Terry Mattingly

"A year and a half into the divorce from my mentally, emotionally, financially and physically abusive ex-husband, it was clear that we will need a Guardian ad Litem, in order to determine what would be in the best interest of the two kids we have together in regard to custody. Ms. Terry Mattingly was one of the three options as a possible GAL and was chosen by my ex-husband and his attorney number two at the time. Overall Ms. Mattingly spent almost two years on our case due to the constant delays, incarceration and attorney change on my ex-husbands side. She was always highly professional, patient, friendly, flexible in her schedule (offered weekends for appointments), respectful and thorough. She thoroughly interviewed every single person that was named as a witness (even from overseas!) by my ex-husband and myself. She took her time to review two huge binders full of written notes, statements, text messages, emails, notarized statements, and official documents, page by page as I have noticed it later, and everything that my ex-husband has provided on evidence as well. Ms. Mattingly interviewed my kids and myself several times in person, online and telephonically, in order to ensure that their interest will be represented to the fullest, and that there will be no doubt in anyone's mind. One particular time the interview was conducted absolutely spontaneously as I had to pick up all of the evidence binders at her office. She asked if she could have a word with my child that was with me at the time. At first, I found it odd and annoying, but later on realized that it was done with the intent to protect the kids, to ensure to provide the best recommendation possible, to eliminate any possibility of doubts, conspiracy theories and lies, that my ex-husband was so amazing at. She also spent a lot of time interviewing my ex-husband and his family members to be able to determine what would be the best and the safest environment for the kids. She went as far as facilitating a visit between the kids and their father, who by choice hadn't seen the kids in two years at the time, in order to give everyone a fair chance before preparing the final statement for the court. She was always present and on time at the court hearings, was always taking notes, responded quickly to all emails and always remained professional and impartial. What's more important than anything is that, although my kids out of fear of repercussions did not trust anyone and refused to speak to anyone about their feelings, experiences and wishes, instantly trusted her and were willing to share the information and answer all of the questions she had. She was able to make them trust her, feel comfortable and safe almost instantly. I am grateful for her taking my case, taking it seriously, always displaying professionalism and being so thorough during the investigation. Without any exaggeration, she has saved my children's lives!!! She saved them not just from being abused, but also from becoming mentally unstable and traumatized adults, who then pass the suffering to other people that surround them and to their own children in the future, as it often happens in life. After years of abuse and years of trying to escape it and save my children from it, she has given me the chance to offer them a happy and healthy future. Thanks to her and the work she put in during the two years of investigation, I was given the chance to teach my kids that no type of abuse should ever be tolerated, not as an adult, nor as a child! She gave me hope that, with time and therapy, they will overcome the trauma and the darkness, and that the memories of what she got them out of, will fade and disappear with time. Thanks to her professionalism, work ethics, dedication, decades of experience and the ability to be able to clearly see through oh so well-hidden lies, manipulation, sick, twisted, destructive, dark, psychopathic, sociopathic and narcissistic minds, my kids will grow up as strong, independent, confident, and trauma-free adults! Forever grateful, Former Client K."

"Terry was the GAL in my custody case. As a guardian, she spent her time with my children, making sure that she gathered all the possible information she needed, so that she can conduct her necessary investigation. My children were very comfortable with her in a very difficult situation. She made them understand that they were safe and she would do her very best. I highly recommend her and her services."

"Terry did a social investigation on my fiancé’s custody battle that has been going on for over 3 years. We had a lot of concerns and needed someone to investigate these concerns. We are so happy that Terry took the time to really listen to my step sons and see what was going on behind closed doors. She was also able to speak to other people about things that were said about their father by their mother that were untrue and confirm they were false by school staff and teacher. We have a huge sense of relief that the judge can now see what has been going on with an unbiased party involved."

"Terry was the GAL in our custody case. I felt Terry was thorough with her investigation. I was impressed that even after more information was revealed she amended her original recommendations. Terry’s professionalism during a highly emotional process is impressive. Terry is kind, thoughtful, thorough and unbiased. I know she had my son’s best interest at heart and her recommendations throughout our case reflected that. I am thankful for her hard work and thoughtful follow through."

"Terry was nothing but professional throughout her social investigation and was able to sift through all of the minutia in order to get to the root of all the challenges my kids were having. She was fair and unbiased on both sides in order to get a clear understanding of what’s best for my kids. Terry Mattingly comes highly recommended and if you are in a situation in which you need her services, don’t hesitate to contact her as you will be in good hands."