Tracy Crider was the 3rd attorney I interviewed for my child custody case, and the only lawyer that didn't discuss concessions to the plaintiff during our initial consultation. She had an approach of winning from the start. The day of mediation she was on top of the case, argued intelligently and convincingly on my behalf, and I did not lose 1 minute of time with my precious daughter. If you care about results...

Very attentive smart and knowledgeable Tracy

Thank you, Tracy Crider, Attorney for Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor, for representing and protecting me through a very difficult/complicated divorce!

Tracy had to jump start everything by helping me obtain a Protective Order due to a threat to my life and continued harassment, before we could serve the divorce papers. Each of the 5 times I had to go to the courthouse Tracy had someone from her office drive us to the courthouse together and pick us up. This made me feel safe. Better than driving, parking, and walking in alone while looking over my shoulder. Maria, Tracy’s paralegal, was efficient and always timely in alerting me to items that needed to be signed, court and mediation dates to ensure I could attend. Tracy prepared me for each meeting with the Judge and calmed my nerves. Tracy went above all my expectations to keep me safe, protected my pension, and was able to get my money that was stolen from my IRA and almost 50% of the assets.
I am grateful to have had such a caring, attentive, and diligent Attorney!
Thank You Tracy!!!
Jan

My duagther and I ate there this morning and had a wonderful time.

Tracy and her team did an amazing job with my difficult case and the end result, I feel, will go a long way in protecting my children. Tracy’s knowledge of case law is extraordinary and she saved me from having to pay excessive, unnecessary fees. We came out on top as the bigger person with dignity, not getting down in the mud and slandering the other party as they were choosing to do. She just clearly stated facts and flawlessly backed them. I couldn’t be more grateful!!

The contract for representation I signed with Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor includes an agreement that the client will not post a negative review online about the firm.

Update: Victoria for Stearn's Montgomery & Proctor called to ask if I would remove this review asked what she could "do for me" in exchange... She also informed me that their policy of silencing negative reviews is no longer a part of the representation contract.

Unfortunately, this policy was in place years before the first negative review was published. As you read these reviews, ask yourself, ”How many negative reviews were silenced?”

In family court, nobody wins. Divorce and separation are the most psychologically traumatic events that can happen in life and always changes you forever. This is especially difficult when there are children involved. Using children as pawns to hurt your ex by keeping them from the other parent occurs far too often and doesn't ever turn out well. Every one involved is a victim, including the children. As a single father it's even tougher, the laws make it harder for dads and there is definitely an unconscious bias in the family court system. The most heart breaking part of it all is that most people just can't afford legal representation. I've used Shana Pennywell since day one. There are no words that can describe the level of talent this woman has. She had my children's best interest at heart the entire time and took me from a state of despair and depression to complete joy and elation and got me reunited with my children. If you are being alienated from your children, hire this woman. You will be happy again. All the pain goes away, just like that.

Last week I did a consultation with Attorney Shana Pennywell and you can tell right off hand, she is dedicated to her craft. During our consultation she was professional, detailed and knowledgeable about my type of case. She was delightful to speak with and seemed genuinely concerned about my upcoming proceedings. To be completely transparent, if I am unable to hire this firm, it's purely based on finances because Mrs. Pennywell was exceptional! I would love to see her work inside the courtroom (perhaps I will be able to share a follow up soon regarding my case.) Her Account Manager, Brittni Delk was also a joy to work with as well. She was very friendly and attentive over the phone and followed up with me quickly to schedule a consultation. I look forward to hopefully sharing more details soon...

I retained Shana Pennywell in February 2018. Mrs. Pennywell got the results needed in a timely fashion given the pushback of the opposing party, after numerous attempts to settle outside of the courts. However, having to get the courts involved to settle this matter, Shana is a fighter and a true advocate for what is right and fair. Please don’t hesitate to give Mrs. Pennywell a call! She is the best!!

Shana Webb Pennywell is amazing! She is very professional and a subject matter expert in her field. I recommend her for your legal needs. She great!

IF YOU ARE AT ALL HESITANT ABOUT GETTING A LAWYER TO REPRESENT YOU, IN ANY CASE, THIS IS A MUST READ!

