I have a family member in need of someone who does family law, specifically custody stuff....anyone with a recommendation, I'd appreciate it.
(Little Rock area)
Ahh jeez hate to hear it. Having been involved in one in the 80's it's just terrible even when it goes well. Best wishes for your family and the little ones involved.
Quote from: Texzilla on Jan 23, 2026, 04:57 PMAhh jeez hate to hear it. Having been involved in one in the 80's it's just terrible even when it goes well. Best wishes for your family and the little ones involved.
Thanks man. It's tough finding one to take a case...
Hoping for the best for your family, and that child, Rev.
A couple of years ago my cousin, a single mother, passed away from cancer way too young, and left a son. His donor-father was just over in White county, yet only tried to make contact with her and the child once during his life. He was 10 at the time she finally passed, and he watched her take her final breath flat on her face when she collapsed in the kitchen.
We all went to court in Benton and I lost. I still have $4k for him from social security that they paid me while he was under our care. I'm gonna surprise him with it when he's older.
Good luck brother.
Quote from: TC on Jan 24, 2026, 02:32 AMHoping for the best for your family, and that child, Rev.
A couple of years ago my cousin, a single mother, passed away from cancer way too young, and left a son. His donor-father was just over in White county, yet only tried to make contact with her and the child once during his life. He was 10 at the time she finally passed, and he watched her take her final breath flat on her face when she collapsed in the kitchen.
We all went to court in Benton and I lost. I still have $4k for him from social security that they paid me while he was under our care. I'm gonna surprise him with it when he's older.
Good luck brother.
This is my nephew's kid. She's 13 and in a really unstable and dangerous home situation with her mother. The mom has a couple other kids and she uses the oldest as a daycare, even keeping her out of school, causing her to miss enough days to cause her to be held back a year.
We are going to try to rectify this.
Rev that's awful for your nephew's kid. Documentation is critical of CPS and the schools so hopefully they have been involved.
Keeping kids out of school like that might be the legal wedge you need. What she is doing is criminal so those are the things that help a case. You need hard evidence so you might need a private detective.
In the case I was involved in the situation was in a small town in Tennessee. The father was a dope dealer but played high school football with half the sheriffs and headed the local coon hunting club with the local judges.
We had to hire a PI to get the real dirt which was hard and expensive in a little town but they got it. Just before the court date, her attorney subpoenaed damn near half the county. In 24 hours he dropped his lawsuit and agreed to the mother's countersuit of total full custody and limited supervised visitation.
Every court is different. Hope y'all find the kind of aggressive attorney you need to get this fixed.
Quote from: Texzilla on Jan 25, 2026, 09:09 AMRev that's awful for your nephew's kid. Documentation is critical of CPS and the schools so hopefully they have been involved.
Keeping kids out of school like that might be the legal wedge you need. What she is doing is criminal so those are the things that help a case. You need hard evidence so you might need a private detective.
In the case I was involved in the situation was in a small town in Tennessee. The father was a dope dealer but played high school football with half the sheriffs and headed the local coon hunting club with the local judges.
We had to hire a PI to get the real dirt which was hard and expensive in a little town but they got it. Just before the court date, her attorney subpoenaed damn near half the county. In 24 hours he dropped his lawsuit and agreed to the mother's countersuit of total full custody and limited supervised visitation.
Every court is different. Hope y'all find the kind of aggressive attorney you need to get this fixed.
We are collecting evidence at a good clip. The daughter has sent a video of the mom and stepdad "snorting some sort of powder up their noses." That should help.
The mom was in hot springs gambling and drinking on Monday and left the daughter at home to babysit her siblings, and as a result The daughter tried to hurt herself by ingesting an entire bottle of Benadryl and is currently in a facility.
She is made to order door dash every day for her and her siblings, the house is a garbage pile of filth. Screen shots of text exchanges between the girl and the mom are unbelievable. I wouldn't even talk to HTL like that. The step dad is a fairly prominent doctor, who I suspect will not want this all to come out in court.
I warned my nephew about sticking his dick in crazy, but he was 19 and she was a smoke show. He has since learned his lesson.
Sorry to hear about the kids' situation, Rev.
