Prater & Ridley Attorneys At Law

Carol is excellent in court. I mean, AWESOME! But, if you are going to hire her there are some things you need to know. Carol's reputation is that she is better representing women than men. As in, putting more effort toward women's cases than she does men. I don't know if that is true or not, but that is her reputation and she didn't do a lot for me beyond the minimum as far as I could see. I believe she cares for her clients over time when she gets to know them, but initially you are probably going to think she doesn't. Documentation and other court required material isn't always submitted on time. Don't panic. When I questioned her about it, she was offended as if it was personal and I didn't have the right to complain. She will answer your questions in a roundabout way sometimes that might make you feel that she hasn't answered your questions at all. Trust her, but do not trust Melanie. Melanie has a lot on her plate all the time, and when she drops the ball she will not always own up to it. She will through YOU under the bus with Carol if she needs to. Carol will not see that, or listen to it when you tell her so don't try. Carol will not tell you what to do even if you ask much of the time. So, it is best to do nothing unless she tells you to. This may be an emotional time for you and you may not understand everything you are being told because of it. Carol tends to answer questions in a huge narrative at times and the answer to your question can get lost in all that if you are not careful. Be very careful that you do not misunderstand what you are told. It may not always be clear to you. I did that, and it cost me big time. Lastly, DO NOT complain. Carol and Melanie can get VERY defensive. Just because you hired them doesn't mean they work for you. When you hire them, Carol is the boss. Not you. I made that mistake and paid for it. If you keep what I said above in mind, you will likely have better than expected results in the end based on Carol's record and reputation. I only gave her 4 stars because when I complained, she was deeply offended saying I was being insulting and calling her a bad lawyer which was never my intent and she decided not to finish my hearing. That hurt me badly. I would expect a Lawyer to finish what they started regardless of how they feel about the client. I believe that is what is considered professional even in Bell county. But, she was offended and decided not to do that or even speak to me about it. Anyway, she can be difficult, but if you can deal with it and keep your mouth shut, she will more than likely get you what you need better than most in Bell county which really isn't saying much. Good Luck!

I had Elizabeth 18 yearsish ago and out of 6 other lawyers she ranks well above them all. Thank you for taking my new case. This family lawfirm is the best in the business. They have a very polite friendly knowledgeable person at the front desk. Thank you very much.

Just to get a minimum consultation is over $400. If you want their best attorney, expect to pay $14,000 minimum retainer UP FRONT. The other attorneys are $7000 upfront or they will not help you. The receptionist tells you this right up front on the first call... this means they are not interested in spending any time with you unless you plan to spend a lot of money. Thanks guys.... I guess regular average people just get drug around the dirt of the legal system.

I highly recommend Carol Prater for any divorce involving children. Her experience was invaluable as she was able to set up a schedule for child custody that was in everyone's best interest. The children see both parents equally and they have absolutely thrived both in school and elsewhere since the divorce. None of this would have been possible without Carol's advice and experience.I will also add that even though it has been 5 years since my divorce case was closed, Carol's office remains responsive and helpful with any issues that arise. Overall a great team to have on your side.

Carol, I know you wont ever forget me. And I wont ever forget how you came to bat for me and my children. You are an awesome attorney and a wonderful person. Always professional. And very caring. May God bless you. I wish more attorneys could be as good as you. I highly recommend Carol Prater for any case involving child custody.

I have had friends and family that have been 'represented' by Prater, and it has been (by far) the worst experience they've been through. In one case, it was a 'no, no, no' response to represent them, until $15k was paid. Some work was involved, then ... nothing. No return calls, no work done, no replies to emails. There were threats about how reviews needed to be taken down on Google, or they would cease representation. Don't bother with these folks, unless you have lots of money to lose.

I had a very odd divorce. My ex filed in Texas, but was not a resident there. I had to obtain legal representation in Texas to represent me, even though I was out-of-state. Mr. Ridley knows his stuff! He did a great job and got the divorce pushed back to where it was supposed to be. He and his staff were very nice and he did a great job of keeping me informed about what all was happening. I could not be happier with the service he provided. 10/10

They won't even listen to you, previous reviews of them thinking they are better then you are spot on. I am sadly going through a divorce, but it is relatively simple, no kids, amicable, there are a few hundred thousand dollars in assets, mostly the house and 401ks etc, but we have already mostly agreed to everything but still know it's best to hire a professional attorney to draft everything and in case it goes wrong to be prepared to represent me and my interests. Before even being able to be given a chance to discuss the case and what I was looking for they asked for money. Incredibly rude. Wouldn't listen to what I was looking for without it. Went with a different attorney who would listen.

