that was clearly understood (despite the law lingo that can feel utterly overwhelming), minimize my emotional reactions with guided and effective responses, and meet me where I was at every step of the way. I knew exactly what I needed to do and when. I knew what to expect (both positive and potential negative). I knew I had a fighter sitting next to me that was there for me, but MOST importantly, for my son. This is who you want at the table with you during the difficult time of divorce. This is who you want at the table during mediation (if offered). This is who you want at the table at trial. Sarah GETS IT. She knows the law inside and out, up and down, front to back. Sarah's knowledge and presence gave me confidence time and time again. She never wavered, nor was rattled, nor thrown off course by sudden filings or unexpected challenges. She is consistent. Thorough. Effective. She fights for her client like nobody I had seen in all the years I had been pulled into legal battle after legal battle with my ex-husband. Sarah brought resolution to my case that was above and beyond what either of us expected. The outcome of the 2 plus years we had together was a gift I could NEVER have envisioned. Sarah was able to convey all that I had experienced over the years to a judge who listened intently and showed respect right back to her. The judge, in turn, put a parenting plan in to place that was nearly exactly what we were seeking. It had strong structure with accountability, safety protections for me and my son, language that reflected the severity of all the abuses, and partial legal fees were even ordered to be paid by the other party. As TOUGH as this time in my life was, I would NEVER have wanted to do it without Sarah. If you are seeking an attorney that will prioritize your family, will respect you as a client, will be honest and straightforward, even when it's hard, will guide you every step of the way, will communicate in a timely manner, and will exhaust all avenues to maintain the best interest of her clients and their family, then hire Sarah. Attorneys like Sarah deserve credit. Family Law is not easy, and she is-hands down-meant for Family Law, and guiding and fighting for those who find themselves within the often chaotic and highly emotional time of separation and divorce.

Sarah was clearly familiar with the process, was thorough in doing her research, was well prepared and prepared us also in our fight to prevent renewal of an order of protection. Her advice and education for us were invaluable. She helped us understand and focus on the purpose of the upcoming hearin...g, allowing us to provide her with effective information. On the day of the hearing, she did more than act as legal counsel. She recognized our distress in waiting for proceedings to begin and appropriately engaged us in conversation, so we entered the hearing more relaxed. During the hearing, Sarah succinctly argued the many facets of our case, including referencing applicable case law. She readily rebutted each point made by our opponent. Ultimately the commissioner found in our favor. She clearly sees her role as more than just a job; her focus was not just the case but on us as her clients. Thank you so very much, Sarah.

Sarah and her firm were consulted for a protection order petition against me. My former roomates have been accusing me of one thing after another for a couple of years. I heard these things third hand but could do nothing about it. I believed they were angry for disposing of their belongings long af...ter they moved out. They would not remove the items themselves. They wanted compensation but could not get it. They eventually accused me of harrassing them and destroying property at their place on days and times I could prove I was working. Although I had proof of my innocense, I was afraid because I did not know my rights. Sarah took all my information from me and helped organize it in a way that helped me communicate and defend my rights. When we went to court, my points were so well defined, even the judge was defending me and correcting my former roomates. I knew I had done nothing wrong except choose the wrong people to try to be friends with. My statements and evidence were so well presented that I could tell I won less than half way through the procedings. Thank you Sarah