A Family or Criminal
Matter?
Award Winning
For Your NXTSTEP
Awards












Through Our Dedication
Put Our Experience To

NXTSTEP Family Law is a Huntsville family law firm whose mission is to help Mothers, Fathers, Children, and/or Grandparents take the NXTSTEP in their lives by resolving their Family Law issues though caring, thorough and aggressive legal representation.
We want you to know that your case matters, and we are here for you every step of the way. Our focus here at NXTSTEP is to help our clients heal their past, remove the unknown from their present, and strive in their future. We are upfront, honest and responsive. Our team promises that we will make sure that our clients know exactly what their next step is.
Kris & Coby are the founders of NXTSTEP Family Law. They have been working together for a long time, even prior to creating their vision and launching NXTSTEP Family Law in 2016. Kris is a graduate of Barry Law School, and is licensed to practice both in Alabama, and Florida. Mrs. Sexton specializes in DHR matters, juvenile law, and complex divorce mediation. She has been awarded numerous awards for her zealous advocacy including the “Top 10 under 40” in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and in 2022. She also was awarded the title of a Rising Star in 2021 and 2022 by Super Lawyers, and the Young Professional of the Year by the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Coby is a graduate of Birmingham School of Law and specializes solely in Family Law issues. Having his MBA, he also brings a special knowledge to the the table. Coby most recently was awarded “Top Client Satisfaction” by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and was also awarded the title of “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, the Firm was awarded Professional Service Business of Year. Their team has been working together for over a decade successfully representing families in all aspects of the law. They both have a huge passion for their job and take pride in fighting for the families and children they help represent.
We look forward to helping you in your legal matter.
What Our Clients Say
-
Holly Wright
Where do I start?! Kris is a GAMECHANGER for Family Law. She is organized, responsive, caring, and more importantly...she gets results! She listens and does her homework and cheers you along the way. Her paralegal Hannah is amazing as well...they tag team and get the job done! These ladies would even respond in the evening at times...well after hours if it was really important. She knows the key players in the court system which helps as well. I am so grateful to have met her. She is someone that you can tell your issue to once and she knows what you are thinking and how to fix it before you do. Nobody ever wants to go to court and I was a nervous wreck even though I was the one that filed. Kris was so compassionate, told me to relax...that she's got it and she was right. She will have your back! To achieve that level of trust that quickly when dealing with your family is priceless to me. I will forever be so grateful to have met her. Kris Sexton is definitely who you need to hire for custody issues, etc. Hopefully I will not need her again...but she offered to be on stand by if I needed anything else. What a great lawyer! - 6/20/2021read moreread less
Beverly Barker
This entire office is awesome. They are all friendly and professional. My attorney Nora is always very sweet and caring. She is always there for me in this horrendous and very very stressful situation. It is so important to feel that someone understands how hard all of this is and that you at least know that someone is working in your best interest. Nora is awesome!Kristin, her paralegal does a fantastic job keeping everything straight. I couldn't have asked for a better team. They are the best!! - 10/17/2018read moreread less -
John
Great Attorney Whatever problem you are facing across the family law spectrum, I cannot think of a better person to call than Kristina Sexton. Divorce and child custody are very serious issues that will affect you for the rest of your life, and having the wrong lawyer will have severe consequences. The battle I was facing with my wife (now ex-wife) was very difficult and sometimes nasty, but Ms. Sexton handled everything perfectly in a personable and efficient manner. She was thorough and always well-prepared, very supportive, and always returned my calls and emails. She is very professional in the court room and always showed respect to the Judge and other lawyers. She can be very tough and candid when necessary but did not need to prove her toughness by being unnecessarily contentious. She is very knowledgeable and has the experience to deal with multiple issues and she gets winning results. Not only does she have a lot of talent, but she is also very trustworthy. I was never afraid or apprehensive to talk to her about anything, and she was always honest about what to expect. I highly recommend her. - 8/25/2014read moreread less
raymond stemba
Kris is a savage! I had one hell of a battle with my ex wife over custody, visitation and of course,$$$. It took 2 years to reach a settlement(out of court) but she was on my side every step of the way. I had fallen into the deepest pit of depression and despair I'd ever been in, but she didnt allow me to roll over and just eat it. She called out the mind games that were being played by my ex. she wouldn't allow me to get anything less than what I deserved nor be made to look like the bad parent I was accused of being. Thanks again for everything. You rock. - 1/04/2019read moreread less -
Jessica Honey
I used NXTSTEP Family Law for my divorce. I was so impressed with the care and professionalism they provided. Coby Boswell was my attorney and he immediately made me feel safe. He worked very hard to fight for me against a very ugly situation. I am incredibly thankful for all he did for me! - 12/07/2023read moreread less
Emily
Custody and adoption process Our case was very unique and took several years to resolve. Kris and Hannah were very helpful every step. I was able to ask lots of questions, she was easy to get in touch with, and she was very knowledgeable when it came to all the different steps in the process. I hope I never have to hire a lawyer again, but if I do, I would hire her again in a heartbeat. - 1/04/2020read moreread less -
Dave
Excellent Attorney! I think stating honest and trustworthy is too cliche but that in itself is an understatement. Kris, was very sensitive to my needs especially due to the nature of my case. I appreciated the fact that she was very upfront with me and walked me through every available option that was given. She was also very responsive to my calls/emails if I ever had any questions or concerns. But above all, Kris is an amazingly gifted attorney and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an outstanding Family Law attorney. - 3/17/2015read moreread less
Thomas
Single Father, You need this Attorney!! Excellent presentation and legal knowledge to come out victorious even when it seemed the entire system was against my victory. I am a single father with custody of my children and have maintained custody thru the vigilant and dedicated work of Kris Sexton. I would recommend her services for any custody issue. I especially recommend her services for any single father in Alabama that has an on-going custody case!!! - 1/07/2019read moreread less -
Kaboom Crash Media
My new now and alway attorney. I could not have been more thankful. When looking for an attorney you wonder, "can I trust this person when it counts the most, are they just about the money?". Kristina proved quickly that she was knowledgeable and had my best interest at heart. I feel stronger just knowing and having her in my corner when needed. Thank you Kristina Sexton, we are a better business becouse of you. - 6/21/2015read moreread less
