Purcell Stowell
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Purcell Stowell
From the family room to the courtroom, we bring you peace of mind. We're committed to our clients, and to our calling - that's why our founders are Certified Family Law Specialists. You can count on our knowledge and experience with cases unique or universal, because we solve real life problems for real life people.

Purcell Stowell PC - we're real, committed counsel, and we're ready to help you. Divorce, separation and changes in family arrangements bring financial uncertainty. We work with our clients to offer a variety of payment options, and more importantly, have open and honest conversations about fees and the potential cost of services.
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From prenups and adoptions to divorce and child custody disputs, we bring direction, clarity, and sense to complex family law issues. We advocate for moms, dads, husbands, wives, and most importantly, children. We get results inside and outside of the courtroom, and work to secure fair treatment for our clients.
PURCELL STOWELL attorneys and support professionals take a caring yet pragmatic approach to sharing their insight and experience throughout a client's journey. Certified Family Law Specialist, Mom to Twins, Special Needs Child Advocate, Spin Class Junky, Mediator. Puzzle Enthusiast, Mother of Hounds, Garden Club, Star Wars Nerd, Sacramento Native, #shoesarelife.
Unlike other areas of law I studied in law school, in Family Law I could see the direct impact of my guidance, knowledge, and counsel on someone's life. Family Law involves so many other legal issues, (tax, corporate, criminal, probate, etc.), that it constantly challenges and interests me and has practical application to day-to-day life.
Attorney, Mom to Twins, Special Needs Child Advocate, Spin Class Junky, Mediator, @stowellfamlaw. As the mother of a child with autism, I have a particular interest in resolving family law issues facing parents with special needs children. I devote a significant portion of my practice toward helping clients who have children with special needs.
Puzzle Enthusiast, Mother of Hounds, Garden Club, Star Wars Nerd, Sacramento Native, #shoesarelife. It's gratifying to help my divorce clients work toward a fresh start. They should feel like they have been heard and have had someone on their side, empowering them through a complicated process. I have a unique perspective on family law cases - because I am a child of divorce.
Reviews (22)
Juliana E.
Juliana E.
Apr 08, 2021
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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
Jake McCoy Is Right But I. Am Going To Add This
Jake McCoy Is Right But I. Am Going To Add This
Jan 14, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness
Kristen Sellers did a great job dealing with a difficult ex-girlfriend. Her main task was to get a temporary restraining order dropped, and she got it done. She was prepared to go to trial. Long story short, the case ended being settled before trial. If I have issues in the future, I will be putting her back on the clock.
Austin S.
Austin S.
Dec 30, 2020
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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
Timothy Kays
Timothy Kays
Jun 10, 2020
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Kristen Sellers and Kris Jackman were a joy to work with. Brando the young disabled man that I was assisting and advocating for needed an attorney on very short notice. Kristen cleared her schedule to meet with us and then appear in court with Brandon right away. She is unusually smart and attentive to detail. She took the time to understand Brandon and his situation completely. She familiarized herself with every detail of his legal situation and her advice was perfection. On top of all this she was warm and kind in all of her dealings with us. I would never hesitate to recommend her to anyone
Rebecca G.
Rebecca G.
Jun 03, 2020
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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
Sarah S.
Sarah S.
Mar 26, 2020
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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.
JustMe I.
JustMe I.
Mar 21, 2020
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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
Juan Magadan
Juan Magadan
Jan 18, 2020
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I am very fortunate to have Kristen L. Sellers as my attorney. My case is really frustrating and Kristen has not given up. Kristen fought for my attorney’s fee and she got them granted. Kristen is a beautiful angel on earth. She is patient, knowledgable, and also isn't afraid to get things done when push comes to shove to represent or protect me as her client. I highly recommend Kristen L. Sellers to anyone in need of a family attorney.
Amanda G.
Amanda G.
Jul 18, 2019
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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.
