Smith & Kilgo Law, LLC

08/01/2026

From False Allegations to Primary Custody: A Massive Win for Dad

When game playing enters the courtroom, you need a legal strategy that cuts right through the noise.

In a recent trial, Dean represented a dedicated father facing a multi-front attack:
Forum Shopping: The mother tried to manipulate jurisdiction and move the case around to find a court she thought would favor her.
False Allegations: Fabricated claims were brought forward to damage dad’s character and weaponize the system.
Dean and the team went straight to work exposing the improper venue tactics in three different counties, dismantling every false claim with cold, hard evidence, and keeping the judge’s focus exactly where it belonged: the best interests of the child.
The Final Verdict? A Complete Flip.
Full Primary Custody awarded to Dad.
Child Support ordered to be paid by the mother to the father.

False narratives don't stand a chance when met with ruthless preparation and relentless advocacy. Fathers have rights, and when the truth is on your side, having the right law firm in your corner changes everything.

07/04/2026

06/05/2026

CASE UPDATE: DISMISSED! 🎉⚖️
Remember our March 20th post about partner Dean R. Smith's major victory in the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals? The Court had reversed a PFA order because our client’s due process rights were violated, sending the case back for a brand-new trial.
Well, the new trial just wrapped up—and Dean secured the ultimate win.
He successfully defended our client in front of the new trial court judge, resulting in a complete dismissal of the protection from abuse petition!
Securing a reversal on appeal is a massive feat, but following it up with a total victory at the new trial is what we do. Incredible job, Dean, and a huge relief for our client! 👏👏

05/23/2026

Huge Win for Father’s Rights! ⚖️🎉

We are incredibly proud to announce a major victory secured by attorney Dean Smith in a recent Department of Human Resources (DHR) administrative hearing.

Our client, a dedicated father, was fighting to clear his name after receiving an “indicated” finding. Thanks to Dean’s sharp legal strategy and commanding knowledge of administrative procedure, justice prevailed.

DHR hearings are high stakes and emotionally exhausting for parents. However, Dean brought this case to a decisive, early end. The moment DHR finished presenting its case in chief, Dean took immediate action:

He moved for a judgment as a matter of law.

Dean aggressively demonstrated that DHR’s evidence was so profoundly lacking that they failed to meet even the baseline legal burden required to sustain the finding.

The Administrative Law Judge agreed completely, halting the proceedings right then and there. Our client didn’t even have to put on a defense.

The “indicated” finding has been completely overturned. Our client walks away with a clear record, his reputation intact, and his rights as a father fully protected.

An indicated DHR finding can have devastating, lifelong impacts on a parent’s career, background checks, and relationship with their children. We refuse to let unfounded allegations tear families apart, and we are proud to stand firmly behind fathers fighting for their kids.

Facing a DHR investigation or appealing an indicated finding? Don’t navigate the system alone. Put an experienced, aggressive advocate in your corner.

Contact us today to protect your family and your future.

05/13/2026

Better than a 5 Star Google review.

05/06/2026

Upholding the Corporate Shield

Congratulations again to Partner, Dean Smith. In a recent civil matter, our firm was pleased to secure a Summary Judgment that reinforced the critical protections afforded to business leaders under Alabama law.

The Legal Challenge

The litigation involved a complex scenario where our client was sued personally for a contract executed just prior to formal corporate incorporation. The plaintiffs sought to hold the individual personally liable for the entity’s obligations, putting our client’s personal interests and assets at risk of garnishment, seizure or sale.

Our Nuanced Defense Strategy

Rather than relying on broad arguments, Dean crafted a detailed defense centered on a precise analysis of the evidentiary record. The defense emphasized that corporate officers are not personally bound simply by signing contracts in a representative capacity. Dean utilized the legal principle that a corporation may adopt and ratify pre-incorporation contracts, effectively shifting contractual liability from the individual promoter to the entity. He held the opposition to the “substantial evidence” standard, requiring evidence of such weight and quality that a fair-minded person could reasonably infer the facts sought to be proved.

The Professional Result

Through the hours of legal research, trial preparation and crafty courtroom trial work, Dean persuaded the Court to find that our client acted solely as a representative of the corporate entity. Consequently, the Motion for Summary Judgment was granted, and all claims against our client in their individual capacity were dismissed with prejudice.

Our Commitment

At Smith & Kilgo Law we believe a successful defense is built on meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of corporate jurisprudence. We take pride in navigating complex liability issues to ensure our clients’ personal and professional interests remain properly separated.

This is only one of Dean’s many courtroom victories in the civil court. If you have a negligent construction matter, business matter or any other civil litigation issues, call today. We can help.

05/05/2026

Making moves…

04/23/2026

Nearly eight years ago, a nightmare began for our client. He was hit with a barrage of false accusations resulting in misdemanor and felony charges across multiple counties—allegations designed to dismantle his life and sever his bond with his child.

While he fought for his freedom in criminal court, his 50/50 parenting time was stripped away, and a petition was filed to terminate his parental rights entirely.

But he never stopped figthing and neither did we. Every single criminal charge was either dismissed or defeated at trial. Last year, we stood our ground at trial and successfully beat the petition to terminate his rights. Yesterday, the journey came full circle. After this years long fight, his parenting time was restored by Order of the Court.

Truth has a way of catching up, but it takes grit and a refusal to back down. We are so proud to have stood by this father as he reclaimed his name and, most importantly, his time with his child.

04/19/2026

Plans….