Jessica
Sword and Shield When I started the process of my divorce, I had no idea how ugly my former partner could be. When they started to go out of their way to hurt me, it was almost more than I could bear. I remember all of my worries melting away after speaking with Coby Boswell. He said he was now my sword and shield. I knew I could trust him and that he would do whatever it took to keep me safe. Mr. Boswell was consistent and professional and I appreciate everything he did for me. - 12/07/2023read moreread less
Marianne
Amazing experience Kris is honest and down to earth. I love how she told me what to expect right away, she fought for us and was just the most amazing attorney you could ask for. She is nice and inviting but in the courtroom shes firm. Doesnt take a no for an answer when what we were asking for wasnt far fetched. I wanted a bulldog in an attorney and i found it. Hannah is amazing too. You wouldnt be disappointed with her or her staff!! - 11/17/2016read moreread less -
anonymous
Very Responsive & Excellent at Trial Having Coby Boswell as my lawyer was the best decision I could have made during the divorce process. If I needed anything or had a question he would answer quickly. He explained processes, procedures, and documents in a way that helped me understand the details. During the trial he kept me calm and focused, and asked the most pertinent questions to get to the underlying issues of why my spouse should not have custody of our daughter. Due to this, the judge awarded me sole custody, which I truly feel was in the best interest of my child. I would definitely recommend Coby to anyone going through a divorce, especially when the welfare of a child is at risk. - 6/17/2015read moreread less
Emily
Custody and adoption process Our case was very unique and took several years to resolve. Kris and Hannah were very helpful every step. I was able to ask lots of questions, she was easy to get in touch with, and she was very knowledgeable when it came to all the different steps in the process. I hope I never have to hire a lawyer again, but if I do, I would hire her again in a heartbeat. - 1/04/2020read moreread less
Jennifer Cable
I unfortunately had to go through a long distance divorce. I hired Kris to represent me in my divorce and custody matters. Her and her staff were prompt, kind, trustworthy and sympathetic through the entire process. kris accommodated all my needs and was available to speak with me when I needed her. Hands down, the best legal representation I have been a part of. I love her and all of her staff ! - 7/21/2019read moreread less -
adam rothblatt
Coby and Niki helped to represent me in my divorce and custody case. They both made it easy to understand what was going on, why things were happening the way they were, and what would be coming next. They made one of the most difficult times of my life more bearable. I would highly recommend them for any family matters that anyone might be going through. - 9/18/2019read moreread less
Jason Miller
Kris is an expert in all areas of the art. She understands technology, its impacts on our daily lives and how to use it. She understands the process and how to use it to navigate the most difficult situations. She was patient where I was impatient, helpful, attentive and only billed when absolutely necessary. She has been a dream to work with and I'm so glad I did. She resolved my case to the satisfaction of everyone involved and I'm very happy to be moving forward to the next chapter of my life. If I have to call her to deal with anything on this matter again, I most certainly will do that. I can't recommend Kris and her team enough. - 9/18/2018read moreread less
Lindsey Barron
Our family has been working with NXT Step Family Law for the past year. We could not be happier with their dedication to our case and diligence in working to ensure that our children were safe and thriving. As we continue our custody journey, we always know that NXT Step will do whatever is necessary to ensure the law is followed. Thank you for giving our family the peace of mind we needed to enjoy life again! - 9/18/2018read moreread less -
Cora Meeks
My husband and I chose this law firm out of the recommendation of a friend when we had dealing with DHR and we were not disappointed! My husband had Coby for the family attorney and Jamie as his criminal attorney in 2020 and they and their assistants were both responsive, reliable, patient with our many questions, professional and they cared. We are so thankful for the time, energy and work that they put into our case in order to make our family whole again. Even though, our case lasted 10 months, they were there every step up the way and we are forever grateful for that. They always listened to us and made us feel like we were being heard and we knew we could count on them. I know this post is basically 2 years late but that's only because I wanted to focus on our family and nurture the relationships that DHR had tried to snuff out by falsely accusing my husband and our family of things so i say all this to just say if you're wondering if you should use NXTSTEP then you definitely should because you won't be disappointed! - 1/08/2022read moreread less
Amy
I’m so glad I chose Coby to be my attorney during one of the hardest times of my life. He was professional, yet very caring. He validated my concerns and emotions. He was upfront and honest. He helped me navigate this whole process, and had patience with me. He explained everything, which helped ease my anxiety. His paralegal, Cheryl is great too- very responsive with emails and thorough. The accounting staff was amazing as well. Definitely best experience I could have asked for. I’m very thankful. - 8/10/2021read moreread less -
SisSquad
I was recommended Kris through a friend. When I met with her she was straight to the point. She had a plan of action and told me exactly what I needed to do. I hired her as my divorce lawyer that day. We battled it out with my ex for about 9 months. Her and her office were always very responsive to my emails and calls. She advised me on what to do and what not to do. She gave me best and worst case scenarios up front. She went up against 3 different lawyers with my ex and we always came out on top. She also went up against a very aggressive judge and we had several judgements in our favor throughout the 9 months. I got full custody of my kids and got to keep my house. She is a laid back but also a straight to the point kinda lawyer, which I love! Thank you Kris for having my back and fighting for me and my kids! - 1/26/2020read moreread less -
anonymous
