Most negative reviews come from clients who lost their case. This is not one of those situations. After being transferred to Ms. Stowell, I spent approximately 18 months under her representation with little to no substantive progress made on my case. Communication became minimal, I was repeatedly asked to resubmit information that had already been provided, and key issues, especially custody, were never meaningfully advanced. This ultimately resulted in roughly two years of delay in securing an updated custody agreement that proved to be in the best interest of my children and myself. I was also encouraged to consider a settlement that was not in my best interest and would have increased my financial burden. After my case was finalized, I took the time to carefully review my experience. My priority with my new representation was seeing the divorce through to completion, not raising disputes mid-process with this firm & Ms. Stowell. After my case was completely wrapped, I then reached out to Ms. Stowell in good faith to address these concerns and her performance directly and in private. The response from the firm focused only on a 10-day billing dispute window and did not address the substance of the issues raised. The contrast after switching attorneys was immediate. Within weeks, my new counsel moved the case forward and achieved a significantly more favorable outcome. The financial settlement was more than double the prior proposals, and the matter was resolved more efficiently and at nearly half the cost. Most importantly, custody was prioritized and resolved within a few months of the transition. This stood in clear contrast to the repeated delays I had previously been given, where I was consistently told action was only a few months away, yet no progress was made. I would also encourage anyone considering Ms. Stowell to look closely at the substance and timing of her reviews across platforms. In my experience, many are dated, clustered, or very general, and do not reflect the level of detail or outcomes that matter in a case like this. Based on my experience and the clear difference in results after changing counsel,I do not recommend this firm or Ms. Stowell.. Beyond the financial outcome, the delay in addressing custody had a meaningful impact on my family, as it prolonged a situation that could have been resolved much earlier with appropriate action. read more

The Best Family Law Attorney You Could Ask For Juliana is truly an extraordinary attorney and person. From the very beginning, she believed in me and treated me with respect and compassion during one of the most stressful and emotional times of my life. She is thoughtful, thorough, and incredibly well-spoken. Unlike many attorneys in family law, who can sometimes become hardened or impatient with the tears, fears, and high emotions, Juliana shows remarkable patience and understanding. She never makes me feel rushed, and she takes the time to truly hear me out and understand my concerns. What stands out most about Juliana is her ability to handle even the most difficult personalities with grace. My ex has always been challenging to deal with, but Juliana knew exactly how to approach the situation and was able to negotiate firmly yet fairly. She secured exactly the outcome I had been hoping for--something I never thought would be possible. The difference this has made in my life cannot be overstated. Because she is on retainer, my ex finally has boundaries he must respect. That shift alone has greatly improved my quality of life. For the first time in a very long time, I feel like I can breathe. I have the time, space, and emotional security to focus on what matters most: building the relationship I am meant to have with my child. With Juliana's help, we are finally beginning the healing process that I thought might never come. Juliana is not only a skilled attorney but also a genuinely good person. She brings humanity, empathy, and strength into a process that often feels cold and overwhelming. She has made my life better in countless ways, and I am so grateful to have her by my side. If you are looking for someone who will advocate for you with intelligence, patience, and heart, Juliana is the one. I cannot recommend her highly enough. read more

Michelle guided me through a convoluted divorce case of 3.5 years. She was professional, knowledgeable, always focused and weighing all options. Most importantly, she kept me in the look of what was going on with my case (my first 2 attorneys did not). Michelle and her crew handled my case with care and sensitivity. I couldn't have asked for a better divorce attorney! Michelle, thank you for saving me. read more

They lost track of my case when they changed my lawyer. A year later they wanted to use the same MSA proposal, which would cost me an additional 15,000. They authorized a departure from the MSA, which cost me another 3000. Then they billed me for it. I was contacted by the law firm. They made it right. I wish I didn't have to go through the initial suffering but it turned out fair in the end. read more