Hope you can get everything worked out.
Quote from: The Reverend SnoopHogg on Jan 25, 2026, 09:57 AMWe are collecting evidence at a good clip. The daughter has sent a video of the mom and stepdad "snorting some sort of powder up their noses." That should help.
The mom was in hot springs gambling and drinking on Monday and left the daughter at home to babysit her siblings, and as a result The daughter tried to hurt herself by ingesting an entire bottle of Benadryl and is currently in a facility.
She is made to order door dash every day for her and her siblings, the house is a garbage pile of filth. Screen shots of text exchanges between the girl and the mom are unbelievable. I wouldn't even talk to HTL like that. The step dad is a fairly prominent doctor, who I suspect will not want this all to come out in court.
I warned my nephew about sticking his dick in crazy, but he was 19 and she was a smoke show. He has since learned his lesson.
That's terrible she is coping thru self harm and hopefully they can get an emergency ruling to keep her from having to go back home.
Is CPS involved yet? Hopefully the other two kids are removed from the home as well. I'm praying the kids are made safe, the mom put in jail, the stepdad loses his license.
Quote from: Texzilla on Jan 25, 2026, 10:34 AMThat's terrible she is coping thru self harm and hopefully they can get an emergency ruling to keep her from having to go back home.
Is CPS involved yet? Hopefully the other two kids are removed from the home as well. I'm praying the kids are made safe, the mom put in jail, the stepdad loses his license.
Working on all of the above.
It's a mess.
Quote from: cchog on Jan 25, 2026, 10:22 AMSorry to hear about the kids' situation, Rev.
Hope you can get everything worked out.
I'll spend everything I have to help him get custody.
I'm in Texas and can't give specific recommendations but I went through hell and ended up with full custody of both my boys from ages 7 and 12 to now 16 and 21.
Long story short is the route in our case was my VERY good family law attorney (who also represents Charlotte Jones) made sure right off the bat we got an amicus attorney appointed, who in turn appointed a counselor.
These people were advocates solely for the kids, not for either parent (officially an arm of the court). They genuinely cared about my sons and their well being. Any ill will I had towards attorneys was gone because of the quality person that this woman was. Saint.
The system is designed to give a parent, even if mentally ill or abusing substances, every chance.
In my case the final decree gave her every chance to get shared custody with standard visitation but the counselor could pull the plug in the case she didn't comply with the requirements of our decree including continuing counseling, visits with a psychologist, and being appropriate in her interactions with the kids. That, in the end, was way too much so it ended.
It's nobody's business but the reason this is here instead of the DMs is that in almost every case I know of with a bad outcome they didn't request an amicus. Some attorneys will refuse it or fight it with the judge as they realize it will impact their case. But it's critical in a situation like that you get court appointed amicus and counselors up front.
Everyone should know this, in case one way they need that info.
Feel free to DM me.
Great advice. And I will also say that the courts give the parent, no matter how screwed up they are, every chance to get or keep custody. My ex wife was a raging alcoholic and I think hooked on prescription drugs. I knew I wouldn't be able to get custody because she could straighten up enough to make anyone believe she was Mother Mary. I lucked out and she finally just abandoned my daughters and they moved on with us. She finally (literally) drank herself to death. My daughters turned out great and both have families now and tell us how we showed them how life and family could be. Good luck, Rev. I hope you get it solved.
Quote from: AporkalypseNow on Jan 25, 2026, 03:38 PMI'm in Texas and can't give specific recommendations but I went through hell and ended up with full custody of both my boys from ages 7 and 12 to now 16 and 21.
Long story short is the route in our case was my VERY good family law attorney (who also represents Charlotte Jones) made sure right off the bat we got an amicus attorney appointed, who in turn appointed a counselor.
These people were advocates solely for the kids, not for either parent (officially an arm of the court). They genuinely cared about my sons and their well being. Any ill will I had towards attorneys was gone because of the quality person that this woman was. Saint.
The system is designed to give a parent, even if mentally ill or abusing substances, every chance.