Could not have asked for a better custody attorney I retained Kris Sexton in the summer of 2016 when I was denied my summer visitation by my ex-wife. I had smaller problems with visitation since my divorce was finalized in late 2014 but this was the last straw for me. I was not at all happy with my original divorce attorney so I knew it was time to find a good attorney that could help me out. As soon as I hired Kris I could immediately tell the difference and knew that I had a very knowledgeable and beyond competent attorney that could finally represent me accordingly. She immediately got me back my lost summer visitation and then we proceeded to work on getting custody completely changed. I had always been alienated from my kids ever since leaving my ex-wife, denied phone calls when they weren’t with me or on the rare occasion I was able to briefly talk to my kids on the phone they were often made to call me names by my ex-wife or simply say whatever she wanted them to tell me, rather than just simply getting to tell me about their day. I was not told about doctor appointments for my kids, or even surgeries, was erased from most of their doctor and some school forms and was constantly battling my ex-wife attempting to keep me from being a part of my kids lives. I even had to fight to keep my ex-wife from moving away wth the kids, which Kris was also a huge help with. After a long hard battle, I’ve learned through all of this that nothing involving the courts moves very quickly, Kris was able to get me sole physical custody of my kids with all decision-making. As a father in Alabama I know how tough it is to get sole custody but Kris was able to do it. I went into this just hoping to maybe get true split custody with joint decision making but Kris far exceeded my expectations. I would highly and absolutely recommend Kris Sexton, and her paralegal Hannah who was awesome through this whole process as well, to anyone whether they’re a father or a mother who are looking for unmatched representation when it comes to custody and or divorce related issues. If you are looking for someone who knows all of your rights as a parent, will fight for those rights and will represent you in the most professional way imaginable then you cannot do any better than Kris Sexton at NxtStep Family Law. - 6/11/2018read moreread less
Tom Hutt
Robert Autrey handled my divorce from start to finish. His counsel was superb in all respects. He patiently guided me through every issue and carefully helped me think through my position on multiple issues so that I could make solid decisions. While he was patient with me, he also got things done quickly once we were agreed on the way ahead. I'm so glad he was in my corner. - 12/01/2023read moreread less -
Casey
A great lawyer Coby is phenomenal. I hired him when starting my divorce process and was completely clueless on what to do. Coby met with me the day after I called and explained to me my options. I have two small children that are my world and he has kept there best interest at heart since day one. He has always been prompt to respond to calls and emails and always follows through on what he says. He dealt with everything and always gave me the quote "hindsight is 20/20" He still represents me and helps with the joys of dealing with child support issues. I highly recommend him and am so thankful for him. - 10/03/2016read moreread less
Roxana Zito
We had a very sticky situation come up about a year ago. We were tasked with helping a young man get himself out of a very bad unstable family situation. Kris met with us as we had absolutely no idea how or what to do for him. Kris prepared us and helped us navigate the waters from our side. It couldn’t have went smoother. - 10/17/2018read moreread less -
Lisa
Very thorough and strong family law background Kristina Sexton has worked tirelessly on my behalf for almost two years. My divorce was complicated and not amicable. However, she helped me to resolve child custody, support, and the property settlement with a high degree of law expertise. I am very pleased with the outcome of my case and highly recommend Ms. Sexton to represent anyone that is going through a divorce. - 4/07/2017read moreread less
Courtney Brady
Hands down the best attorney Kris is hands down the best attorney in Huntsville. She is super knowledgable about the law, compassionate, and genuinely cares about her clients best interests. She was there for me every step of the way with my case, and helped me obtain the outcome which I desired. Her paralegal Hannah is amazing, in fact the entire team at NXTSTEP are great. Kris is truly a force to be reckoned with, she is everything one could want in an attorney. I simply can't recommend her enough. Thank you Kris, I will be forever grateful to how you've helped me! - 3/10/2017read moreread less -
chassidy music
Truly a blessing!!! In August 2016, Kristina Sexton began working with my son and I. She gave so much dedication and attention to our situation. I honestly could not believe how invested she was to our case. My custody issues were very intense and complex due to it being an out of state placement. There were so many times I became completely hopeless but Kris brought the light back to my life when we went to court and she stood up and let herself be heard when noone else was able to do so. Because of her passion and determination I am home today with my son by my side. I could never say enough positive things about Kristina Sexton as a person and an attorney. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for legal advice/representation. If you want a strong willed, well knowledged attorney with a can and will do attitude, Kris is by far the way to go! - 2/20/2017read moreread less
Amanda Hall
I am so thankful that my friend recommended Nxtstep when I found out that I would be going through a divorce. Nora Hickman is so knowledgeable & is great at what she does. She not only gave me encouragement through such a hard time in my life but also fought for me when at times, I didn’t even feel like fighting for myself. You cannot go wrong with this law firm and their sweet, helpful & understanding staff. - 1/04/2019read moreread less -
Casey
A great lawyer Coby is phenomenal. I hired him when starting my divorce process and was completely clueless on what to do. Coby met with me the day after I called and explained to me my options. I have two small children that are my world and he has kept there best interest at heart since day one. He has always been prompt to respond to calls and emails and always follows through on what he says. He dealt with everything and always gave me the quote "hindsight is 20/20" He still represents me and helps with the joys of dealing with child support issues. I highly recommend him and am so thankful for him. - 10/03/2016read moreread less -
jennie nickel
Very quickly into my consultation, I knew that Coby was the lawyer for me. He was direct, honest and prepared me for what to expect instead of just telling me what I wanted to hear. He came to the consultation fully educated on my case and was ALWAYS impressively prepared for every step along the way. He and his paralegal, Cheryl, went above and beyond. They made a miserable situation bearable. I would hire him again and recommend him in a heartbeat. - 3/19/2021read moreread less
Chris
Awesome Attorney Kristina has done a wonderful job for my family. We appreciate how hard working she is for us. She has been very honest and has kept us informed every step of the way! Definitely recommend her for anyone looking a for a family law attorney. She has been wonderful. - 6/21/2015read moreread less -
jonathan hillis
All the staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and take time to understand each situation individually.Kris knows how to get things done and Hannah CoulterParalegal to Kris Sexton and Coby Boswell was always quick to email me back. I would definitely recommend NXTSTEP LAW! - 10/17/2018read moreread less
Brandon
Absolutely hire her! I was referred to Kris from my previous lawyer and couldn't be more grateful for this. I hired her to handle my case. She was very knowledgeable and able to break things down for me step by step to guide me. She handled my case with complete care and integrity. She does not play around. She was able to get everything settled with out even going to the court room. - 2/25/2019read moreread less -
Laura
Coby Boswell Mr. Boswell is a very sympathetic, compassionate and knowledgeable attorney. He was thorough with his advice and guided me to make realistic and reasonable decisions in my divorce case. I could not have asked for a better counselor during a very difficult time in my life. - 6/01/2015read moreread less