Michelle Stowell sounds great up front until the retainer is spent. It's spent quickly as she charges for every email, 15-minute phone call, and showing up in the lobby just to hand over some paperwork. She will promise the moon and then rarely delivers. Then the accusation comes accusing me of trying to get her to do "...work for free. What a joke - this is the work she PROMISED to do within the retainer fee! Then to top it off, she left me hanging out to dry having to face my ex and his attorney by myself. Now I'm left to find another attorney and pay another full retainer fee just to have the new attorney finish what Michelle was supposed to do. Return phone calls are rare and you'll be given every excuse in the book such as she's in court, out of town, on another call, got in a car crash, not in the office, on vacation, having surgery for that car crash, the list goes on and on. In the past year she has gone through three or four paralegals and assistants. This should be an indicator of what she's like to work with. Unfortunately I referred a friend to her and my friend was hit with unexpected billing. Just steer clear! The entire experience with her has been a nightmare. read more

Michelle Stowell is an incredible attorney who is compassionate, patient, and organized. From the moment you walk into her office, you know you're in good hands. She offers clear and beneficial advice with your best interest in mind and she's confident in her field. If you ever find yourself in a position where you're in need of legal representation in the area of family law, I without a doubt recommend Michelle. read more

Michell Stowell handled my divorce case. I can't say enough good things about Michelle. As a man going through a divorce in a long term marriage with several children, I needed strong, experienced counsel--Michelle provided exactly that. The results speak for themselves: equal custody, reasonable child support, and I owe ZERO alimony. Plus, I got the martial house without offset. At one point when things became dicey with my ex, she even managed to get me sole legal and physical custody within 36 hours. I've been a client of Michelle's for two years, and will continue to use her for all of my family law needs! read more

I was dealing with a complex family law issue and knew I needed a tough, yet understanding attorney. I had heard Michelle Stowell's name repeatedly through my network and given her reputation I just knew she would be the right attorney for me. I am so glad I listened to those recommendations! Michelle was a tough advocate and from our first meeting she listened and understood my needs. In court Michelle was everything I hoped she would be- very tough, yet professional. In the end, she help me achieve the exact outcome I hoped for. If you need a family law attorney, Michelle Stowell is the best you can get! Her experience of the legal system, especially in Sacramento County, is what got me the outcome I needed. read more

I needed an experienced family law attorney for a complex and contentious family law matter. Michelle came highly recommended. Michelle was always extremely well-prepared, understood the issues and my concerns, and was very professional in her dealings with opposing counsel. The matter recently settled, and I could not be more pleased. Michelle always gave 100% effort to come to an amicable resolution. She was a strong and confident advocate. Moreover, she was an empathetic and understanding counselor through it all. I could not be more grateful to Michelle and her team of skilled professionals and highly recommend her. read more

Keely Nickelson was an absolute life saver. We had a fairly contentious issue that she was able to resolve quickly. Her follow up and availability made me, a very distraught mother, comfortable and secure. We are incredibly grateful for all the time and attention. If you are looking for care, compassion, and integrity I would highly recommend her. read more

I am so grateful for the strong and educated representation that I have received from Michelle Stowell. She is very knowledgeable of Family Law and is very up front and honest about what you can expect from your case. I appreciate this because she is not telling me what I want to hear, but rather being straightforward no matter if the outcome is in my favor or not. Emotions run high in my these types of cases as it is, and Michelle is very good at keeping you focused on the goal, which is the best interest of your children. I greatly appreciate the amount of professionalism and human kindness that Michelle gives while she is representing you. I would highly recommend Michelle Stowell to any of my friends or family. read more

Do Not Use Neil Forester! I believe Neil was not loyal to my interests but instead said whatever was needed to get the settlement signed. I believe his actions with opposing counsel were questionable at best. If you want honest and loyal to your best interests, I would suggest to steer clear from this firm. read more

Update: I wrote an email to Ms Stowell in July detailing my situation and...no response! My impression of this firm still stands.

