Lawyer of Firm Description

About Jennifer M. Chambliss — Divorce Opelika Alabama

Jennifer M. Chambliss handles divorce Opelika families turn to for dissolution, custody, child support, and family law mediation across Lee County and the broader East Alabama region. As partner at Samford & Denson, LLP — a firm established in 1912 — she brings more than 30 years of family law experience and serves as a Registered Alabama State Court Family Law Mediator. Specifically, she has been admitted to the Alabama State Bar since 1993 and the Florida Bar since 1992. Find additional Opelika, Alabama attorneys serving Lee County residents.

Because Alabama family law combines equitable distribution with strong judicial discretion on custody, case strategy often benefits from mediation experience and Guardian ad Litem certification. Jennifer is a certified Guardian ad Litem and has completed formal mediation training. However, she also serves as Adjunct Professor of Wills and Trusts at Jones School of Law, lending teaching depth to courtroom advocacy. Furthermore, the firm operates from 709 Avenue A in Opelika, walking distance from the T.K. Davis Justice Center where Lee County family matters are heard.

What Clients Say

Reviewers consistently describe Jennifer as professional, knowledgeable, and effective in both contested and mediated matters. The Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum rating from 2018 through 2025 reflects sustained client satisfaction over multiple years. Many clients note her ability to balance assertive advocacy with practical settlement guidance during emotionally difficult divorces. Her teaching background also receives mention in feedback for the depth of legal explanation provided.

Divorce Opelika — Practice Areas & Services

Divorce and dissolution proceedings in Lee County Circuit Court
Divorce modification and post-judgment enforcement
Child custody, support, and paternity matters
Family law mediation as Alabama State Court certified mediator
Guardian ad Litem representation for minor children
Adoption and dependency proceedings

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an Opelika divorce take?

Alabama imposes a 30-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested matters with full agreement on assets and custody often resolve in 60 to 90 days. Contested cases involving custody disputes or complex assets typically take 6 to 12 months in Lee County Circuit Court.

How much does a Lee County divorce cost?

Uncontested divorce fees in Opelika typically range from $1,200 to $2,500 in attorney fees plus court filing costs. Contested matters with custody disputes or significant assets can run $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Mediation often reduces total cost by avoiding extended litigation.

Where are divorce cases filed in Lee County?

Divorce, custody, and family matters are filed at the T.K. Davis Justice Center at 2311 Gateway Drive in Opelika, the seat of the Thirty-Seventh Judicial Circuit. Lee County operates a dedicated family court division. Mediation may be ordered before contested hearings under Alabama’s family court rules.

Quick Facts: Divorce in Opelika, Alabama

Lee County Family Court: Divorce filings are heard at the T.K. Davis Justice Center, 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika — Lee County — Thirty-Seventh Circuit Court of Alabama
Waiting Period: Alabama law requires a 30-day waiting period after filing before a divorce judgment may be entered — Alabama Code § 30-2-8.1
Mediation Standard: Alabama family courts may order mediation in contested matters before final hearings — Alabama Code § 6-6-20

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Jennifer M. Chambliss, a highly regarded Divorce Lawyer and Family Law Attorney based in Opelika, Alabama, is recognized for her exceptional legal expertise and compassionate approach. Clients consistently praise her outstanding communication skills, professionalism, and dedication, often noting how she navigated complex cases with empathy and thoroughness. With a commitment to her clients’ best interests, Jennifer and her team provide invaluable support during challenging times, making her an excellent choice for anyone seeking legal assistance in family law matters.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Excellent legal team here!! I don’t write reviews, but if you’re looking for legal assistance you should know this firm (specifically Jennifer Chambliss and her team) is about as good as it gets. I’m going to try to summarize as much as possible because there’s so many great things I could say about specific actions they took an my behalf.

Mrs. Chambliss is amazing and did an awesome job.

During a very difficult time in my life Jennifer was outstanding in every way. She made everything easy and clear. Her communication was outstanding. She went above and beyond to make sure I knew exactly what was going on and how everything worked. Hopefully I won’t have to use her again but if I do, I’m so glad she’s in my corner! Couldn’t have had a better experience. 10/10 THE BEST!

