950 22nd Street North Suite 773
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Office: 205 335-3895
Cell: 205 777-8728
PRACTICE AREAS
My practice is built on the principle that effective legal counsel comes from deep, focused experience. I have deliberately concentrated my work in key areas where I can provide the highest level of strategic guidance and judgment. Whether a matter involves family transition, business decisions, or municipal process, the goal remains the same: to provide you with clear, practical advice that considers both the legal complexities and the real-world outcomes that matter most to you.
This approach ensures that each practice area listed below is supported by years of hands-on experience in counties and cities throughout Alabama, allowing me to anticipate challenges and navigate systems with a perspective rooted in procedural reality, not just legal theory.
practice area/family
Family Law
📋 Service identification
Legal guidance in divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and paternity. Also mediation and marital agreements.
👥 Who this is for
Married or unmarried parents, adoptive families, domestic partners, and individuals navigating separation or realignment of family structures.
⚖️ Included representation
Court representation, negotiation, collaborative law, document drafting (parenting plans, settlements), and post-decree modifications.
🎯 Why experience matters
Family matters involve high emotion and long-term impact. Familiarity with local judiciary, child welfare experts, and nuanced statutes ensures stable outcomes.
Family Law FAQ
How long does a divorce take in Birmingham?
Uncontested with minor children: 90–120 days from filing (30‑day waiting period plus court docket). Contested: 6–18 months depending on discovery and mediation. Jefferson County currently schedules final hearings 4–6 months after mediation is completed.
Birmingham vs. Bessemer Cutoff – what’s the difference?
Bessemer Cutoff handles cases with addresses in western Jefferson County (35020‑23, 35214, etc.). Birmingham division serves the rest. Filing location affects courthouse, judge assignment, and some local procedures.
How is child support actually calculated?
Alabama uses the Income Shares Model. Both parents’ gross incomes, health insurance costs, and work‑related childcare are entered into the state guidelines. The court may deviate based on overnights (typically 132+ nights) or other factors.
Is mediation required if we disagree on custody?
Yes. Jefferson County requires mediation before a contested final hearing in any case involving custody or parenting time. We attend mediation with you and prepare you for the process.
Can I modify custody if my ex wants to move?
Yes. Relocation within Alabama or out‑of‑state may constitute a material change. Birmingham courts apply the Alabama relocation statute (§ 30-3-160 et seq.). We can file a petition to modify.
Do you offer flat fees for simple divorces?
Yes, for straightforward, no‑asset, no‑minor‑child cases where both parties agree. The flat fee is disclosed during intake. All other family law matters are hourly with a retainer.
practice area/business
Business Formation & Litigation
📋 Service identification
Entity selection (LLC, corp, partnership), registration, operating agreements, and dispute resolution including shareholder suits and contract litigation.
👥 Who this is for
Startups, established small to mid-sized businesses, joint ventures, and entrepreneurs seeking structural counsel or defense in commercial disputes.
⚖️ Included representation
Drafting formation documents, bylaws, buy-sell provisions; pre-litigation negotiation, court representation in business torts, and enforcement of partnership rights.
🎯 Why experience matters
Business disputes can threaten viability. Experienced counsel anticipates tax implications, liability shields, and judicial tendencies in commercial chambers.
Business formation & litigation FAQ
LLC or corporation – which suits a small business?
LLCs offer flexibility and pass‑through taxation; corporations may be better if seeking venture capital or public investment.
What if a partner is breaching a fiduciary duty?
Litigation may include injunction, accounting, and damages; many operating agreements require arbitration first.
practice area/contracts
Contract Formation / Review
📋 Service identification
Drafting, redlining, and analysis of commercial agreements, employment contracts, vendor terms, NDAs, and service-level agreements.
👥 Who this is for
Businesses entering new partnerships, independent contractors, startups, and any party seeking to clarify rights or limit liability before signing.
⚖️ Included representation
Plain‑language drafting, risk assessment, negotiation support, and final execution review; also termination guidance and breach analysis.
🎯 Why experience matters
Subtle language determines enforceability. Knowledge of industry standards and recent case law prevents unintended obligations and litigation.
Contract formation & litigation FAQ
When is a handshake deal enforceable?
Oral contracts can be binding but difficult to prove. Certain agreements (real estate, long‑term) must be written under the statute of frauds.
What's the difference between review and drafting?
Review analyses obligations in an existing draft; drafting builds a contract from scratch tailored to your position.
practice area/municipal
Municipal Law
📋 Service identification
Counsel for local government entities: zoning, land use, ordinances, open meeting compliance, procurement, and intergovernmental agreements.
👥 Who this is for
Towns, cities, counties, planning boards, municipal utilities, and developers interacting with public agencies.
⚖️ Included representation
Drafting local laws, representing boards in administrative hearings, litigation defense (civil rights, land use), and guidance on public records.
🎯 Why experience matters
Municipal law is highly procedural and politicized. Deep familiarity with state statutes, Sunshine Laws, and judicial deference to local decisions is essential.
Municipal Law FAQ
What is “home rule” authority?
It allows municipalities to govern local affairs independently, as long as actions don't conflict with general state laws.
Can a zoning decision be challenged?
Yes, typically through certiorari or administrative appeal; time limits are strict (often 30 days).
950 22nd Street North
Suite 773
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
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