How much does it cost to hire Stewart for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stewart walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Stewart offer a free consultation?

Stewart charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stewart's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Stewart's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Alabama typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stewart gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Stewart take my case if I'm outside Gadsden?

Stewart is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stewart will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Stewart?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stewart will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Stewart accepting new child custody clients right now?

Stewart's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Stewart Earl Burns, Child Custody Attorney in Gadsden, Alabama

Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Consumer · 4.2/5 rating from 21 verified client reviews

MemberatBurns Garner Law Firm

Gadsden, AL

Practicing child custody in Gadsden since 1989.

37+: Years practicing
4.2 ★: 21 client reviews
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Consumer Contracts Divorce Family Law +8 more →

Are you Stewart Earl Burns?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Stewart Earl Burns is a member based in Gadsden, AL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Consumer. Stewart has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burns Garner Law Firm. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 21 client reviews.

Based in: Gadsden, AL
Experience: over 37 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Consumer

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Consumer matters from Gadsden, AL.
Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Stewart Earl Burns

Stewart concentrates on child custody, child support, consumer, contracts, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stewart handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Gadsden, Alabama

Stewart takes child custody matters in Gadsden, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stewart agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Gadsden, Alabama

Stewart takes child support matters in Gadsden, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stewart agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in Gadsden, Alabama

Stewart takes consumer matters in Gadsden, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stewart agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in Gadsden, Alabama

Stewart takes contracts matters in Gadsden, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stewart agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Gadsden, Alabama

Stewart takes divorce matters in Gadsden, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stewart agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Stewart Earl Burns — Over 37 years of Alabama child custody experience

Mr. Stewart Earl Burns is a lawyer practicing negligence-personal injury, workers compensation, fraud-bad faith and 12 other areas of law. Stewart received a B.A. degree from University of Alabama in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. Stewart practices at Burns Garner Law Firm in Gadsden, AL.

Stewart's approach to child custody cases

The kind of cases Stewart takes

Stewart reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and consumer matters in Gadsden and the surrounding Alabama area.

Credentials

Stewart Earl Burns's legal education and bar admissions

University of Alabama
J.D. Accounting · 1988
University of Alabama
B.A. Accounting · 1986

Jurisdictions

Stewart's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
Alabama
1989 · ACTIVE

Stewart studied at J.D. Accounting in University of Alabama and B.A. Accounting in University of Alabama.

Law school and academic background

Stewart completed J.D. Accounting in University of Alabama and B.A. Accounting in University of Alabama. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stewart runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Stewart Earl Burns

Stewart has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Stewart's professional memberships and bar associations

Etowah County and American Bar Associations Alabama State Bar The Association of Trial Lawyers of America Alabama Trial Lawyers
membership

Locations

Stewart Earl Burns's office in Gadsden

Stewart's primary office is at 821 Chestnut St., Gadsden, AL, 35901. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Burns Garner Law Firm

821 Chestnut St.

Gadsden, AL 35901

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Stewart Earl Burns — 4.2/5 rating from 21 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Stewart. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Gadsden.

4.2

21 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stewart Earl Burns claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Stewart Earl Burns — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stewart usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Stewart charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stewart's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Stewart will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Gadsden, Alabama

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Stewart

Stewart discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Stewart confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Stewart's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Stewart Earl Burns

How much does it cost to hire Stewart for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stewart walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stewart offer a free consultation?
Stewart charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stewart's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Stewart's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stewart gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stewart take my case if I'm outside Gadsden?
Stewart is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stewart will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Stewart?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stewart will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stewart accepting new child custody clients right now?
Stewart's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Gadsden, Birmingham and Montgomery in Alabama

Stewart handles child custody matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Stewart's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Gadsden handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.