Michelle Stowell is an amazing and compassionate family law attorney. Going through the process of a child custody case is overwhelming and upsetting but Michelle always takes that feeling away. She guides you through the process in an uncomplicated and effortless way, which always makes me feel comfortable about the decisions i made as well as the outcome in court. She is an absolute miracle worker in her office and in court. She is exceptionally organized, detail orientated and is available when you need her. Michelle Stowell is compassionate about each of her clients going through the awful family court process and I would only recommend her. read more

The gang at FPS cannot be beat and there is no one in Northern California that I will ever recommend for Family Law. Going through divorce is difficult, and they understand. They made me feel like I was part of their family and treated me with kindness and empathy. From the time they answered my initial call until long after the divorce, FPS kept me informed and organized. They are truly angels on Earth to help others through this difficult process. Thank You Neil and Matt!! You are the best!! read more

Michelle and staff are EXCELLENT! She's incredibly knowledgeable yet down to earth. She listened to me in my freak out moments, let me vent, offered solid advice on a direction and I felt was always on top of my case. It wasn't my first rodeo with a family attorney and she was exceptional through the whole process. read more

keeley nickelson has got to be the worst, most arrogant, & most unethical lawyer in a fifty mile radius. if what she did to me isnt malpractice, then i dont know what is. i tried repeatedly to report what she did to the bar association, by phone, but reached only an answering machine, to which no one ever responded. i am disabled & without a car, or i would have found out how to go to the offices of the bar association & file a grievance, if not a lawsuit. i still have time to do so. i first met with neal forester, & was very impressed with his advice & by his demeanor. he suggested i try dealing with my husband, who was the petitioner in my case, without retaining the firm. i did try....to no avail, so called my family back east to see about borrowing the $10,000 retainer, which my husband would be ordered by the court to repay. i should have walked right back into mr. forester's office & told him, after my first meeting with keeley, that there was no way i could work with her. sevral months later, i tried telling them that i couldn work with her, & was there another attorney in the firm who could handle my case. nope. its keeley or no one. she hadnt listened to a word i'd said, & cost me $900 of my retainer when my husband & his attorney lied to her in order to get a "stay-away" agreement drawn up. several months later, my husband actually drove up to folsom & demanded an audience with her, which he was granted. he lied & whimpered... i can hear him now....every word out of that malignant narcissists mouth is a lie. that very day, after consulting with him, she notified me by email that she was dropping me as a client, BASED UPON WHAT HE HAD TOLD HER. i asked her repeatedly for an actual reason for dropping me as a client, which i never received. she returned the balance of my retainer to my family, minus $2000, & that was last february, 2019. i am disabled bx of his assaults, & broke, without a car, stranded here, & have been unable to find another attorney. i am filling out my preliminary disclosures on my own, writing about absolutely every abuse of me, & about his fraud & perjury, which is right in his tax returns & statements to which he signed his name. ALL THE TAX FRAUD, ETC, IS WHY HE WAS SO DESPERATE TO GET MY ATTORNEY TO DROP MY CASE.!! i emailed her after i received his paperwork, & saw all the fraud, perjury, etcetera, & reminded her that i['d told her the first time i met her that he was a malignant narcissist & compulsive liar. i never heard another word from the firm again. by the way, what little advice she did give me, her refusal to advocate for support from him after 38 years.!! was not the least bit believable. i felt she was lazy & dishonest, was gonna blow through my retainer, & shuffle me out the door. INSTEAD...................... SHE ADVOCATED FOR HIM, RATHER THAN FOR ME, & DID SO WITH MY RETAINER. LIKE I SAID, IF THAT AINT MALPRACTICE, I DONT KNOW WHAT THE HELL IS, & I HOPE I CAN SUE HER FOR IT. DO NOT TRUST HER. SHE IS BLATANTLY UNETHICAL. read more

Michelle is great attorney, reliable and knowledgable. I always felt comfortable with her advice and she was really good at keeping her eye on the big picture when things could get muddled with minutae. I appreciate her candor and straightforwardness as well as her compassion for those of us going through a really rough time in our lives. read more

Michelle was a great attorney for me and my family. She offered excellent advice, and steered me through the whole divorce process in a calm and confident manner. I would recommend her and use her services again. read more