In my case the final decree gave her every chance to get shared custody with standard visitation but the counselor could pull the plug in the case she didn't comply with the requirements of our decree including continuing counseling, visits with a psychologist, and being appropriate in her interactions with the kids. That, in the end, was way too much so it ended.
It's nobody's business but the reason this is here instead of the DMs is that in almost every case I know of with a bad outcome they didn't request an amicus. Some attorneys will refuse it or fight it with the judge as they realize it will impact their case. But it's critical in a situation like that you get court appointed amicus and counselors up front.
Everyone should know this, in case one way they need that info.
Feel free to DM me.
Thank you for this.. any and all info is welcome.
I know it will be tough getting custody for the mom, but the child is 13 and I think at 14 can legally choose. She's been mentally abused and basically has Stockholm syndrome.
On the rare occasion she gets to visit us, she only wants to eat and hug everybody, she's starved for affection and positive reinforcement.
Quote from: Son of Spam on Jan 25, 2026, 03:46 PMGreat advice. And I will also say that the courts give the parent, no matter how screwed up they are, every chance to get or keep custody. My ex wife was a raging alcoholic and I think hooked on prescription drugs. I knew I wouldn't be able to get custody because she could straighten up enough to make anyone believe she was Mother Mary. I lucked out and she finally just abandoned my daughters and they moved on with us. She finally (literally) drank herself to death. My daughters turned out great and both have families now and tell us how we showed them how life and family could be. Good luck, Rev. I hope you get it solved.
Thanks T. I'm gonna do whatever I can.
Quote from: The Reverend SnoopHogg on Jan 25, 2026, 09:57 AMThe step dad is a fairly prominent doctor, who I suspect will not want this all to come out in court.
It would be a shame if his name got leaked into some DMs
Quote from: The Reverend SnoopHogg on Jan 25, 2026, 04:56 PMThank you for this.. any and all info is welcome.
I know it will be tough getting custody for the mom, but the child is 13 and I think at 14 can legally choose. She's been mentally abused and basically has Stockholm syndrome.
On the rare occasion she gets to visit us, she only wants to eat and hug everybody, she's starved for affection and positive reinforcement.
Agree totally with Apork. I remember his case and it was a gut punch knowing the challenges he went thru. The amicus role is important in Texas because parental rights here are considered sacred over all but the most dire issues for children. I don't know what the process is in Arkansas but often if CPS gets involved they will initiate the amicus process regardless of the situation with the parents.
Unfortunately in most cases both attorneys will fight the concept because it will likely impact their billings for a long drawn out case. I have a friend in Oklahoma who filed for divorce when his daughter was 9 and it never finalized until she turned 18, mainly due to attorney hijinks.
Good luck Rev.
The role Apork calls an amicus is called a guardian ad litem in Missouri. Not sure what it is in Arkansas, but just be aware it might have a different name.
Quote from: Show-Me Hog on Jan 25, 2026, 05:59 PMThe role Apork calls an amicus is called a guardian ad litem in Missouri. Not sure what it is in Arkansas, but just be aware it might have a different name.
Ad litem in Arkansas
There is an Amicus and there can be an Ad Litem. And you can use either one in Arkansas or Texas.
The difference is that an Amicus makes a recommendation based on his conclusions regarding the child's best interests. He is not the attorney for the child/children. He is officially neutral.
An ad litem is literally the attorney for the child/children and is required and bound to advocate for their wishes.
They are similar roles but with subtle differences. Amicus is preferred more nowadays because of their greater independence and flexibility.
Both are useful and contrary to assertions here most attorneys love to get them involved. The principle objections are that sometimes they are slow and costly. In some of the smaller jurisdictions there may be only one or two attorneys doing that sort of stuff and they are apt to be busy. Not a problem in a place like DFW but it can be in smaller places. Clients also sometimes object when they have to pay the amicus $5k or more in addition to whatever they are paying their own attorney...particularly if they don't like the recommendation. And, of course, some judges don't like them and won't appoint them.
By the way decades ago the best ad litem/amicus in Little Rock was...
One Hillary Rodham Clinton of Rose Law Firm
Anyone know of a medical malpractice attorney?
I'd like some guidance
Quote from: Silence Of The Hams on Jan 25, 2026, 09:28 PMAnyone know of a medical malpractice attorney?
