Frances is not your typical attorney. She was inspired to become a lawyer by the struggles of her parents and numerous friends for whom the divorce process was especially challenging. Having studied psychology and social science in college, divorce law provided the perfect marriage of her educational experiences with the opportunity to make a personal difference in the lives of others.
Best Divorce Lawyers in Birmingham al
Shane M. Oncale
Divorce Lawyers
The Oncale Firm is led by Shane M. Oncale. Mr.Oncale is a graduate of Cumberland School of Law and has spent more than two decades in the courtroom representing individuals, partnerships and corporations in litigation. While at Cumberland, Mr. Oncale had a distinguished record, graduating near the top of his class and serving as Managing Editor of the American Journal of Trial Advocacy, as a member of the AAJ National Trial Team and as a member of both the Henry Upson Sims Moot Court Board and the Cumberland Trial Board.
After graduation Mr. Oncale practiced with a well known Nashville, Tennessee firm before growing homesick for Alabama and returning to Birmingham to practice with and eventually found a couple well known and respected law firms. Growing tired of big firm life, Mr. Oncale struck out on his own in 2006 and founded The Oncale Firm, P.C. The firm is based upon not just his own experience as an attorney but on his experience as a client when undergoing his own divorce.
Representing clients in the context of personal crisis, which issues of divorce, child custody and family law often involve, is a different experience and requires a different mindset and commitment than that of most litigators in other areas of the law. It is important for an attorney practicing in this area of the law to be personally available and invested with a client. The Oncale Firm does not hide its lawyers behind a wall of screening mechanisms as each are required to be available to their clients and to consult directly with them on important matters. A client retaining The Oncale Firm will deal directly with an attorney and not with a paralegal or legal secretary. Emails, phone calls and text messages will take place with the attorney handling your case and will not be screened or pushed off to others.
Most of the clients that come to us are facing issues they never dreamed they would face and are, truthfully, ill prepared, at virtually every level, financially, emotionally and spiritually to deal with the issues they face. The role of an attorney practicing family law is much more than just a mouthpiece or even an advisor. The role is truly unique and is the most rewarding part of such a practice. While we would never wish the painful issues of a family dispute on anyone, if you find yourself in such a dispute, we welcome the opportunity to represent you and help you through the process with as little disruption and heartache to you and those you care about as possible.
Richelle H. Gossman
Divorce Lawyers
Richelle H. Gossman has been a resident of Birmingham, Alabama for more than thirty years, and has been practicing divorce and family law in Alabama for fifteen years. She is an experienced trial lawyer whose practice includes divorces, custody battles, alimony, father’s rights, child support, asset division, modifications, restraining orders, etc.
She attempts to resolve cases through mediations and settlement negotiations when possible, but is prepared for contested battles when necessary.
Education
- Birmingham School of Law, Birmingham, Alabama
- J.D. – 2007
- Honors: Family Law Award, 2007
- Lenoir Rhyne University
- B.S. – 1982
- Honors: magna cum laude
Bar Admission
- Alabama, 2007
- Supreme Court of Alabama, 2007
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Alabama, 2009
Professional Associations
- Jefferson County Family Court Association, Member, 2008
- Birmingham Bar Association, Member, 2007
- American Bar Association, Member, 2008
Patrick K. Yeatts
Divorce Lawyers
Family law attorney Patrick K. Yeatts is the owner and founder of The Yeatts Law Firm. Before founding The Yeatts Law Firm, Patrick served low-income families of Jefferson County, Alabama as a staff attorney for The Legal Aid Society of Birmingham, a non-profit organization affiliated with the Birmingham Bar Association. As a certified guardian ad litem, Patrick represented children who were removed from abusive homes or caught in the middle of custody battles. He ensured their legal rights were protected and their voices heard. By representing nearly four-hundred clients a year in various family law cases, Patrick gained extensive trial experience and a keen understanding of family law in Alabama.
