Best Child Custody Lawyer in Arkansas
Jarred Kibbey
Child Custody Lawyer
Jarred Kibbey co-founded the firm in 2015. His practice areas include estate planning, and business law.
Prior to opening Natural State Law full-time in 2018, Jarred served a wide array of organizations from large not-for-profit insurance companies, to small privately held companies where he worked directly with some of the largest employers and most respected health systems in the country to create innovative business solutions to complex problems.
Jarred also served as the Senior Policy Advisor to the Arkansas Department of Health and Senior Healthcare Advisor to Governor Hutchinson.
Jarred’s diverse, real-world experience in both business and government provides him with a unique set of skills to work on the most challenging of issues for his clients.
Education
- University of Central Arkansas; B.S., Political Science
- Loyola University Chicago; certificate, Bioethics and Health Policy
- University of Arkansas Medical Sciences; M.P.H.
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Bowen School of Law; J.D.
Associations & Memberships
- American Bar Association
- Arkansas Bar Association
- Pulaski County Bar Association
Betty J. Hardy
Child Custody Lawyer
Betty Hardy is a partner at Montgomery Wyatt Hardy PLC. Prior to joining Montgomery Wyatt Hardy in April 2020, she was a partner at Coplin & Hardy, PLLC. Her primary area of practice is family law. She is a former partner at the Little Rock law firm of Friday, Eldredge & Clark.
Ms. Hardy received her B.A. degree and Masters of Applied Psychology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She also received her J.D. degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law (now Bowen Law School) in 1993. While attending law school, Ms. Hardy worked for Associate Justice David Newbern with the Arkansas Supreme Court. Ms. Hardy is a member of the Arkansas, and Pulaski County Bar Associations. She has been Secretary, Chair-elect, and Chair of the Family Law section of the Arkansas Bar Association.
Ms. Hardy has also been trained in collaborative law for family law cases and has made numerous presentations on various legal topics, including family law and workers’ compensation. She handles family law cases throughout Arkansas. She strives to understand and meet each client’s individual needs and goals. Ms. Hardy has been named among the Best Lawyers in Arkansas and Super Lawyers.
Jessica L. Hall
Child Custody Lawyer
Jessica Hall is a top-rated bankruptcy attorney here in North Little Rock; she and the team at wh Law can do it all.
wh Law concentrates in several practice areas, ranging from bankruptcy to family law. Whether you are looking for a bankruptcy lawyer or need guidance in other practice areas, you can expect a passionate team of lawyers, like Jessica Hall, who is prepared to help you.
Originally from Little Rock, she received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics from Saint Louis University. After a ten year career as a Certified Public Accountant, she became a lawyer and joined wh Law in 2019 in the bankruptcy practice.
Jessica wears many hats at wh Law, but her favorite part of the job is connecting with clients on a personal level and ensuring client satisfaction.
Originally from Little Rock, Jessica chose to attend St. Louis University in part because the neighborhoods and districts of St. Louis reminded her of Little Rock: a big city with small-town feel. She received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics and had a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant.
Jessica fell in love with the law at the same time she fell in love with her husband, Brandon. Hearing about his workday as the managing partner at wh Law was the push she needed to attend law school. One of the things Jessica loves about being at wh Law is the way they are changing the entire legal field by making everything accessible to our clients. She knows that having to call a lawyer is generally a stressful time, and hopes to have a positive, direct impact on clients during trying and difficult times.
Jessica’s motto is “Eat the Frog.” She learned this phrase my first week of law school, and it comes from a Mark Twain quote: “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” She finds that getting the toughest things out of the way first thing in the morning set your day up for success. This motto allows her to attack the day at work so she can be the best mom possible to her four children, Thomas, Andrew, Betty, and Lyla. While balancing a full time job with four kids can be a challenge, it is the small moments that bring her fulfillment.
Lori D. Howard
Child Custody Lawyer
Lori grew up in a small northeast Arkansas town, McCrory – population 1,791, and have lived in the Central Arkansas area since 1998. She graduated cum laude with a degree in psychology from Arkansas State University, worked in the non-profit world for over 20 years, spending 15 years at a children’s hospital as a director of facilities planning and design. Such a job required Lori to listen to the concerns of everyone involved, including children, parents, medical providers, and administration.
While working full-time at the hospital, Lori pursued law school in the evenings and graduated from UALR’s William H. Bowen School of Law with honors and five top papers (highest class grades). Lori started her legal career working for a small firm for two years, then moving on to open her own law firm in 2016. Lori’s firm focuses on offering a personal and compassionate approach to all areas of law for her clients, practicing law not as a job, but as a passion – and dedicates that passion to helping her clients through some of the most difficult times of their lives.