Courtney Brady
Kris is hands down the best attorney in Huntsville. She is super knowledgable about the law, compassionate, and genuinely cares about her clients best interests. She was there for me every step of the way with my case, and helped me obtain the outcome which I desired. Her paralegal Hannah is amazing, in fact the entire team at the firm are great. Kris is truly a force to be reckoned with, she is everything one could want in an attorney. I simply can't recommend her enough. Thank you Kris, I will be forever grateful to how you've helped me! - 9/18/2017read moreread less -
Mary
Attention to detail Kris represented me and did a phenomenal job. She is understanding and pays attention to every detail. Kris is extremely knowledgeable and professional. I couldn’t have been more pleased with having her as my attorney. Her staff is also amazing and very kind, especially Hannah. - 2/02/2021read moreread less
Shellie Kioutas
Kris and Coby are excellent and skilled attorneys. When my daughter needed an attorney that specialized in custody, she was lucky enough to have the team of Kris and Coby. Coby was always kind, understanding and went out of his way to be there whenever she need him. He knew the law and he was prepared to fight for her and the best interest of the child. Coby and Kris always took great care of my daughter and grandson. She was very lucky to have them as her attorneys. The support staff is excellent as well. They were quick to respond to her and always made her feel like she mattered. - 7/06/2016read moreread less -
Bryan
Kristina Jill Sexton Best part about working with Ms Sexton was she didn’t try to encourage me to spend money on pointless procedural maneuvers. She was always up front with my case and I didn’t fell like I was being taken advantage of. I’ve worked with many other family lawyers and she is one of the best! - 9/03/2014read moreread less
Adrian Scruggs
Kris and her staff are amazing. These ladies will take care of you from day one. I got a bill summary at the beginning of each week that included a break down of the work that was being done on my case. I was never left in the dark. They make sure that you get your money's worth out of every phone call and email. Not many people can confidently say they have the best lawyer in Huntsville. But Kris and her staff are definitely the best. - 3/09/2021read moreread less -
CH
Professional and knowledgable attorney. Kristina was very helpful during my time of need. She handled my divorce very professionally, maintaining communication, answering all of my questions, and in general making me feel at ease during the whole process. I thank her for her services and would whole heartedly recommend her to anyone needing an attorney. - 1/15/2014read moreread less
Lori McCorkle
I consulted with many different law firms for my complex custody case and went with Kris at NXTSTEP and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Kris and her team not only won both my cases, but made sure I was well informed and comfortable with each step of the plan they immediately laid out with me after my consultation. After hiring Kris, I found out why she is one of the best lawyers in the South and so known for what she does. She fought hard and we won big. Thanks for her, my child is safe and we will be forever grateful for saving our family. - 1/14/2023read moreread less -
anonymous
Wonderful attorney that truly cares about children Kris was wonderful. She was truly understanding and caring regarding our custody case. There were a lot of ups and downs throughout the case, and she helped us along the way. She is very intelligent and quick thinking and understands the law and what to do no matter the situation. We greatly appreciate her help and couldn't have done it without her! - 9/30/2014read moreread less
Susan
Custody/LegalGuardian Ms. Kris Sexton was a court appointed attorney! I couldn't have picked anyone any better than she was for us. She was attentive and very professional. Kris was knowledgeable and gave the best advise as to the legal field of which we were facing. My grandson had already been with me for most of his life and I needed the legal grounds to make the necessary decisions best for him. She dressed and conducted herself before the judge in a professional manner. I would hire her if I ever needed help in another legal matter. I would recommend her to friend or stranger. You can't go wrong if your looking for a good attorney. - 2/13/2016read moreread less -
Kaboom Crash Media
My new now and alway attorney. I could not have been more thankful. When looking for an attorney you wonder, "can I trust this person when it counts the most, are they just about the money?". Kristina proved quickly that she was knowledgeable and had my best interest at heart. I feel stronger just knowing and having her in my corner when needed. Thank you Kristina Sexton, we are a better business becouse of you. - 6/21/2015read moreread less
Alexis Kelly
I didn’t know what would happen or what to expect when we had to enlist legal counsel for our sensitive case. The moment we walked in Nxtstep and spoke with Kris, we knew we were in great hands. Every time we left from speaking with Kris or Coby, we always felt like a weight had been lifted off of us. They both fought extremely hard on our behalf and we whole heartedly know that our outcome couldn’t have been better! We also can’t say enough about their paralegal, Hannah. She was such a blessing by keeping our minds at ease as well as standing beside us every step of the way! The whole Nxtstep team truly cares for you like a family. Nxtstep is all around amazing and we highly recommend them! - 1/04/2019read moreread less -
Jason N Ashley Sowash
I can’t say enough great things about Kris and Coby! Kris was always there day or night when we needed her! She always fights hard for her Clients and the truth! They also have the best paralegals in town! Hannah always went above and beyond on everything she did for us!! - 6/12/2018read moreread less
Yalena Noelia Medina
As someone that has never needed to seek out legal representation, I am blown away by just how amazing working with NXTSTEP was. Nora Hickman was who I worked with and there is simply not enough nice things I could say. They were intentional during our time together and never missed a beat in reassuring me during the entire process. Checked-in, educated, encouraged, and supported me beyond my expectations. If you are scared or don’t know what steps to take on your legal journey, do yourself a favor, and just contact them. - 2/17/2026read moreread less -
Kyla
Knowledgeable, Supportive & Helpful I chose Kris because she came highly recommended by other attorneys in town. She helped me through the most difficult time in my life. Kris and her paralegal Hannah were always prompt, responsive and put me at ease every time we met. I was very pleased with how she handled everything. - 1/07/2019read moreread less
Jessica
Caring and professional Nora did a fantastic job when we hired her for our custody case. She did exactly what she said she would do, followed up with us regularly, and in the end the outcome what exactly what we needed. She is empathetic and kind, but bold and aggressive when necessary. Our family is very grateful to her! - 3/30/2017read moreread less -
Lisa
Very thorough and strong family law background Kristina Sexton has worked tirelessly on my behalf for almost two years. My divorce was complicated and not amicable. However, she helped me to resolve child custody, support, and the property settlement with a high degree of law expertise. I am very pleased with the outcome of my case and highly recommend Ms. Sexton to represent anyone that is going through a divorce. - 4/07/2017read moreread less -