I would ABSOLUTELY not recommend this law office. I called to schedule a consult for an UNCONTESTED divorce, only asking for Michelle to draft and file the documents, no minor children involved, and an agreement already in place with the ex and I. The receptionist, or whoever it was that answered the phone began giving the run down of costs. The initial consult would be $200, then a $5000 retainer, and an hourly rate of $350 per hr. When I said I thought that was a little steep, the receptionist promptly cut me off mid sentence, told me "Good Luck finding someone cheaper" and hung up. Michelle....if this is indicative of how you practice law then you've got issues. There are far more experienced attorney's who's retainer is well below yours. read more

Michelle represented me in a child support/custody case and I could not be happier! Not only did she review all previous pertinent court papers, she educated me on what could change and what to expect in my current case without sugar coating anything. Communication from her and Andrea (paralegal) was clear and concise. I always felt that Michelle was looking out for my needs and my family's best interest. During the court date, her years of experience were obvious in the way she conducted herself and worked to negotiate the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Michelle to anyone in need of a family law attorney. read more

I saw Michelle for a review of my current custody agreement that was established by a previous lawyer. Michelle was honest and upfront about what was fair in the current agreement and what was not. She helped me see my Ex's side of things to better negotiate an agreement that fits my family. She also pointed out mistakes and issues that both of our previous attorneys missed. Our case involved some more complicated matters because of my Ex's disability, which she was very knowledgeable on. I would definitely recommend her to friends and family. read more

I can't say how grateful I am to have such a great attorney on my side. Michelle is fair, and will work hard to give you the best representation possible. Michelle helped me with a complicated child custody battle. Her negotiation skills are top notch. She was able to get me a custody agreement that was best for my children, and one I was happy with. Fighting for my children is probably the most stressful thing that I have been faced with. Trying to make sense of the legal mumbo jumbo, and not knowing what I should do next. Having someone so experienced was comforting. Michelle is very knowledgeable, and explained everything to me so I understood what was happening. She saved me tons of money and grief by keeping me from going to court. I highly recommend Michelle Stowell, if you are facing any family law issues. She will not let you down. read more

Michelle is fantastic. She came in as the second attorney with my complicated 3 year divorce/custody matter. She reviewed my case extensively; she was very easy to talk to and always made me feel as if I were her only case. She was quickly up to speed and prepared for trial. She accomplished more in 2 months than my previous attorney did in a year. Her knowledge of family court is apparent and she is an excellent and strong negotiator. I would not want any other attorney by my side in or out of court. She put my mind at ease and worked well with the opposing side. Her paralegal, Yelena, is the best. They make a great team; they are both available for questions and always get back to you in a timely manner. I definitely recommend Michelle for your family law matter. I will always be grateful for all that she did for my family. read more

Gerald M said Michelle is a great attorney. I had a very long divorce and she took over after I had to find a different attorney. Since utilizing her services, she has been extremely understanding of the needs and very aggressive when other attorneys try to provide false information to a judge. She appears in court ready to proceed with your best interest. Michelle is very familiar with the law and utilizes her knowledge and experience to prevail. If I every find myself in a family law issues, I would relay on Michelle as she would prevail in court. read more

Michelle did an amazing job. She didn't back down. She reassured me despite my many fears. She resolved my case according the what the evidence and the situation called for and didn't accept the other side's intimidation tactics. If you have an aggressive opposition or a complex family law case I highly recommend this firm. I also had experience with several other attorneys at this firm including Neil, Kristen, Matthew and Rebeca and I highly recommend them all. Also their support staff was always available and helpful, including Jennifer, Alison and Sierra. Even when i got worried when they didn't answer every email right away I saw in court they were prepared and ready and knew my case. So I was able to rest assured they were working on it and were all competent to handle it. When it comes to your children and your future every expense is completely worth it but this firm is reasonable and worked with me in my situation. Thank you! read more

From our first meeting I felt totally comfortable and confident in Michelle. I felt I not only had a good attorney, but a friend on my side. She was candid in her thoughts and helped me make some difficult decisions. Any time I felt stressed out, she took the time to calm me and steer me in the right direction. She was confident and knowledgeable throughout the process. She keeps her eye on the ball as far as settlement as well as costs. I would highly recommend Michelle! read more