Jennifer handled my case with empathy and professionalism. She and her assistant, Melissa, were wonderful to deal with and did a great job of communicating with me and walking me through the process. It was one of the most difficult times in my life, and because of the excellent service and representation I was given, it was made much easier for everyone in my family.

I am beyond grateful for the exceptional work that Jennifer has done for me. From the very beginning, she approached my case with empathy and understanding, working tirelessly to ensure my needs were met. Her expertise and attention to detail were evident at every step of the way, and I truly felt like they had my best interests at heart. I cannot thank her enough for her hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to helping me and my family during a difficult time. She went above and beyond, and I will forever be grateful for her support and guidance. If you are in need of an attorney, I cannot recommend her highly enough. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Jennifer was amazing and I would highly recommend her and her team. My case was very complicated, involving minor children and cross-country interstate UCCJEA issues where I filed for divorce in Alabama and my ex-wife filed for divorce in another state. She worked with and formulated a strategy with my lawyer in the other state and together they secured Alabama jurisdiction. She navigated a plethora of false allegations made against me by my ex-wife as well. She and her assistant Melissa kept me updated with all the information I needed and always gave me sound advice. She always gave me the good and the bad news and did not lead me on in any way. She utilized her and my time wisely and made every attempt to minimize my cost. I can’t say enough good things about her and there is no other law firm I would go to if I ever needed assistance in the future.

Jennifer was absolutely fantastic in handling my divorce case in every sense, both legally and professionally. I could not recommend her more! I followed up with her a few years after in regard to my prior case and we picked up right where we left off. One of, if not THE BEST lawyer in Lee County. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

From beginning to end, both Jennifer and Melissa took great care of me! Their communication was top-tier. I was always kept abreast of what was happening with my case and in a very timely manner. Jennifer is a ROCKSTAR attorney! Truly… She immediately got the train moving and in less than a month and a half, I had custody of my baby girl. While awaiting the judge, she spoke to the father of my child and was able to secure a very favorable agreement. She took time to explain everything to him and gave him the opportunity to let me know if he wanted to do things differently than what I’d proposed. By the time we entered the courtroom, she’d already submitted the revised documents electronically and they were in front of the judge for review. Due to her proactivity and professionalism, we were in and out of the courtroom in about 5-7 minutes and with an outcome that exceeded my expectations. You truly get the service that you pay for…and Jennifer was worth every penny!!! I HIGHLY recommend!

Jennifer Chambliss is an excellent attorney. She worked for me night and day to get the job done, and made me feel as through I were her only client. She is a top-notch professional who knows the law and the system, and will work hard for you while keeping your expectations realistic. I will use Jennifer again any time I may need legal services.

Represented my wife in a visitation case. After paying her more than $17,000 it was all a complete waste of money. The other party got more than they asked for in what should have been a easy case. She even cussed me out in court in front of the opposing party and the baliffs. Has a bad temper. Not professional in the slightest. She cares more about her relationship with other attorneys than the clients she represents. If you hire her you’ll regret it. She will take your money and then constantly threaten to leave you high and dry with no regards to you or your kids . Charges outrageous prices for text and emails that she will use to run up your bill.Get someone who will fight for you and don’t make the mistake we did by hiring her.

I highly recommend her if you are getting divorced. She is not cheap but well worth the money I spent on her legal expertise.

Jennifer is awesome. If you’re looking for someone to standup for you she is the one!

Jennifer is amazing at what she does!!! She was able to settle my case with the outcome we were praying for. She’s very knowledgeable and straight forward which is exactly what you need in an attorney! She responded back to all of my phone calls and emails in a timely manner. She always told us what to expect before we went into mediation and before the judge. I HIGHLY recommend her!!

Jennifer Chambliss is definitely a class act. She is well respected and knows how to handle business. She has many years of experience and it shows. She is also very personable and makes you feel comfortable and at ease during one of the most difficult times in your life. Hands down she is the BEST!

Highly recommend Jennifer!! She went above and beyond for me during my custody battle. She makes a hard situation easy and advocates for her clients. Thank you, Jennifer, for all you did for me and my kids!!