The Mackenzie Holdren Law Firm, PLLC

07/21/2026

If you’re a young woman, I cannot overemphasize the importance of getting an education or learning a trade. Even if you had a hard childhood, even if you don’t have any money, even if you don’t have strong role models—especially then. Looks fade, relationships can end, and you will go through hard things. You cannot depend on someone to take care of you, and if you do, make sure you have the ability and means to start over if need be. If you aren’t able to provide for yourself, you are inherently at risk because it’s difficult to leave when you don’t have money or a skillset. You deserve nice things and experiences, but even more importantly, you deserve a peaceful home. You are smart enough, you are capable, and you deserve to be the best version of yourself.

07/19/2026

Hard Truths about Family Court ⚖️👩🏼‍💼

1. Your attorney is probably not taking your calls and answering your texts on the weekend.
Courthouses are closed, judges are out, and we are spending time with our own families. There is nothing we are going to be able to do for you on a weekend that will have any immediate effect, anyway. The judge is not going to look at your petition for contempt on a Saturday. We are not driving to your exchange.

2. The work isn’t free.
When you retain an attorney, you sign a fee agreement that explains how legal services will be billed. Most attorneys require an upfront retainer because unpaid balances can become difficult to collect—particularly when clients are disappointed with the outcome of their case, which is not uncommon in family law. It’s important to remember that emails, phone calls, meetings, and other communications typically require attorney time and are billed accordingly. If you contact your attorney frequently, your retainer will be depleted more quickly, and you may be responsible for replenishing it as your case progresses.

3. Child support is set by utilizing a formula.
The judge will use a worksheet that computes a number based upon factors such as both parties’ income, nights spent with each parent, and costs associated with the child’s portion of medical coverage and childcare. It doesn’t matter what attorney you hire or how much you complain—the numbers are what they are.

4. The system is designed to promote the rights of parents, even when contrary to the preferences of the children.
Often, kids do have a more involved parent. That isn’t typically enough to rebut the presumption of 50/50 custody. Even when there are limiting factors, the court will impose limits that still permit the parent to have parenting time with the child. Family court judges do not terminate parental rights, that is a function of circuit courts. The overarching goal of family court is to promote meaningful relationships between children and both parents, with an emphasis on maximizing parenting time for both parents.

07/16/2026

Starting July 19th until August 12th, we are hosting a back-to-school drive to help ensure local kids and teachers start the year off on the right foot. All consultation fees will be used to purchase classroom supplies. If you’d like a discounted consultation, you may purchase $100.00 worth of items and bring in your receipt. Items will be donated to schools in Nicholas County and surrounding areas. I have attached a list of suggested items, but the list is not exhaustive. We are proud to support local schools! 📚✏️🚍❤️🍎

06/25/2026

I will be out of office until Monday, June 29, 2026, because my younger sister is getting married this weekend! 👰🏼‍♀️💍 Existing clients may continue to use MyCase to send messages and upload items for review. I will return all phone calls and messages next week.

06/15/2026

The Cowen Public Library is hosting a lunch fundraiser tomorrow (6/16/26) from 11:00-2:00 at the Cowen Public Library to keep the library open. $10,000 is needed by June 30, 2026, to meet state matching requirements. If possible, I would encourage you to stop by for lunch and to make a monetary donation. I will be contributing, and I am challenging all of my colleagues who’ve ever practiced in Webster County to donate at least $100. As attorneys, we know how important libraries are, particularly in underfunded areas. We have made money in Webster County and we should give back, especially to causes that benefit local kids.

06/07/2026

Fun fact: I worked as a lifeguard at the Richwood City Pool my junior and senior year of high school. 🥰☀️

A Richwood girl through and through, Makenzie Holdren has always believed in giving back to the community she loves.

A pool lover at heart, she understands the importance of having a safe, fun place for families and children to make summer memories. Her generosity and community spirit continue to make a difference, and we're grateful for her sponsorship of a free admission day at the Richwood City Pool & Park .

Thank you, Mackenzie, for being such a great person and for helping keep summer fun accessible for everyone! 💗☀️🏊‍♀️

06/05/2026

Adoption day is the perfect occasion to wear a pink dress and pink, sparkly shoes! As always, I appreciate Judge Jasmine R. H. Morton for being so accommodating and warm. Special thanks to DHS Adoption Supervisor, Alexis Barton, and the kids’ phenomenal GAL, Julia Callaghan. ❤️

05/02/2026

I am always happy to support youth athletics in our community and surrounding areas. Good luck to all of the teams playing in the Lorenzen Cup today! 💓⚽️

02/26/2026

High school girls: as always, I want to ensure that all of you are able to experience prom in a dress that you love. 💃🏼👠👑🪩✨ If you will need a dress/shoes/accessories, please reach out to me ASAP! If possible, please don’t wait until the last minute. That said, I know things happen and I will still help you. Just to be clear, this is open to any girl enrolled in high school who intends to go to prom, not just girls I represent — so if you have a friend, daughter, student, etc. who needs help, reach out to me. Please let me know when prom is and provide sizing info and specific requests. Nobody will know. 🩷

02/18/2026

On 02/17/2026, the Summersville Police Department was escorting Ronald Stroupe Jr. of Princeton, WV out of a girls’ basketball game at the Nicholas County High School. Mr. Stroupe had been asked numerous times by the Summersville Police Department S.R.O. Officer for the high school to calm down after having a verbal altercation with a parent from Nicholas County. Mr. Stroupe was asked to leave and had to be escorted from the gym. While being escorted Mr. Stroupe became more belligerent and physical with the officer. Mr. Stroupe was then placed under arrest. While placing Mr. Stroupe in custody, a firearm fell out of Mr. Stroupe’s waistband onto the gym floor. Mr. Stroupe grabbed the gun and refused to release it. Mr. Stroupe was disarmed by the officer with assistance of Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Stroupe was placed in custody.

Mr. Stroupe was charged with [1] Possession of a Deadly Weapon on the premises of an Educational Facility, [2] Brandishing, [3] Obstructing an Officer, [4] Public Intoxication, and [5] Disorderly Conduct.

Mr. Stroupe was transported to Central Regional Jail and is awaiting arraignment by a magistrate.