Pat and his team (especially Sandi) were exellent and gave me such great service. Very prompt and professional. They really answered all of my questions and made me feel like I was never a bother to them. They really were exceptional to me during this somewhat difficult process that I went through. i would recommend them to anyone.

This is the worst experience with an attorney I have had. It has been a tremendous burden on my life during a very difficult time. I often wonder how people like this are allowed to keep practice and take others hard-working dollars. I am a very strong- independent woman, and I understand an attorney's fiduciary right to me. I am preparing for Medical School and currently in a top-ranked MBA program in the nation, trying to rebuild my life after 17 years in an abusive relationship so that I can provide for my seven children and future grandchildren. I saved my student loans, slept in my car and gave Carol everything I had- $17,000 to represent me against my ex-husband and his family. She does not respond to calls. She and her staff play the power games so evident for self-validation in this society, and any attempt to play along just to get what is best for my children is useless. I would advise anyone as one of my professors and top ranked author's has- attorney's are fiduciary- they have to look out for their client and what is best for their client, hold them to that- do not use this firm. My attorney does not respond. I send her everything I think she may need and tell her to tell me to stop because I hired her for a reason, because she knows. It has been almost a year dead on and she at first said after the new year, then let the children finish school, then I am having heart surgery (I am a nurse and was very compassionate toward this for months) then the next school year rolls around- no child support, responses stop, nothing. I call and say I understand the health issue and her paralegal Melanie told me point blank it has nothing to do with Carol's health. I have a speech impediment which has plagued me, and even though strong, I feel it is because I have constantly stood against ridicule. The paralegal Melanie on the phone mocked my speak and belittled it, and belittled me. I have no clue how this is any type of service to anyone especially at such a high price. Also, our case was in Milam county. The judge's wife worked with my ex husband at the time for the small Cameron ISD. When I would bring things up that my ex-husband did (he was representing himself) Carol would say that 'we cannot say that, the judge's wife works there too.' I asked to have the case moved and she didn't try. My ex-husband didn't agree and she just looked at the judge and shrugged her shoulders. I asked again and no response. Update 08.31.2019After posting this review I received an email from my attorney which I will post. She stated that I needed to take my review down, say that I was upset, or she would not represent me. If I took it down she would continue to represent me. If not she would return $6000 of the $17,000. The thing is, the whole time she represented me I saw two invoices for serving my ex-husband. Nothing else.Here is the reply email from Carol- 90% is untrue. Reminds me of my ex-husband whose theory was do whatever you have to to get away with it. Remember it is only manipulating one person at a time. Many details are left out. It is difficult for a single mom, no child support to fight a family- especially when there is a manipulative COO apart of it. Follows:

During my very long and drawn out legal case it appeared this office and lawyer sees dollar amounts and not people when shes working a case. I do not recommend her. You may win but you will lose so much more when it's over!

In response to Ms. Long's review since Google will not allow me to respond to your review:You came in to my office on January 23, 2019 without a prior appointment and proceeded to demand that I provide you with a free consultation. You were told that this office does not offer free consultations. Frankly, I can work all day providing free consultations and there would be no money to pay the legal assistants, the rent, the supplies, the utilities, etc. You became angry and unruly and claimed that the State Bar required lawyers to provide people with a certain amount of pro bono work. You were informed that was not true. The staff gave you the names of several lawyers in the area who do offer free consultations. You continued to demand that I provide you with a free consultation. I am aware that you have told other persons in this area that I represent you. You are not now a client of mine and you have never been a client of mine. Your behavior in this office was egregious and the staff had difficulty getting you to leave. They noted that you smelled of alcohol. What you have posted is both a lie and is slanderous.

Only filthy rich need apply. This is not a place for white collar or low income.

The secretary Melanie or Melissa whatever the hell it is, is so rude she wont even allow you to get your point across whatever said pont maybe even if its for the firms own good. She just hangs up like the hag she is. Carol Prater please proceed to fire her because she is causing you to lose potential partners, clients and referrals. I hope you guys start screening who you hire. Because Melanie is not a people person and should not be interacting with other humans.Im convinced her breathe smells like despair and cigarettes

I have never walked into a lawyer's office and then so disrespected in my lifeit is really sad and disrespectful when you cannot even speak with someone because they think they're above you....I am a single mother and was just coming to ask for help even Said I would do the work myself just needed to know what to do and got told to bad so sad ....Wow

Good firm

Carol Prater is the best! I went through several attorneys before I found one that would stand up for me. She's knowledgeable & always prepared.

Just do

not much help but nice building

Won't ever use him again