Patrick decided to apply the skills he acquired while working in public service to the private sector. He founded The Yeatts Law Firm, a boutique law practice that focuses on family law exclusively, including divorce, adoptions and child custody disputes. Patrick is a member of the Alabama State Bar, Alabama State Bar Association and Birmingham Bar Association. He is also a member of the Birmingham Bar Association’s Family Law Section and Solo/Small Firm Section. In 2013, Patrick served as co-chairman of the Family, Domestic Relations & Juvenile Court Procedures Committee. He has been recognized as a “Lead Counsel” by Thompson Reuters based on his peer recommendations, professional experience and spotless record.
While Patrick has extensive experience in traditional litigation and trial advocacy, he is committed to providing his clients viable alternatives to the adversarial method of conflict resolution. Patrick is certified in collaborative law, a private and confidential way of settling divorce matters outside of court that utilizes cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques to resolve family disputes. He is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) and the Birmingham Collaborative Alliance (BCA), which is made up a consortium of compassionate lawyers, mental health professionals, and financial neutrals committed to helping clients create lasting resolutions to their personal conflicts.
STEVEN A. HARRIS
Divorce Lawyers
Steven Harris has helped individuals throughout the State of Alabama file an uncontested divorce and has also helped individuals with various civil matters, practicing extensively in both the Alabama State Court and the Federal Court systems.
Mr. Harris practices mainly in the areas of divorce, probate, family law, and personal injury. Mr. Harris represents clients in courts throughout the State of Alabama and places particular emphasis on obtaining the best possible outcome, while also reducing the stress on the client and making the legal process as informative as possible for them as well.
Mr. Harris is originally from the State of Alabama, growing up in the Northern Jefferson County area. He attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and graduated with both a B.A. and M.P.A. degree. Later he attended Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, and graduated with his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 2007. He is licensed to practice in all Alabama State Courts and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Alabama.
Mr. Harris is also a member of the Alabama Bar Association, Birmingham Bar Association, the Central and North Alabama Better Business Bureau, and the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. He founded the law firm with the hopes of allowing more people access to legal representation by offering attorney’s fees at lower flat fee rates instead of the traditional retainer-based billing.
Mr. Harris prides himself in being available for any questions that they may have. Mr. Harris can do all consultations over the phone or via video conference anytime during the day.
Justin Forrester
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Justin Forrester at Forrester Law, LLC, brings a wealth of legal experience, training and knowledge to every case. He offers zealous representation in various practice areas with particular emphasis on criminal defense, estate administration and probate law, and family law matters such as divorce and child custody.
Mr. Forrester began his career more than 10 years ago as an employee in the Tuscaloosa County Public Defender’s Office. He went on to earn his law degree from Michigan State College of Law, where he participated in the prestigious Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute, an intensive multidisciplinary trial advocacy curriculum that provided him with a solid foundation of trial skills and courtroom experience. Mr. Forrester has also presided over family law hearings as a special circuit judge.
A native of Jasper, Alabama, Mr. Forrester is familiar with area courts and involved in the local legal community. He is a member of the renowned National College for DUI Defense and other state and local bar associations. Over the course of his career, he has established a respected reputation for his diligence in working hard to protect clients’ rights.
Mr. Forrester grew up in Walker County Alabama. He resides and works in Birmingham but also has an office in Jasper. He went to undergrad at University of Alabama and graduated with Honors. He went to Michigan State for Law School. Participant and graduate of the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Program which is one of kind in the nation. He started his career in the criminal justice system at the Public Defender’s Office in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He then worked at the District Attorney’s Office in Lansing Michigan and clerked at the law firm of Jaffe and Drennan.