Ned McKinley
Ned McKinley
Feb 03, 2019
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Neil Forester has been an outstanding attorney through a very long and difficult case. His legal counsel always proved spot on and he was always accessible. One of the things that really stands out is that Neil has retained a personal knowledge and interest in the case even years after trial. I have always recommended Neil & his firm to friends and colleagues and would not hesitate to do so again. My sympathies if you're in need of a family law attorney, but if so I have the highest confidence that you will be expertly represented by Forester Purcell Stowell.
Jeremy Johns
Jeremy Johns
Jan 29, 2019
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I have had the pleasure with working with this firm for the last several years and just recently with Kristen Sellers. This entire firm does excellent work, especially on cases of high conflict. In my most recent experience Kristen jumped right in with little time and caught up on my case quickly and was able to represent me effectively in and out of court and helped handle several tense situations. It has been a pleasure working with them and I highly recommend them to anyone needing their services.
Leah B.
Leah B.
Jan 26, 2019
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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.
Robyn Cunningham
Robyn Cunningham
Jan 05, 2019
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I want to start by saying I am beyond impressed with Kirsten Sellers, her assistant Megan and the entire team at Forester Purcell Stowell. I hired Kristen Sellers for my divorce and DVRO case. I had a difficult spouse who didn’t want the divorce and was continually throwing up road blocks in the process. Kristen was AMAZING during this extremely stressful process! She handled ever curve ball with a home run! The outcome was greater than expected and all her hard work and dedication to my case paid off. I felt like they really cared about me and getting the best possible outcomes in my divorce
Eve Ramirez
Eve Ramirez
Nov 27, 2018
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If you are looking to have a lawyer NOT accessible, be charged for ANY phone call, ANY and ALL emails, and a $400 consultation not including any review of files or paperwork- that's charged separate, then this is the place for you. Your retainer will be consumed by HIDDEN fees before anything starts or is done, I promise that!
My husband and I met with Matt and paid a consultation fee only to be referred to Kristen which required another consultation and consultation fee only to be told what you can literally find online and on YouTube by other credible professionals on the Do's and Don'ts for
John R.
John R.
Nov 09, 2018
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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.
Paul P.
Paul P.
Oct 06, 2018
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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!!
Enviro S.
Enviro S.
Aug 26, 2018
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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.
Anne W.
Anne W.
Aug 21, 2018
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Update: I wrote an email to Ms Stowell in July detailing my situation and...no response! My impression of this firm still stands.
Chelsea Thoms
Chelsea Thoms
Jul 07, 2018
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Kristen has always been straight forward and incredibly helpful with regards to my, what should have been simple, divorce. My ex-husband made the entire process cumbersome and frustrating but Kristen was always there to put an end to any worry I may have had about potential alimony issues or other. Luckily we never had to go to court but my process took over 8 months and that didn't include the year previous trying to locate my ex husband. She is patient, knowledgable, and also isn't afraid to get things done when push comes to shove to protect/represent her client. She will only continue to progress
Courtney Schlenker
Courtney Schlenker
Jul 05, 2018
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When I was faced with the need for a family law attorney, it was the most terrifying experience of my life. When I first met with Rebeca Christianson, her professionalism and confidence made me feel at ease. She assured me that she would fight for my rights and she very quickly got to work and got me the immediate protection that I needed. She was upfront and honest with me about everything during the process, and guided me every step of the way. When I found out that Rebeca was going to be going on maternity leave, I was terrified. The last thing I wanted to have to do was go through the process
John Van Maren
John Van Maren
Jun 11, 2018
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I was very fortunate to have Kristen Sellers take over my case midway. She hit the ground running and never looked back. She was instantly up to speed and got my case moving quickly. Her attention to detail is amazing and her communication skills are superior. I never felt like I was in the dark. Kristen returned every phone call and email. She even returned calls and emails in the evenings and weekends due to my work schedule. I was dealing with a difficult case and Kristen was there for me and got the job done!
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Crystal V.
Crystal V.
Jan 23, 2016
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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