When I first found out that I was going to be getting a divorce from my spouse, I thought everything would be cordial with the entire process, especially since my situation was a very unique one due to an OCONUS job that required me to be out of the country for months at a time. After quickly realizing that this was not the case, I desperately needed a lawyer to help me understand the process that was about to take place. After days of researching online and calling around, it seemed impossible to obtain a lawyer to help me with my very unique situation until I came across Melanie Webre! I was unable to physically be there for the initial consultation because I was still working in the Middle East but she had no problem reaching out to me via SKYPE. Although my Internet connection was terrible, she remained patient with me through the whole hour that we spoke on the phone about my situation that was unfolding quickly, and gave me the exact reassurance that I was looking for to take on my case. Over the next few months, she worked diligently with my very busy schedule and even though we were in two separate time zones, it was as if we were in the same room. I had tons of questions throughout the progression of my case and with her years of experience, she was able to answer them promptly and professionally giving me even more comfort through this very stressful process. At times I felt really uneasy about what the opposing party was demanding from me but she made sure that I wasn’t being taken advantage of and is beyond educated with what the law states and what was required along with what wasn’t.
Without Melanie and her professional and dedicated staff, I seriously wouldn’t be able to see my daughter as much as I am now. She truly is passionate about her work and took on this case and represented me as if I was a close relative! I highly recommend and can’t thank them enough for taking on and representing me in my case.

John

I truly don't know where I would be without the services of Ms. Webre. From the beginning to the end she remained attentive to needs of my case and always available for questions or comments. Ms. Webre had my best interest in mind and proved that with her actions in court and through the settlement process. When the opposing party went low Ms. Webre went high and remained professional and did not deviate from the high moral standard she has been instilled with.

THE BEST ATTORNEY FOR YOUR NEEDS WE FILED A MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION IN REGARDS TO ALIMONY AND WON OUR CASE. TRACY CRIDER IS AWESOME.

I wanted to thank Melanie Webre publicly for her work on my son's case. She was professional, caring, and spoke in lay person terms (No legal jargon). She was client friendly and speedy to reply to all his questions. Due to unforeseen circumstances, she had to drop his case, but refunded the remaining balance of the retainer fee toward his new counsel. As well, she provided all the work on his case to the new counsel and answered brief question even after retainer was forwarded. I hope we never have to, but if we need counsel again, she will be the first we call.

I just wanted to let you know about my experience with Tracy Crider of Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor. I was very pleased with her performance, support, professionalism and determination throughout my case. She was always very quick to respond, made herself available during the times most will consider private or after hours and always patient in explaining the status and details/developments of my case. Ms. Tracy Crider did everything in her power to ensure that my case had truly been as smooth and comfortable as possible every step along the way, I was kept informed of the progress, promises were maintained, copies of communication between the plaintiff's representatives and (me) the defendant were always sent to me in a timely manner. I could not have asked for more! I thank and commend Ms. Tracy Crider and her team for their hard work.

Ugoala U.

My case started three and a half years ago. I was scared nervous and insecure. Then I met Tracy Crider. At our first meeting she made me feel comfortable. This case was an uphill battle the entire time and then some. There were times I felt like quitting and and Tracy with her kind words and experience gave me the strength to continue. Not proud to say that I've dealt with many lawyers, none of them possessing the grace, knowledge of law, and one of the biggest hearts of all time. But do not let that fool you, once in in court, you better pray she's on your side. She is a fierce Warrior. It is because of Tracy Crider that I sit here today the proudest father of three children who I now have custody of. She never quit on me even though I probably was a pain in the butt client. So my advice to anybody out there who is being bullied, treated unjustly and need some legal help, Tracy Crider is the best bet. I will forever be indebted to her and her phenomenal paralegal Maria Banks.

Attorney Melanie Webre and her team were very professional and made me feel comfortable from the start with my case. On the first day Attorney Webre had papers for me to sign so that she can get my case going and moving in a timely fashion. I would recommend ANYONE, if you want to see results! I would not hesitate to call Attorney Melanie Webre!