Frances Ross Nolan
Divorce Lawyers
Raised in Birmingham most of her life, Frances is the daughter of an Episcopal priest and a theological educator. The youngest of four children whose parents divorced after 25 years of marriage, Frances has personal insight about the experience of divorce from a child’s perspective. The law is a second career for Frances; she went back to law school after more than twenty years of working in sales and management, and after spending several years as a full-time mom. Divorce law provided the perfect marriage of her personal experiences, her educational background, and her longing to help people through challenging times. Frances brings new meaning to the term, “counselor at law.”
Frances was instrumental in bringing Collaborative Divorce to Alabama. As a certified Collaborative lawyer, Frances co-founded and served as the inaugural President of Alabama’s first Collaborative Practice Group, Birmingham Collaborative Alliance (BCA).
Collaborative Divorce is a no-court, private and consensual process in which the parties are provided the support of an interdisciplinary team of professionals all trained to support them in the process of restructuring their families for life after divorce. Collaborative Divorce is a forward-looking process that rather than assessing blame, is designed to empower its participants to create a durable plan for the future that maximizing the best outcomes for the whole family.
“The skills I’ve learned in my collaborative work are transferable to every case,” Frances says. “There’s a degree of empathy that I can have for clients as a result of my training to become a collaborative professional. It’s given me invaluable knowledge that I would not have had otherwise.”
Although dedicated to the advancement of alternative practices in dispute resolution, Frances is also trained in litigation. Her goal is to provide quality legal representation suitable for each client’s circumstances, goals and legal issues.
Frances is married to William G. Nolan (Bill), an attorney practicing in the area of Elder Law. They are the proud parents of one son, William G. Nolan, Jr. (Will), who is currently in medical school.
Jessica Johnson
Divorce Lawyers
Jessica Johnson is originally from Birmingham, Alabama. After receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in 2007, she received her Juris Doctorate degree from Florida State University in 2011. Following law school, Jessica joined the firm as an associate attorney, before becoming a partner in 2015. As a product of a “blended family,” and a proud member of her own “blended family,” Jessica has a unique perspective which she uses to help individuals and families in all areas of domestic relations law. Her practice is primarily focused on divorce, post-divorce issues, asset division, qualified domestic relations orders, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, paternity, adoptions, and appellate work in the area of domestic relations law.
Jessica resides in Hoover, Alabama with her husband Matt, stepson Ethan and son Maddox. The Johnsons enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, cheering for the Crimson Tide and spending time with their boys. Jessica enjoys giving back to the Hoover community by serving on the Board of Directors for Aldridge Gardens.
University of Alabama, B.A. 2007
Florida State University College of Law, J.D. 2011
Admitted to practice law in the State of Alabama in 2011
Member of the Family Law Section
Christina Perry
Divorce Lawyers
Christina Perry was born in Germany and relocated to Brisbane, Australia at a young age. She then moved to the Birmingham area in 2004 and attended the University of Alabama where she received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Christina attended the Birmingham School of Law and received her Juris Doctor. While at Birmingham School of Law, she was a member of the Hugh Locke Honor Society and graduated in the top ten percent of her class.
Christina is no stranger to the practice of law. She worked for two of the largest personal injury law firms in the State of Alabama prior to coming to work for our firm. She has represented several clients across the state and has tried a number of cases. She has been recognized as Top 40 under 40 while practicing. She is a member of the Alabama State Bar, and the Northern, Middle and Southern United States District Courts of Alabama.
In her free time, Christina enjoys spending time with her two children and husband. She loves reading and traveling.
She focuses her practice on divorce and family law
Jessica Kirk Drennan
Divorce Lawyers
Jessica Kirk Drennan, family and matrimonial attorney since 1996 and founder of Kirk Drennan, P.C., attributes her great success to diligent preparation, creative solutions and passionate advocacy. Her firm began with only a Family Law Practice Group; however, expanded client services in 2015 by adding a Criminal Defense Practice Group. Jessica leads the Family Law Practice Group which focuses on matrimonial and family law at the trial and appellate levels, and on the preparation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. With considerable experience in complex litigation, the Kirk Drennan Family Law Practice Group handles cases involving high asset marital estates, alimony and custody in controversy. The firm employs four (4) lawyers and four (4) staff members all of whom are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to the firm’s clients. Jessica Kirk Drennan is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a Board Certified Advocate of the National Board of Trial Advocacy and was recently inducted to The Birmingham Bar Foundation Society of Fellows and was member of Leadership Birmingham, Class of 2019, the best class ever.
