1681 N Maitland Ave, Maitland Florida 32751
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.