Although my family is still awaiting a decision and we don't yet know the outcome, we don't need to know the outcome to be able to say Thank you to the amazing set of lawyers, paralegals and staff that dedicated their time and energy to helping my brother. Each person went to bat so strongly, emotionally and passionately for my brother and his children over the last 3 years, in varying courtrooms, counties and for numerous different actions. It goes without saying that we are all grateful to you! Additionally, we are so thankful for your patience. These types of situations are never easy, are highly stressful, and result in rather demanding clients. Despite this, you were there each and every step of the way. For that, we say thank you! And, prayers!

Tracy was an excellent guide during a very difficult time. She was easy to talk to, yet to the point, and aggressive when called upon. She always made me feel like I was the only concern she had, I never felt lost in the crowd or a situation of case confusion during the process. I do hope I never need to work with her again (ha) but would highly recommend her to anyone with divorce or custodial concerns.

My attorney for my divorce case was Tracy Crider. Tracy was professional and very knowledgeable about what I would experience during my divorce. Tracy took the time to answer my questions and always asked me if I had any additional questions. Most importantly, Tracy let me control the pace of my divorce. Tracy allowed me to make decisions about what actions to take or not take during the divorce process. Tracy explained the pros and cons of the decisions I wanted to make, but at no time did she pressure me into making a decision that I did not want to make. I was confident that Tracy supported me through my entire divorce process.

I want to say thank you very much, but my parents taught me to do these things in person. So since I'm in Raleigh NC, I'll do it this way this time. Thank you so much Ms.Webre for making this nightmare go away. You not only brought great emotional comfort to me from the first time you walked in that courtroom , but I also knew I was in good hands legally. The strong professional demeanor that you exemplified kept me calm throughout this most stressful time in my life. I told one of my spiritual leaders that you were the perfect solution to my dilemma. Now I will say that you saved my bacon financially. I was very pleased with the results, because I would have given more but you helped me to see that I had did enough. So to whomever this brief note is looked at other than Ms Webre all I can say is that she's a winner. Thank you for helping me get through this with peace and comfort. And the old athlete in me would say "you are the real deal" Thank you. Phillip Swepson

Tracy Crider is an excellent attorney. She is caring and sympathetic, and worked hard to help us resolve our case. The only thing that was a negative for us is that there was no cap on expenses that could be charged for a case. Through no fault of our own (or our attorney's) our case was dragged out much longer than was necessary and it caused extremely high bills to be accrued before it was completed. Despite the high cost, I would recommend Tracy Crider as an attorney to help with your family court problems.

Tracy Crider has been my attorney for many years in a very complex custody case. I have watched Tracy grow and become an excellent attorney and person over the last decade. Tracy has the ability to work through some complex issues with ease and always keep a smile on her face. She is always able to research and give me the best answers to questions regarding my case and usually a few different ways to go about the issue. I am a father and I have custody of my child and without Tracy I do not think that would have been possible. She will take a stressful situation and keep you at ease and walk you through the entire process. Watching her in a courtroom is nothing short of amazing, her preparation and demeanor are top notch. Her staff is always available to help in her absence and let her know what issue is going on. I have worked with her paralegal Maria for the past decade and can always count on her to listen to my issues.

They know their stuff PERIOD.

My divorce was anything but easy -- but whose is? After having multiple delays that weren't of the office's doing and a long process and other medical and communication issues, we finally got things completed. Ryan Proctor and his staff were able to keep me abreast of the things I needed to do (or not) frequently and keep me calm even when I wasn't.

I'd highly recommend him or any other attorney in his practice to work with. Everyone that I've met from the clerical staff at the front, to the bookkeepers, to the paralegals want to ensure that your questions are answered to the best of their ability -- and if they don't know, they will be expedient in finding out the answer.

I wouldn't recommend getting divorced to everyone, but if it has to happen, I know who I'd recommend to help you through it. The staff at Stearns-Montgomery and Proctor, especially Ryan Proctor and his team. I couldn't have gotten through this without them and their insight.