Jessica is as dedicated to her community as she is to family and matrimonial law. In 2015 Jessica won the AG Gaston Award issued by the Birmingham Business Alliance. She has served in various leadership roles including Chair of Birmingham Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program, President of the Women’s Network, and Chair of the Family Law Section of the Alabama Bar Association.
Jessica has twenty-six (26) years of litigation experience and her practice is state-wide. Jessica and the members of Kirk Drennan P.C. are dedicated to their work and share a passion for helping people, children and families. With that passion, Jessica published a book in 2013 to help people better understand the divorce process. Her goal in writing Divorce in Alabama was to identify the questions many of her clients had and provide answers according to Alabama law. Jessica and her firm know and respect that every family and every situation is unique.
Hiring the best divorce lawyer in Birmingham, AL, can offer several advantages when dealing with a divorce case. While the specific reasons can vary depending on your circumstances, here are some common reasons why having a skilled divorce lawyer is important:
Expertise in Alabama Divorce Laws: Every state has its own set of divorce laws and regulations. A top divorce lawyer in Birmingham will be well-versed in Alabama’s specific laws related to property division, alimony, child custody, child support, and other relevant matters. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring your legal rights are protected.
Legal Strategy and Guidance: Divorce cases can be complex and involve various legal and financial aspects. A skilled lawyer can help you develop a strategic approach tailored to your situation, maximizing the likelihood of achieving your desired outcomes.
Negotiation Skills: Divorce often involves negotiations between you and your spouse, especially when it comes to issues like property division and custody arrangements. A knowledgeable lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible terms and protect your interests.
Paperwork and Documentation: Divorce proceedings require a significant amount of paperwork and documentation. A proficient lawyer can assist you in gathering the necessary documents, filling out forms accurately, and ensuring that all required paperwork is properly submitted.
Emotional Support: Divorce can be emotionally challenging for all parties involved. A compassionate lawyer can provide not only legal guidance but also emotional support, helping you navigate the process more effectively.
Objective Advice: Emotions can sometimes cloud judgment during divorce proceedings. A lawyer can offer impartial advice based on legal considerations, helping you make informed decisions that are in your best long-term interests.
Advocacy in Court: If your case ends up in court, having a skilled lawyer is crucial. They can present your case effectively to the judge, ensuring that your rights are upheld and your position is well-represented.
As for the impact of divorce on families, divorce can have significant emotional, financial, and practical consequences for all family members involved. Some potential impacts include:
Emotional Distress: Divorce can lead to emotional distress for both spouses and any children. Feelings of grief, anger, anxiety, and confusion are common.
Changes in Family Dynamics: The family structure changes, which can lead to adjustments in roles and responsibilities. Children may need to adapt to living in two separate households.
Financial Challenges: Divorce can result in a division of assets and liabilities. This can lead to financial adjustments, changes in lifestyle, and potentially, the need to establish new budgets.
Child Custody and Support: Child custody arrangements and child support agreements need to be determined. These arrangements can impact children’s routines, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Co-Parenting Challenges: Coordinating parenting responsibilities between two households can be challenging. Effective communication and cooperation are essential for successful co-parenting.
Legal Costs: Divorce proceedings can be costly due to legal fees and court-related expenses.
It’s important to recognize that the impact of divorce can vary widely depending on individual circumstances, such as the age of children, the level of conflict between spouses, financial situations, and support networks. Seeking professional advice from legal, financial, and mental health experts can help families navigate these challenges and minimize negative impacts.