I'd like some guidance
From a plaintiff or from a defendant standpoint?
I would recommend Monica Mason in North Little Rock.
Quote from: FNG on Jan 26, 2026, 08:10 AMFrom a plaintiff or from a defendant standpoint?
[/quote
Quote from: FNG on Jan 26, 2026, 08:10 AMFrom a plaintiff or from a defendant standpoint?
A plaintiff I should mention I'm in NWA
Of course, Sam Hilburn is dead, but his firm lives on. They have a very good reputation in family law matters. Might consider someone there.
I have some feelers out. Will get you a couple of names soon.
Gary Rogers is still practicing. He's excellent.
For many years, the plaintiff's lawyer that most defense lawyers considered the best in the state for medical malpractice was Bobby McDaniel's firm in Jonesboro. He handled cases all over the state.
I know Jeff Fletcher at Kutak Rock in Fayetteville is very good, but he is mainly a defense lawyer.
Rev, a friend in LR who I trust has recommended the Tripcony law firm.
Quote from: jdcatty on Jan 30, 2026, 11:17 AMRev, a friend in LR who I trust has recommended the Tripcony law firm.
Thank you sir.
Update: counsel was obtained, and she's apparently good at what she does.
Emergency custody was handed to my nephew with the cops going to ensure the peaceful handover Monday evening. It's going to be interesting, the emergency hearing is next Wednesday, and we have everyone from teachers to medical professionals to parents of the child's friends set to testify.
The interviews with the child (and subsequent other children) may cause her to lose custody of all her kids.
It's hard for me to believe there are people like that, still allowed to breed, running loose in the world.
I just spent a while reading all the court documents and seeing all the texts from the child, screen shots of things the mom said to the 13 y/o kid... just fucking wow.
Quote from: The Reverend SnoopHogg on Feb 04, 2026, 05:37 PMUpdate: counsel was obtained, and she's apparently good at what she does.
Emergency custody was handed to my nephew with the cops going to ensure the peaceful handover Monday evening. It's going to be interesting, the emergency hearing is next Wednesday, and we have everyone from teachers to medical professionals to parents of the child's friends set to testify.
The interviews with the child (and subsequent other children) may cause her to lose custody of all her kids.
It's hard for me to believe there are people like that, still allowed to breed, running loose in the world.
I just spent a while reading all the court documents and seeing all the texts from the child, screen shots of things the mom said to the 13 y/o kid... just fucking wow.
Good news. I hope things work out best for the children. And, yes, there are more people out there like that than you can imagine. Also, there was a guy that used to post on here as Rooster Hogburn that I think works for DHS. I am friends with him on the Facepages and if you want his name, DM me.
Quote from: The Reverend SnoopHogg on Feb 04, 2026, 05:37 PMIt's hard for me to believe there are people like that, still allowed to breed, running loose in the world.
A cousin's husband had to go through something like this with his first wife and his kids several years ago in Mississippi. By the end of the day it turned out the wife was doing drugs with the judge and sheriff. A P.I. was brought in and one of the kids stole all her pill bottles and buried them in the back yard for evidence.
Quote from: Son of Spam on Feb 04, 2026, 05:44 PMGood news. I hope things work out best for the children. And, yes, there are more people out there like that than you can imagine. Also, there was a guy that used to post on here as Rooster Hogburn that I think works for DHS. I am friends with him on the Facepages and if you want his name, DM me.
Thank you sir.👍👍
Quote from: buff2.0 on Feb 04, 2026, 07:01 PMA cousin's husband had to go through something like this with his first wife and his kids several years ago in Mississippi. By the end of the day it turned out the wife was doing drugs with the judge and sheriff. A P.I. was brought in and one of the kids stole all her pill bottles and buried them in the back yard for evidence.
If she's drugging with the judge and sheriff, no doubt they're fucking her silly. Were they exposed? That kind of shit in Mississippi can get you fed to the hogs.
Quote from: AporkalypseNow on Jan 25, 2026, 09:05 PMBy the way decades ago the best ad litem/amicus in Little Rock was...
