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Attorney Debra E. Stokes has been providing legal services in the Charleston area since she was admitted to practice law in South Carolina in 1980. Debra represents clients primarily in the areas of divorce and family law. However, as a result of her extensive trial experience and legal knowledge, she is able to represent clients in other civil and criminal matters. Debra E. Stokes is rated AV Preeminent * in the areas of general and family law by Martindale-Hubbell, a high peer rating given to lawyers for legal ability and ethical standards. She is certified and approved as a Family Court Mediator by the South Carolina Bar’s Board of Arbitrator and Mediator Certification, having received her Certification in Divorce Mediation in 1992 through the Divorce Mediation Institute in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Debra E. Stokes graduated from the University of Maine School of Law in 1980. She was formerly a partner in the law firm of Stokes & Thompson, which represented clients in civil, criminal and family law matters in all South Carolina state courts, and civil and criminal matters in the federal court. She served as Corporation Counsel to the town of Mount Pleasant from 1984 through 1987. Debra is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in the state of South Carolina and the Supreme Court of the United States of America. She is a member of the Judicial Qualifications Committee and the Fee Dispute Committee for the South Carolina Bar Association.

About Anne Frances. Anne Frances Bleecker is an experienced family law, divorce, and child custody attorney in Charleston.. Ms. Bleecker was born in Charleston, South Carolina. An honor graduate of Ashley Hall School in Charleston, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Smith College and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Austin where she received a Merit Fellowship.. Attorney Anne Frances Bleecker holds a law degree from the University of South Carolina where she was a member of the ABA Moot Court Team, the Student Works Editor of the South Carolina Law Review, and a Legal Writing Instructor.  In her third year of law school, Anne Frances was honored to receive the I.M. Goldberg Scholarship from the South Carolina Bar Foundation and the American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Administrative Law.. After law school, Anne Frances worked as an Associate with Nelson, Mullins, Riley, and Scarborough in Columbia and Charleston.   She opened The Bleecker Law Firm, LLC, in Charleston in 1997.. In 2000, Anne Frances received The Compleat Lawyer Award, a medal given by the University of South Carolina Law School to Alumni in recognition of civic and professional accomplishments.. Community Service. Ms. Bleecker served two terms on the Charleston City Council. During her service she created the Mayor’s Office on Aging, Chaired the City’s Human Resources Committee, and spearheaded efforts to improve the City’s management of growth and development on the rural islands around Charleston. She received many awards for leadership during her tenure on the Charleston City Council.. Anne Frances remains active in serving her profession and her community while rearing two children of her own.. Affiliations and Memberships. Charleston County Bar Association, South Carolina Bar Association, South Carolina Bar Fee Disputes Board (2012 to date), Charleston County Pro Bono Legal Services (Board Member 2010 to date), Lowcountry Women with Wings Board (President 2014 to date), South Carolina Women Lawyers Association (Founding Board Member), International African American Museum (Board Member 2000-2014), Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Ashley Hall School Alumnae Board, The Citadel School of Business Advisory Board.

Born in Newark, New Jersey and raised in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, Michele Patrao Forsythe is a multi-lingual attorney who still uses her linguistic ability and her cultural heritage every day in her dynamic litigation practice.. Michele is an avid fitness enthusiast and is actively involved in the Charleston County Bar and the South Carolina Bar.. Michele practice in local, state, and federal courts in South Carolina.

Tyla N. Bowman, Esquire - Attorney at Law. As a Legal Professional, A Wife, and A Mother of Four, I know the importance of preserving the family unit. However, having experienced a divorce in my past, I also understand that sometimes the best decision for families don't always allow for such preservation. Thus, you will need an attorney who will offer candid, but compassionate advice in a non-judgmental atmosphere, and I am committed to providing it to you.. Choose a law firm that earnestly listens to your concerns and best represents your family’s needs. With my experience and passion to serve the client, trust me to provide you with sound legal advice in any family issue.

Melissa grew up in Spartanburg and graduated from Wofford College in 2012.  Melissa graduated from the Charleston School of Law in 2016, where she served on the executive board of the Maritime Society.  She joined the team at the Bleecker Law Firm in August 2019.. Melissa lives in Mount Pleasant with her three dogs.  She is active in the community, working with Lowcountry Lab Rescue and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.  When Melissa isn’t at work, she enjoys traveling, being out on the water, and driving fast cars.

A native of Toronto, Canada, Marissa graduated from Huron College at the University of Western Ontario with a B.A., in Psychology in 2008. Marissa decided to attend law school following her experiences as an intern on a secure Forensic Mental Health Unit at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto during college. Marissa relocated to Florida where she completed her J.D., on an expedited schedule at the Barry University School of Law in 2012. At Barry, Marissa was a member of the Association of Counsel for Children and focused her studies in the area of Family Law. Marissa was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2013. After relocating to Charleston, South Carolina in late 2013, Marissa began working as Pro Bono Coordinator at Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services, Inc., while also clerking for the Murphy Law Firm. Marissa was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 2015 and is now an Associate Attorney at the Murphy Law Firm.

Taylor was born and raised in Greenwood, South Carolina. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, in 2006, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a dual focus on Marketing and Management.  She then moved to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2006, where she attended the Charleston School of Law.  While in law school, Taylor was an active member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, the Real Estate Society, Children's Rights and Family Law Society, and Women in Law Society. Taylor was also honored by receiving the CALI Excellence for the Future award in the study of Criminal Trial Practice.  After graduating from law school in 2009, Taylor worked as an associate for the Law Offices of Paul E. Tinkler until she recently opened her own practice in March of 2015.. Taylor has been a member of the South Carolina Bar and Charleston County Bar since being admitted to practice law in 2010.  She is also licensed to practice in the Federal District Court of South Carolina and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Taylor is also a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association and was awarded the "Top 40 Under 40," in 2012. Taylor is a member of the South Carolina Association for Justice, National Women Trial Lawyers, and American Bar Association.

At The Cate Law Firm, P.A., we are a family law-focused practice in Spartanburg, SC helping clients deal with issues varying from divorce, custody, and child support to grandparent rights and adoptions.. Family law issues can be difficult and are often stressful, but the experienced lawyers, paralegals, and staff at The Cate Law Firm care about more than just a client's case- we care about helping each of our clients through these difficult experiences with compassion, dependability, and respect.  That starts with working to achieve clients' goals and making sure they understand the process every step of the way.  We also strive for the utmost professionalism, which includes giving prompt responses to clients' emails and phone calls, as well as treating our clients with dignity in what are often highly personal matters.  Our team approach ensures efficiency and effectiveness, while providing clients with an unparalleled level of service and attention.  No matter what your family law issue, the attorneys and paralegals at The Cate Law Firm will help you to understand your rights and responsibilities under the law and will work diligently to represent your interests in Family Court.. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with one of our three attorneys, give us a call at or visit us at our office, 421 Marion Avenue, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

Lifelong resident of Anderson, South Carolina, and serving clients throughout the upstate in a general practice.. PLEASE NOTE:  Attorney endorsements and client reviews (testimonials) are the opinions of those attorneys or clients.  Each case is unique and the results obtained for former clients does not indicate that the same or similar result can be obtained for another client.

Board Certified Family Law Attorney.