Jennifer M. Shafer is an associate in Saxton & Stump’s Family Law group in the firm’s Charleston office. She represents clients in divorce and custody proceedings, guiding them through every stage of the legal process and helping them begin a new chapter of life. Jennifer also represents clients in need of navigating the intricacies of The Hague Convention for children who are victims of international kidnapping. When children are wrongfully removed or retained, Jennifer acts swiftly to protect her clients’ parental rights and pursue legal remedies under state, federal law, and International Treaties. Jennifer is committed to open, consistent communication with her clients, discussing strategy, answering questions clearly, and preparing both clients and witnesses for court hearings.
She is a member of the Charleston Cooperative Family Law Association, a select group of family law attorneys dedicated to helping clients end their marriages in a civil, businesslike manner. For those interested in the cooperative divorce method, Jennifer provides a cost-effective and amicable alternative to traditional litigation. She helps clients divide assets without unnecessary conflict and, when children are involved, supports solutions that avoid custody disputes. In circumstances when the cooperative divorce process isn’t possible, Jennifer is also highly experienced in litigation to fight for her clients’ best interests.
Jennifer brings a unique perspective to her practice as a former business owner. Before entering the legal profession, she owned and operated a successful restaurant and wine bar in Flagstaff, Ariz., which she dissolved before attending law school. This experience equips her with a practical understanding of the financial and emotional dynamics involved in divorce, especially for clients who co-own a business. She works with these clients to help preserve the business’s success and facilitate a smooth transition to the next phase of their lives.
In every case, Jennifer educates, counsels, and empowers her clients to make informed decisions based on a realistic risk-benefit analysis and a clear understanding of how the law applies to their unique circumstances.