One Hillary Rodham Clinton of Rose Law Firm
The Rose firm never took that kind of low paying work to my knowledge. And Hillary was a bitch.
Quote from: jdcatty on Feb 04, 2026, 10:10 PMThe Rose firm never took that kind of low paying work to my knowledge. And Hillary is a bitch.
Fify
Resolution has been reached.
This lawyer lady is a beast at what she does.
The mom signed over ALL rights to the child. I think this is over.
CPS still going after her(the Mom) for the remaining children.
Quote from: The Reverend SnoopHogg on Feb 08, 2026, 05:23 PMResolution has been reached.
This lawyer lady is a beast at what she does.
The mom signed over ALL rights to the child. I think this is over.
CPS still going after her(the Mom) for the remaining children.
Congrats! Glad you found a bulldog to do the job.
Quote from: The Reverend SnoopHogg on Feb 08, 2026, 05:23 PMResolution has been reached.
This lawyer lady is a beast at what she does.
The mom signed over ALL rights to the child. I think this is over.
CPS still going after her(the Mom) for the remaining children.
Great news but as long as that child is under 18 the mom can make trouble. It takes constant vigilance.
Quote from: Texzilla on Feb 11, 2026, 07:26 AMGreat news but as long as that child is under 18 the mom can make trouble. It takes constant vigilance.
True.
I think she's almost old enough now to decide where she lives...I think at 14 they can do that, so we will see.
It's been amazing to see this kid in a stable environment for week. She's eating like a normal kid, sleeping like a normal kid...it's a beautiful thing.
Something to think about is if something happens to the father then the kid might go back to the mom as a default. I know it is Arkansas so maybe it is different.
My daughter went through something similar but different with her now ex deadbeat husband. In Texas a judge "usually" wont terminate parental rights. My duaghter's attorney said they don't like settig up a situation where a child might become a ward of the state/orphaned. That applies even if one parent wants to terminate.
The issue I mentioned above is even though our daughter and Hazel live with us, she has full custody and he has a protective order against him and no parental visitation rights, if something happens to Abbie then Hazel would go back to him. My wife and I would have to spend a lot of money fighting it in court and there is no certain outcome that would go in our or Hazel's favor.
Just might be something to ask the attorney.
Quote from: BleedinRed on Feb 11, 2026, 12:37 PMSomething to think about is if something happens to the father then the kid might go back to the mom as a default. I know it is Arkansas so maybe it is different.
My daughter went through something similar but different with her now ex deadbeat husband. In Texas a judge "usually" wont terminate parental rights. My duaghter's attorney said they don't like settig up a situation where a child might become a ward of the state/orphaned. That applies even if one parent wants to terminate.
The issue I mentioned above is even though our daughter and Hazel live with us, she has full custody and he has a protective order against him and no parental visitation rights, if something happens to Abbie then Hazel would go back to him. My wife and I would have to spend a lot of money fighting it in court and there is no certain outcome that would go in our or Hazel's favor.
Just might be something to ask the attorney.
The whole "what if" game can drive you up the wall. I know it's real, and we accept it as such, planning accordingly, but don't live "afraid" if that makes any sense...
Quote from: The Reverend SnoopHogg on Feb 11, 2026, 06:40 PMThe whole "what if" game can drive you up the wall. I know it's real, and we accept it as such, planning accordingly, but don't live "afraid" if that makes any sense...
True. Don't solve problems that haven't happened. If or when they happen, then you act.
If you can plan then you should. That's all I was pointing out.
Quote from: BleedinRed on Feb 11, 2026, 07:08 PMIf you can plan then you should. That's all I was pointing out.
We are, and thank you for the advice. It's a shitshow for sure, and terrible to even have to think like that, but you are right. It's reality.
I know the situation isn't fully complete but sounds like you have a good one on your side. I hate that kids are in bad situations and in the end, that's all that matters is the kid(s).
Quote from: Hognrock on Feb 11, 2026, 09:01 PMI know the situation isn't fully complete but sounds like you have a good one on your side. I hate that kids are in bad situations and in the end, that's all that matters is the kid(s).
My heart breaks for her other 3 kids who are stuck with her crazy self..CPS is on her ass though.