Tracey Tylman
Coby did a great job of handling my divorce and making me feel like I was heard and understood, and that I no longer had to carry all the stress alone. He and his paralegal, Cheryl, kept me informed every step of the way and put a lot of work into my case. I would definitely hire him again if I ever needed to. - 11/19/2021read moreread less -
William
Great Lawyer I would recommend Coby Boswell to anyone who asked for a legal reference. I had a particularly rough and lengthy divorce and custody case he represented me in. He kept in constant contact, which from what I have seen in reviews seems to be the typical complaint people have. I Have never had Mr. Boswell take more than a few hours to at least touch base with me and let me know he got my message and was working the issue. He was always understanding of the situation and would walk me through all scenarios and options available to me. To put things politely, my ex was willing to fabricate things to use in court to try and take the focus off of the things she had done. Mr. Boswell was always able to shed light on these in court and ethically provide proof of her actions, effectively getting me custody of my daughter. He is a very intelligent and capable attorney, and has through his career developed several techniques that he utilizes to his success in the courtroom. It was nothing short of a pleasure to sit beside him and watch his strategy unfold just like he had prepped me for all along. I think one of his most respectable traits is his honesty. He will not tell you what you want to hear just to keep your business or get your hopes up, he will tell you how the situation really is and then give you options to move forward. I will not use another lawyer after the relationship I have built with Mr. Boswell through his courtesy and professionalism. Hiring Mr. Boswell feels like you have an old friend who will be honest with you, who also just happens to be a really good lawyer. - 3/01/2014read moreread less
Brittany
Child custody/support We could not have had a better experience than we did with Kris! Her and her staff went above and beyond in helping us. You are not just another number dealing with Kris. She is extremely knowledgeable and informative! You cannot go wrong with NXT Step Family Law. Thank you Kris for your hard work and dedication! We would recommend her to anyone. - 4/12/2018read moreread less -
James
Great Attorney for a Horrible Time Kris is an intelligent, calm, and inclusive attorney that I highly recommend. Her and her team (partner and staff) provided excellent support and explanations on all pros and cons of each decision. This support continued after my mediated divorce to include providing information on actions to take to ensure adherence to the agreement. Although successfully-busy, she provides helpful recommendations to navigating difficult post divorce issues with directness that is both warm and sincere. She focuses on the children's best interest, for which I'm grateful. Again, I highly recommend Kris Sexton and Nxt Step Family Law. - 2/01/2021read moreread less
Jerica Anthony
I called Next Step Family Law after hearing many friends talk about how good they are. I’m SO happy I did! With only two days until court I went in for a consultation with Coby Boswell. From the time I walked in the door, they were very welcoming and understanding. I felt better immediately after the consultation and decided to go with them.I am so grateful I did.Mr Boswell and his team managed to get all of my scattered information together and build my case for me. They would call to check in and see how things were going. I felt like I had a support group outside of my support group.I was having a difficult time with everything before I had talked to Mr Boswell. He reassured me that everything was going to be fine and it was.Mr Boswell and Cheryl did an amazing job.We had discussed what I wanted to come from this custody case and they stood strong and made sure that’s exactly what I got.If you need an attorney for family law I highly recommend Next step family law!!!!! This team of people are hardworking and dedicated individuals. I wouldn’t change my decision if I could. I want to say thank you to Next Step for working with me on such short notice. Thank you for standing by me and getting the job done. I’m truly blessed to have had a great team stand by me through this hard time. Definitely Five Stars!!! - 4/17/2020read moreread less
Donovan Velez
I hired Kristina for a nasty custody battle between my child’s mother and myself, and as hard as it was to get through she made me feel confident the whole time. Kris truly cared for my wishes and was willing to fight for me like I was family. I never had any trouble getting a hold of Kris, she always emailed me back quickly. I wouldn’t ever want anyone else representing me. If you want a lawyer that you can be confident in that they are working hard for you, then you can’t go wrong with Kris and her team at NXTstep. She has truly done me wonders. - 2/03/2019read moreread less -
Terrell
Coby won my custody battle! Coby went above and beyond for my case! He was very intelligent when it came to matters in my case and fought hard for what I wanted in my custody battle. I would highly recommend Coby to anyone that is going through a custody battle/divorce! - 2/06/2020read moreread less
Kelly
Honest, Responsive, and caring! I cannot say enough good things about Kris and NXTstep! I chose Kris because she came HIGHLY recommended by friends and other attorneys in town. I went through a very difficult and complicated contested divorce with a child custody case, which thankfully ended in mediation. I was absolutely shocked that we didn’t have to go to court, but Kris guided me through the mediation process and we were successful. I got more than I asked for, and couldn’t be happier. Kris and Hannah (paralegal) truly care about their clients. They are attentive and knowledgeable about the law, and wouldn’t talk over my head, which I appreciated immensely. I am a highly educated person, but legal jargon is not my strong suit. Thank you for making me feel important, and never letting me feel alone in the process. I highly recommend Kris and Hannah! - 2/05/2020read moreread less -
Casey Brannon
Coby is phenomenal. I hired him when starting my divorce process and was completely clueless on what to do. Coby met with me the day after I called and explained to me my options. I have two small children that are my world and he has kept there best interest at heart since day one. He has always been prompt to respond to calls and emails and always follows through on what he says. He dealt with everything and always gave me the quote "hindsight is 20/20" He still represents me and helps with the joys of dealing with child support issues. I highly recommend him and am so thankful for him. - 9/18/2017read moreread less
Abby
From NO HOPE to FINDING HOPE Kris Sexton is an exceptional family lawyer. After enduring two years of struggle and nearly losing everything dear to me, I found myself in a situation where, without her and her firm, I would have faced total loss. The decisions I had made previously complicated matters for her, yet she never judged me or allowed me to feel defeated or without options. She consistently excels in the courtroom, and even if a motion does not yield the desired outcome, her determination only intensifies, ensuring she achieves the best possible results for her clients. My family and I are profoundly grateful to Kristina Sexton and NXTSTEP FAMILY LAW. - 8/21/2024read moreread less
CHRIS JARVIS
I recently had need for legal council, something no one desires, but Kris and Coby were understanding, listened and provided great council. Through them I reached the outcome I was looking for. They treated my case with the utmost care and they will for you as well. - 1/04/2017read moreread less -