She is the President of the Saline County Bar Association, a member of the Arkansas Bar Association serving on several statewide committees to promote justice and education in the law, and is serving a three-year term on the Arkansas Supreme Court’s Civil Practice Committee.
Lori is frequently appointed as attorney ad litem representing the best interests of children from infants to age 18 and incompetent and disabled adults. Lori’s clients have included children with and without disabilities, adults with both intellectual and medical disabilities. Being an attorney ad litem is truly a blessing, as representing the interests of those who cannot represent themselves is a most-rewarding part of her practice.
Josh Eason
Child Custody Lawyer
Josh grew up in Piggott, Arkansas where he learned the value of hard work and a lot about construction. Both of his grandfathers were contractors and his father still owns a small flooring store to this day. Josh grew up on construction sites since he was a small child and was soon put to work on these very job sites for his family’s business. This on-the-job training helped him become a better attorney later in life. This is especially true through his construction law practice.
In addition to working as a flooring installer for his father, Josh was also the maintenance person for his father’s rental property. This taught him many aspects of real estate development and rental property management. Both the practical construction experience and property management experience have helped Josh develop a better relationship with his clients and his ability to communicate with and understand clients needs better regarding real estate and construction law matters.
After attending Arkansas State University, Josh transferred to Middle Tennessee State University and obtained his undergraduate degree with a Bachelor of Science in audio engineering. After a career in sales, he decided to attend Bowen Law School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Josh is licensed to practice law in Arkansas as well as the Eastern and Western District Courts of the United States. Josh owned a successful solo practice in Little Rock, Arkansas, for the first four years of practicing law before moving to a reputable mid-sized firm in Little Rock. During this time, he was able to hone his skills and become an effective litigator as well as a transaction attorney regarding civil law and family law matters.
Josh has now opened Eason Law with offices in both Jonesboro and Piggott, Arkansas. He is excited to be back in Northeast Arkansas and to serve the communities he grew up in.
Kelly L. Burris
Child Custody Lawyer
Kelly L. Burris got into family law to help people instead of corporations.
“I wanted to be able to help people get through these tough situations in their lives and do it the right way,” she said.
Ms. Burris has settled and litigated complex custody cases and property cases involving multi-million dollar estates. She has also successfully litigated child custody relocation cases.
Ms. Burris said those experiences allow her to inform her clients of the best possible options and do what is right for them in each case.
“It is important to have an attorney that can understand and be supportive of you throughout the process while doing what is necessary to protect your interests and your children’s interests through litigation or settlement,” Ms. Burris said.
Licenses
Victoria Leigh
Child Custody Lawyer
I’m Tori! Lion Legal is my baby, starting as Leigh Law in a one-room walk-up office with little more than a dream and crossed fingers.
Our success is a mix of trial and error, sheer grit, and cultivating the right team. Today we are Lion Legal—a North Little Rock staple, living our purpose instill genuine pride in our clients, community and ourselves for the legal services we provide.
My commitment to reasonableness and practicality is off the charts and my meter for emotions is far below the average human being. I’m the friend that gives smart, realistic advice to actually solve the problem, not just cry about it! My desire to be well-liked is not outweighed by my willingness to defend, persuade, and argue my position, whether in my cases, in business, or my personal life. Opportunity is not given — it’s taken.
Because of my commitment to practicality, I’m a certified mediator and handle many of our mediations.
I’m a great trial lawyer and thoroughly enjoy taking cases to court – I thrive on competition. Winning is my favorite thing, no matter what it is I’m winning! In my ten plus years as a lawyer, I’ve handled many cases in each of the divisions of Lion Legal.
Today, most of my time is spent on the administration and management of the firm, including client acquisition, administrative matters, Human Relations, that sort of thing. Although, I’m sometimes still brought in to conduct with clients thorough emotionless cost/benefit analyses of time, money, and stress, compared to likely results of given legal strategies. I spend time in the courtroom, too; as a part time public defender in Grant County, and taking Lion Legal criminal and civil cases to trial, when necessary.
Patrick Benca
Child Custody Lawyer
Patrick Benca has been a passionate supporter of fighting for civil rights since graduating from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law. He has experience working with the Little Rock Police Department’s crime scene investigators and often teaches continuing education courses to his peers about complex issues surrounding search and seizure. Patrick is a death penalty certified attorney who has successfully won appeals in front of the Arkansas Supreme Court for clients on death row. He was also appointed by the governor to the Sex Offenders Assessment Committee.
During his time as an attorney, Patrick has been heavily involved in Little Rock’s legal community. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association. In the past he has been named one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40, he was awarded the Death Penalty Focus 2012 Abolition Award, and the Arkansas Association of Trial Lawyers “Champion of Justice Award.” He has also been named one of the best lawyers in Arkansas by Little Rock Soiree several times. His 2017 award from Little Rock Soiree can be viewed here. Also, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Patrick to server on our State’s sex offender assessment committee through July 1, 2021.