Tracy Crider and team, were extremely responsive and kept communication open! She was diligent in getting files submitted and approved, and a pleasure to work with!

Attorney Melanie Webre handled my son's divorce case after we spent almost $20,000.00 on two other attorneys that did absolutely nothing! Attorney Webre had to come in and be a miracle worker after the previous attorneys botched the divorce case and did nothing with respect to the custody issues.

Attorney Webre is not afraid to file motions or litigate on behalf of her clients. She is honest, patient, will answer all questions, and is prompt in responding to clients.

In terms of her legal skills and competency, Attorney Webre is equal to any of the "high profile" attorney that I've worked with in my 25 year investigative career.

I highly recommend Attorney Melanie Webre.

Melanie Webre by far is one of the best divorce attorneys working in the Metro Atlanta area today. She has not only handled my divorce case, but my child custody case as well. I was successful both times with my cases thanks to Melanie and her staff's hard work, dedication, focus and general care and concern for not only my well-being, but my child's as well. She has been an absolute God send for me and my family and I strongly recommend her to anyone who needs legal advice.

Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor are experts, and a class act who bring their A game to deliver a successful outcome for you in an expedited manner. From the very first call - their staff built confidence with me through their professional, caring and compassionate approach. I had the pleasure and good fortune to have Tracy as my lead counsel. She was extremely thorough, encouraging, amazing and very prompt in responding as she patiently counseled and advised me on all the details of a very unfamiliar and difficult process. She was ahead of the game all the way and helped me resolve my case in 2 months! Maria was a huge help in guiding me through the details, helping me complete all the paperwork efficiently, and the rest of the staff (Jessica, Audrey) were all extremely polite. I would highly recommend Tracy and her staff, and am very grateful to them.

I can't thank you all enough for all the support and encouragement you had given me, during one of the hardest times in my life. You are all so amazing!! I wouldn't be where I am today, if it wasn't for everyone at the firm. Team Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor, you will always have a special place in my heart!! Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!!

Ryan Proctor was my attorney on a very unique and complex case that lasted for a year. Upon meeting him, I knew that I wanted Ryan to represent me. I am the maternal aunt of a medically-fragile toddler. From our initial meeting, Ryan knew that we would be fighting against a birth parent, but was not afraid of the challenge. He also quickly learned the severity of the child remaining in the state for medical reasons, but he was able to jump in and tackle the case.

We were given an emergency hearing only two weeks of our initial meeting. Ryan and his staff quickly, professionally, and correctly filed the suit with the county. I am confident that his knowledge not only of the law, but also in the way in which cases have to be filed is what made things move quickly through the process. The emergency hearing was just the beginning of a long case.

One of the biggest qualities that stands out to me was Ryan’s ability which went beyond a textbook - his sense of care. The case demanded a significant amount of his time, but he was always available. There was an overload of emails from me, the assigned guardian, and the opposing party. I know there were times that he did his job more than just for a paycheck; it was because he cared. Also, it became a financial strain for me to afford the attorney's fees due to the length and time of the case. Although aware of this, Ryan never represented me poorly. The same attention and time given when I initially paid the retainer was the same (exact, if not more) attention that I got even as my retainer ran low. He thought of ways to save on the cost of his services, which was greatly appreciated as well.

There are several characteristics that you want to find in your representation. You will want your attorney to have the ability to remain calm in time frustration, be professional despite what is going on, be punctual and prepared, and show confidence regardless of how things look. Ryan possesses all of those qualities. He is also an encourager throughout the process. He reminded me as I grew nervous that this is what he does for a living and not to worry. I cannot count how many times Ryan said a position reaffirmation to me that was needed while going through the case.

Ryan overall is an excellent attorney. He exceeded my expectations. I could not have imagined having anyone else represent me than Ryan Proctor. He was awesome and will not let you down either.

While some of the delays in the process were beyond the firms control. I feel that there was not the guidance and advise given to me as the client during the case. This was all new to me and didn't know what to expect and would have done things differently if I would have known what I know now. The case took over a year and a half and could have been done in half that time. Again, some things were delayed because of OA but I really think the firm should remember that the client isn't the expert and the client will rely on your firm to help make the best decision.