Lindsey Scott
I cannot thank Kris and Heather enough for their exceptional support during one of the most difficult times in my life. Navigating child support and custody in a nasty divorce was overwhelming, but their professionalism, expertise, and genuine compassion made all the difference. They were always quick to respond, attentive to any concern and fought tirelessly for the best outcome for me and my daughter. Thanks to them, my daughter and I can look forward to a stable and hopeful future. I highly recommend Kris to ANYONE in need of a skilled and caring attorney! - 1/09/2025read moreread less
Thomas Hutt
When I needed an attorney, I contacted NXTSTEP because their name indicated they would bring experience with my issue. Danielle Cassalls and Heather Hoffman have been spectacular in every facet of my case. Always prepared, responsive, and efficient I came to trust their advice. They got the job done!! - 7/25/2025read moreread less -
Jason Miller
Kris is an expert in all areas of the art. She understands technology, its impacts on our daily lives and how to use it. She understands the process and how to use it to navigate the most difficult situations. She was patient where I was impatient, helpful, attentive and only billed when absolutely necessary. She has been a dream to work with and I'm so glad I did. She resolved my case to the satisfaction of everyone involved and I'm very happy to be moving forward to the next chapter of my life. If I have to call her to deal with anything on this matter again, I most certainly will do that. I can't recommend Kris and her team enough. - 1/04/2019read moreread less
Rachel
Very Professional Support! Nora did a wonderful job with my legal matter. She was highly professional, understood the process fully, and walked me through it in a very succinct way that helped me understand exactly what to expect. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for knowledgeable representation. - 2/29/2016read moreread less -
Conor Gorman
NXTSTEP Family Law exceeded all expectations for my case, and let me know that they cared!! That meant a lot to me. I didn't want to be another case in the pile. I WASNT!! I love all the hard work they did for me and my children. Worth every penny... FIVE STARS!! - 4/17/2017read moreread less
Daniel
Coby Boswell is an awesome lawyer! Coby Boswell is an awesome lawyer! Very professional and dedicated to protecting the rights and best interests of a child. I felt much better with Coby as my lawyer. I was never stressed about the case because Coby was very well prepared. - 11/30/2023read moreread less -
Theresa Monfet
Kris Sexton is a highly intelligent and powerful attorney who puts the time, dedication and years of knowledge in to ensuring her clients get the best representation possible. Kris is a shark in the court room and put my needs as her client at the forefront of how she handled my case. I couldn't be more satisfied with the work that she has done and will suggest her to everyone I know. - 9/18/2017read moreread less
Kathryn Garcia
Nobody wants to go through a divorce, but Coby and Nikki made a tough situation as pain free as possible! Coby decoded the legal jargon for me and made it easy to understand. They responded quickly, were efficient, and very kind. I would definitely choose them again! - 10/17/2018read moreread less -
will walker
Mr. Boswell and the staff at NXTSTEP are excellent they are very thorough and diligent in handling your case and they give you max output in getting your matters resolved in a positive outcome.I had a long process and Coby & Niki were great and were right there with me every step of the way. I highly recommend them and feel they are one of the best in North Alabama.Thanks to everyone @ NXTSTEP Family Law W.E.W. - 9/18/2019read moreread less
Matt Adams
I hired Coby Boswell for a high conflict custody case the end of 2024. I wish I had the time to tell you about every detail but we’d be here all day. What I can do is advise you to hire him. He’s an excellent attorney, he’s honest, to the point, and he does not tolerate nonsense. He’s very educated, compassionate, understanding, and a force in the court room. I’m proud to say that Coby has made every step of this process so much easier. He Has guided me, taught me patience, taught me how to navigate tough communication issues and so much more. He and Cheryl both were very informative and had excellent communication with me throughout the case. As a dad, fighting for rights to your kids may seem like such an uphill battle, but having Coby in your corner to help you fight that fight makes that battle seem a little more reachable. Could not have asked for a better outcome or a better attorney! I will always recommend and use Coby at NXTstep for any and all of my legal issues. - 5/15/2026read moreread less
Julia
Compassionate Justice I truly feel like my granddaughter's life was saved by Kris and her team!! Kris met with my husband and I just hours after the Emergency Hearing that granted us temporary custody and allowed us to take our granddaughter to our home- across several state lines and 12 hours away. Kris was always three steps ahead of our granddaughter's parents (once DNA test came back and there was a father involved) and their legal teams, making sure motions were filed to get information that we needed for our case. The father would not speak with anyone and the mother (my husband's daughter from a previous relationship) was completely uncooperative, unreasonable, disrespectful and hateful the entire duration of our case. The judge ordered things like Social Security number and Birth Certificate be turned over (to enable us to get our granddaughter on our health insurance) and not one time did the mother comply so Kris would file motions to "Compel". We were able to participate via telephone for most of the hearings. I feel like Kris went above and beyond, especially just days before our Final Hearing, because the parents did not comply with Discovery until the day before the hearing/trial, I know Kris had to have been up late compiling information (had gained access to mother's Facebook) for exhibits during the hearing. A fair amount of that information was extremely disturbing and unbeknownst to me and couldn't have been easy to read. I am fairly sure that most everything about our case was unique, my stepdaughter has been diagnosed with numerous, very serious mental disabilities (on SSI for them) and just dealing with her was a constant challenge for all. When communication became difficult between myself and she, Kris had me forward (mostly via email) the message chain and she took over to save me the emotional stress. Just arranging a visitation was a complete drama and challenge, but Kris made sure it got done. Kris even personally called me on the phone, in the evenings, knowing I needed more than just an email. Kris got the CAJA people involved and also asked for DHR to become involved again, to also aid in services for my stepdaughter. Kris kept in constant contact with me every time something new was developing (Emergency Hearing was November 3, 2017 and Final Hearing was August 17, 2018). She attended the previous two hearings even though we participated via telephone. In the initial consultation Kris listened intently and explained, in detail, how things would likely proceed and progress and that this was going to take up to a year for us to get the result we were looking for. Due to the nature of my stepdaughter's lifestyle/religious (using that loosely) beliefs, even before the horrendous full truth was finally revealed, my husband and I wanted to be sure that our granddaughter would NEVER be subjected to any period of time with her parents that would allow for her to be in/around them without us present. Early on visitations were ordered to be supervised only, keeping our granddaughter safe. Kris made sure we were in touch with the CAJA and his supervisor (he even came all the way to our home for a home visit and face to face interview, after doing a FaceTime interview and walk through of our home), the GAL and had them aid us in getting visitation scheduled as well as offering appropriate places and contact information for official supervisors for these visitations. Some of our legal fees were solely due to my stepdaughter being completely non-compliant and uncooperative (with literally EVERYTHING ordered, scheduling, etc.) so Kris filed motions for Sanctions to try and help recoup some monies for us, which we never expected but greatly appreciated. This ended up costing quite a bit more than we had expected, but we never felt taken advantage of. I know we couldn't have found a better representative for our case!!! - 8/20/2018read moreread less -