1311 S. Broadway St. Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
(501) 353-0024
www.little-rock-criminal-defense.attorney
Child custody battles are emotionally charged and legally intricate affairs that profoundly impact the lives of children and parents involved. In the state of Arkansas, families facing these challenges often turn to legal professionals for guidance and support. This article explores the qualities that distinguish the best child custody lawyers in Arkansas and highlights their crucial role in helping families navigate the complexities of child custody disputes.
The Role of Child Custody Lawyers:
Before we delve into the qualities that define the best child custody lawyers in Arkansas, let’s understand their pivotal role in family law:
- Legal Counsel: Child custody lawyers provide expert legal counsel to parents involved in disputes over child custody, helping them understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Advocacy: These attorneys serve as fierce advocates for their clients, working to protect their parental rights and advocating for the best interests of the child or children involved.
- Mediation and Negotiation: Child custody lawyers facilitate mediation and negotiation between parents, striving to reach amicable custody arrangements whenever possible.
- Court Representation: In cases where agreements cannot be reached outside of court, the best child custody lawyers are prepared to represent their clients’ interests in family court, presenting evidence and legal arguments to support their case.
- Conflict Resolution: They assist in resolving disputes over various aspects of child custody, including physical custody, legal custody, visitation rights, and relocation requests.
Qualities of the Best Child Custody Lawyers in Arkansas:
What sets the best child custody lawyers in Arkansas apart from the rest? Let’s explore the key attributes and qualities that define these legal professionals:
- Expertise in Family Law:
- The best child custody lawyers have extensive expertise in family law, particularly in matters related to child custody, divorce, and parental rights.
- Experience Matters:
- Years of experience handling child custody cases is a vital indicator of a lawyer’s proficiency. These lawyers have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in similar situations.
- Local Knowledge:
- Familiarity with Arkansas family courts, judges, and legal procedures is a significant advantage. The best child custody lawyers understand the state’s unique legal landscape.
- Effective Communication Skills:
- Effective communication is essential. The best attorneys can communicate complex legal concepts clearly, ensuring their clients understand their options and strategies.
- Negotiation Skills:
- Many child custody cases are resolved through negotiation. The best child custody lawyers excel in negotiation, striving to reach favorable custody agreements for their clients.
- Litigation Experience:
- While not all cases go to court, the best lawyers are prepared for courtroom battles and are known for their adeptness in representing their clients’ interests in family court.
- Client-Centered Approach:
- Top child custody lawyers prioritize their clients’ interests and the well-being of the children involved. They listen to their clients’ concerns, address their questions, and tailor their strategies to the unique circumstances of each case.
- Track Record of Success:
- Look for attorneys with a history of securing favorable custody arrangements or court rulings in cases similar to yours.
- Transparent Fees:
- The best child custody lawyers are transparent about their fees and billing practices, ensuring clients have a clear understanding of the costs involved.
- Empathy and Compassion:
- Child custody disputes are emotionally charged. The best attorneys approach their clients with empathy and compassion, recognizing the stress and anxiety involved.
- Child-Centric Focus:
- These lawyers prioritize the best interests of the child, striving to create custody arrangements that promote the child’s well-being, stability, and healthy development.
How the Best Child Custody Lawyers Can Help:
Now that we’ve outlined the qualities of the best child custody lawyers in Arkansas, let’s explore how they can assist families in various child custody scenarios:
- Child Custody Agreements:
- Child custody lawyers assist parents in negotiating and drafting comprehensive child custody agreements that address issues such as visitation schedules, decision-making authority, and parental responsibilities.
- Modification of Custody Orders:
- They represent parents seeking modifications to existing custody orders, considering changes in circumstances, parental relocation, or evolving child needs.
- Enforcement of Custody Orders:
- Child custody attorneys help parents enforce custody orders when the other parent fails to comply with agreed-upon terms.
- Parental Relocation Cases:
- Attorneys represent parents seeking to relocate with their child, addressing the legal complexities and ensuring compliance with Arkansas laws.
- Child Custody Evaluations:
- In contested cases, child custody lawyers may facilitate child custody evaluations and assessments to provide courts with insights into the child’s best interests.
- Grandparent or Third-Party Custody:
- They also assist grandparents or third parties seeking custody or visitation rights when it is in the best interests of the child.
Conclusion:
In the state of Arkansas, the best child custody lawyers are steadfast allies for families navigating the often challenging and emotionally charged terrain of child custody disputes. Their expertise, experience, and unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of children make them indispensable in the pursuit of just and equitable custody arrangements. Whether through negotiation, settlement, or courtroom representation, the best child custody lawyers in Arkansas work tirelessly to ensure that children’s best interests are upheld, providing families with the guidance and support needed to navigate these sensitive and complex legal matters.