So overall I am not real happy with my dealings with this law firm and wouldn't recommend it if asked in the future.

Tracy is a wonderful and experienced attorney. She helped me through an ugly divorce and ensured that my rights were protected especially when it came to custody agreement. She was always on top of the issues at hand and navigated me through the divorce process successfully. She was always for a counsel or guidance. She ensured that I understood all the nitty gritty of legal terms/issues. Thanks for all the help!

I retained Tracy Crider as my attorney for my divorce this year and she was awesome! From day one Tracy was emphatic of my situation and provided me with great advice. Even when I felt like I was being backed in a corner financially Tracy and the team at Stearns-Montgomery were more than willing to help. They offered payment arrangements that were affordable for me and the excellent level of service that I received NEVER changed. If you are looking for a firm to protect your interests -look no further. Tracy Crider, Maria Banks & Jessica Cramer - Thank you for making this difficult situation easier to bare.

-C. West

Divorce is painful and mine was a doosy. My ex-wife was beyond uncooperative and was fired by the 3 consecutive attorneys that represented her. If it were not for the consistent guidance, compassion, and professionalism of Ryan Proctor and his team at Montgomery, Stearns, & Proctor I don't know what I would have done. I really felt that I had someone I could rely upon to represent my interests. I can only give them the highest recommendation for guiding me thru a rough situation.

On the same day as my mediation, my paperwork was hand walked over to Judge Grubbs, Cobb Co. Superior Court! About 1 hour later, Maria Banks called and advised the judge had signed the divorce decree and I was divorced!!
Tracy was always on top of everything as was Maria. They kept me in sync throughout the entire process which, at times was very taxing.

Wonderful, Efficient and Professional!
A shout out to Audrey in the Marietta office, she was ACES!

Thank you so much Kristen Files you really did a great job on my case. I still can't believe I have full custody of my son, and not only that I can't believe I got it this soon. Thank you so much you and your staff knew what angle to attack from and it worked. Thank you again I am truly thankful for life.

I began working with Ms. Files in the spring of 2015 on a family issue that would drag (because of the courts) on for almost a year. Ms. Files was there guiding me through it all. She took the time to educate me on the family law issue we were addressing, and I felt informed throughout the process. It was a difficult time for me because I was navigating my way through doing what was best for me, while trying to not be punitive to my ex-wife. Ms. files listened and I feel was compassionate, while maintaining the professionalism required to get the best results for her client.
I have subsequently reached out to her on another matter for direction and she was able to refer me to the best consul for the job. She's not only good at what she does, but I consider her someone I will probably continue to reach out to as life events happen.

Mrs. Christine M. Ulich was very nice and comforting when I first walk in her office, and was like that doing the whole process. Mrs. kristen who took over the case due to Mrs. Ulich absence was equally efficient.

Ryan and his team came through for me in difficult times. Ryan and his staff are very professional and organized. He was always available for me and worked with me to achieve my goals. I'd definitely recommend him.

I recently retained Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor to assist me with my divorce proceedings and I worked directly with Attorney Ryan Proctor. When I made this crucial life decision, the first thing I wanted to do was choose the right representation and have a partner in my corner to guide me through the legal channels and get me a fair settlement.

I could not be more pleased with my decision to hire Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor and from day one, they put my mind at ease and treated me with the utmost dignity and respect while I was going through a tough set of life changes. Ryan Proctor and his whole staff were incredibly professional and knowledgeable. I would recommend this firm to anyone in my same position and if I ever require representation in a family legal matter again, the first phone call I'm making is to Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor.

Thank you so much for making this complex legal matter seem so fair and effortless, given the circumstances!

EXCELLENT communication!!! Since my divorce 8 years ago, I have used a couple of attorneys for various contempt cases against my ex and none of them provided the attention I received from Jennifer Brown and her staff. Everyone was friendly, professional and they ALWAYS responded promptly. I really appreciate their respect for my time and they made me feel like I was the most important client they had. Because of Jennifer's impeccable organization and her negotiation skills, my day in court was quick and painless.