Cassondra
Beyond Words When I walked in to meet Mr Boswell, not only was he professional, but was personable, considerate, and kind. I was emotionally and physically aess, so when I say kind, I mean he was warm calm and concerned. Not at all what I had expected from the 'lawyer idea' that society provides. Throughout my process, he was always informative and went the extra mile to explain and clarify everything, keeping me well informed. I may have hired him to represent me, but we worked as a team for the best possible outcome. Mr Boswell worked fully in my best interest at all times, he was also available, knowledgeable, courteous, and always on top of things. I would recommend him to anyone needing an attorney for anything regarding family law. He is an exceptional attorney and an upstanding person. - 6/01/2015read moreread less -
Jennifer
Divorce Kris was amazing to work with during a hard time in my life. She always answered any questions I had and never made me feel as if I was annoying her. Even during a period when I was unsure of what my next step was, she was very patient and gave me time to decide. Kris was not afraid to be aggressive about certain legal areas in my marriage. I would absolutely 100% recommend her and hire her again! - 8/27/2015read moreread less -
Michelle Plummer
Kris and her team are beyond fantastic! They are professional and knowledgeable, we have worked with them long distance as we live in kansas. We had continuous contact with her and Hannah the whole time, they reassured us and addressed any concerns we had. We were nervous for mediation and trial but this team brings their A-game every time and trial wasnt even needed for us. We cannot recommend her enough! Absolutely through the roof ecstatic about our outcome. Thank you NxtStep team! We are indebted to you! - 5/26/2017read moreread less
William Woods
My husband and I had the honor of has Nora and Ashlee represent us in taking custody of my late sisters son. They made the whole process so easy. They were there anytime we had any questions. They treated us like family. I am happy to report as of today they were able to get us full sole custody! From the bottom of our hearts we thank them. I highly recommend Nora and Ashlee to everyone. - 12/05/2023read moreread less -
-
Kristina
Awesome Attorney Kris Sexton is an EXCELLENT attorney! She was our attorney in a difficult child custody case. She is very professional, and was very prepared. She spent a good bit of time with us , explained everything in great detail, and answered any and all questions we had. Kris is a very caring and attentive attorney. I would recommend her to anyone that is ever having child custody or any other needs for an attorney. She is wonderful!!! - 6/01/2016read moreread less -
Tim and Lexi
Kris was our warrior I didn’t know what would happen or what to expect when we had to enlist legal counsel for our sensitive case. The moment we walked in Nxtstep and spoke with Kris, we knew we were in great hands. Every time we left from speaking with Kris or Coby, we always felt like a weight had been lifted off of us. They both fought extremely hard on our behalf and we whole heartedly know that our outcome couldn’t have been better! We also can’t say enough about their paralegal, Hannah! She was such a blessing by keeping our minds at ease as well as standing beside us every step of the way! The whole Nxtstep family truly cares for you as a family. Nxtstep is all around amazing and we highly recommend them! - 5/31/2018read moreread less -
Tara
Wonderful and Helpful Coby Boswell is a wonderful attorney. Very caring and helpful throughout the process. Handles everything with the utmost care, compassion and professionalism. The staff he and Kristina Sexton have built are all very helpful and dedicated to getting you the help needed. I will continue to use Mr Boswell if future issues arise and recommend him highly to my friends, or anyone I know looking for a family attorney. - 3/21/2017read moreread less
Rachel
Very Professional Support! Nora did a wonderful job with my legal matter. She was highly professional, understood the process fully, and walked me through it in a very succinct way that helped me understand exactly what to expect. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for knowledgeable representation. - 2/29/2016read moreread less -
Amy Sims
Family law is inherently a sensitive thing. Coby Boswell and NXTSTEP Family Law made me feel comfortable and understood from the get-go. I felt like Coby genuinely cares about his clients and works hard to make sure they're taken care of. I trust Coby 100% with any future family law needs I may have and would highly recommend him to anyone needing his services! - 3/26/2021read moreread less
David Brown
NXTSTEP is one of the best law firms in North Alabama. All of the lawyers there are highly experienced and know exactly what they are doing. I would trust them with any of my family matters and send all of my friends to them. You will be in good hands with NXTSTEP. - 1/26/2020read moreread less -
H Noll
Kris is an exceptional attorney. She is exceedingly knowledgeable and better versed in DHR laws/codes anyone else in the courtroom, including the Judge. . It's difficult to find an attorney who won't lay down and role over to DHR. This is the woman you want on your side. She puts up one heck of a fight! - 9/24/2025read moreread less
VGQ VGQ
The only reason I’m not going in on Attorney Boswell is because, without any preparation whatsoever, he walked into trial and delivered a masterful performance—though he may disagree. His courtroom instincts and composure deserve credit. Unfortunately, everything leading up to that moment told a very different story. This is a lower mid-tier firm that operates more like a billing machine than a client-centered practice. Communication was inconsistent, preparation was minimal, and emotional intelligence was nonexistent. At no point did I feel genuinely heard or understood. The paralegal support was shockingly careless. I lost count of how many grammatical, formatting, and factual errors I had to correct in my own legal filings, things that should have been caught long before reaching me for review. Every correction felt like I was doing their quality control for them. If you’re a client who values responsiveness, empathy, attention to detail, and a sense that your case actually matters, this is not the firm for you. The entire experience felt transactional, not personal. I wasn’t treated as a parent navigating one of the most difficult chapters of my life, I was treated as a recurring invoice. Attorney Boswell may be competent in court, but his client interaction skills, if “bedside manner” were a thing for attorneys, are virtually nonexistent. He often barked orders, both in person and over email, with little regard for tone or timing. Would I recommend him? Sure, if your goal is to pay a retainer and then detach completely from the process. But if you are someone who values communication, reassurance, or even a basic sense of partnership during one of the most stressful times of your life, you will not find it here. In short, if you’re seeking a law firm that listens, communicates clearly, and takes pride in their work, run, don’t walk, somewhere else. -SC - 10/21/2025read moreread less -
anonymous
Proactive and Professional Mr. Boswell was very proactive to find a solution to my custody issue. As soon as he saw the situation beginning to escalate, he guided me through the PFA process. He was very professional and knowledgeable in the courtroom. During the trial he kept me calm and on task. Throughout the entire process, he was prompt at returning phone calls and emails. He always went the extra mile to make sure the right steps were being taken! - 1/01/2016read moreread less
Brandon
Absolutely hire her! I was referred to Kris from my previous lawyer and couldn't be more grateful for this. I hired her to handle my case. She was very knowledgeable and able to break things down for me step by step to guide me. She handled my case with complete care and integrity. She does not play around. She was able to get everything settled with out even going to the court room. - 2/25/2019read moreread less -
anonymous
Proactive and Professional Mr. Boswell was very proactive to find a solution to my custody issue. As soon as he saw the situation beginning to escalate, he guided me through the PFA process. He was very professional and knowledgeable in the courtroom. During the trial he kept me calm and on task. Throughout the entire process, he was prompt at returning phone calls and emails. He always went the extra mile to make sure the right steps were being taken! - 1/01/2016read moreread less
Shane Chelle
Kris and her team are beyond fantastic! They are professional and knowledgeable, we have worked with them long distance as we live in kansas. We had continuous contact with her and Hannah the whole time, they reassured us and addressed any concerns we had. We were nervous for mediation and trial but this team brings their A-game every time and trial wasnt even needed for us. We cannot recommend her enough! Absolutely through the roof ecstatic about our outcome. Thank you NxtStep team! We are indebted to you! - 1/04/2018read moreread less
Lyndsay
Excellent!!! Could not have asked for better representation! Mr. Boswell was wonderful. I was kept informed of everything that was going on with my case. Everything that I wanted is what I got from my case. He was friendly and reliable. He has represented me in two separate cases and each time I was very satisfied with the outcome. I recommend him to anyone asking for a lawyer and will continue to recommend him. - 6/11/2015read moreread less -
Jason Kiger
Kris and Hannah are amazing!! From our first meeting throughout the 15 month process, they were welcoming, understanding, dedicated, knowledgeable, and committed to representing me to the best of their abilities. I could not have asked for a better team to present my case. I can’t speak about them highly enough. If you find yourself in need of family legal help, make the best decision possible and call Kris at NXTSTEP Family Law. - 1/03/2019read moreread less
Roxana Zito
We had a very sticky situation come up about a year ago. We were tasked with helping a young man get himself out of a very bad unstable family situation. Kris met with us as we had absolutely no idea how or what to do for him. Kris prepared us and helped us navigate the waters from our side. It couldn’t have went smoother. - 1/04/2019read moreread less -
raymond stemba
Kris is a savage! I had one hell of a battle with my ex wife over custody, visitation and of course,$$$. It took 2 years to reach a settlement(out of court) but she was on my side every step of the way. I had fallen into the deepest pit of depression and despair I'd ever been in, but she didnt allow me to roll over and just eat it. She called out the mind games that were being played by my ex. she wouldn't allow me to get anything less than what I deserved nor be made to look like the bad parent I was accused of being. Thanks again for everything. You rock. - 10/17/2018read moreread less
Christina
Child Custody. Coby helped me get my son back after he was withheld more than once. He was with me every step of the way and very supportive. Answered every email and phone calls. I seriously can’t say enough amazing things about him and his team. He got me full custody! - 2/07/2018read moreread less
Dawn Boyer
NXTSTEP Family Law group is one of the most intensely customer service-oriented law group my husband and I have had the pleasure to do business with. Nora Hickman is prompt in responding to inquiries (phone or email), and has an excellent grasp of family law and opportunities to positively advance the cause of her clients. She has worked closely with us over the last seven months on a difficult and challenging emergency custody for a family member. Nora offered the best and wisest advice, and guided us through the process where we were comfortable with her ability to the end of our legal issue with a positive outcome. I would HIGHLY recommend using Nora Hickman and the NXTSTEP law firm for any legal family issues (custody, family law, divorce, etc.). They did not dissapoint! (And their prices and billing were fair and we feel they did not overcharge for the hours they provided for service.) - 1/16/2025read moreread less -
Wendy
Darn good at what she does! Nora was an excellent divorce attorney for me. She kept me posted on everything. She’s very good at getting back to you in a timely manner. She’s extremely intelligent and a very quick thinker on her feet! I would recommend Nora Hickman to anyone I know that is going through a contested divorce! Thank you, Nora, for all of your legal advice and help during this difficult time. - 8/02/2020read moreread less
Balee
This entire office is awesome. They are all friendly and professional. My attorney Nora is always very sweet and caring. She is always there for me in this horrendous and very very stressful situation. It is so important to feel that someone understands how hard all of this is and that you at least know that someone is working in your best interest. Nora is awesome!Kristin, her paralegal does a fantastic job keeping everything straight. I couldn't have asked for a better team. They are the best!! - 12/25/2018read moreread less -
William Vaughn
Coby worked on a Divorce/Custody case for me, and I can honestly say things could have went the other direction if not for his legal abilities. He walked me through everything that was going to happen and how we were going to deal with it. In the end, he was able to get me custody of my daughter. At no point did I feel that I was just an account or some random client. He was fast to return calls or emails, always kept in touch when things were hectic. He still calls on occasion just to check in on me and my daughter. I highly recommend Coby Boswell. - 1/04/2017read moreread less
Jason N Ashley Sowash
I can’t say enough great things about Kris and Coby! Kris was always there day or night when we needed her! She always fights hard for her Clients and the truth! They also have the best paralegals in town! Hannah always went above and beyond on everything she did for us!! - 6/12/2018read moreread less

















































































