A Family in Crisis

When a family faces crisis, the right legal support can mean the difference between instability and safety. That difference was made for Karrie Lewis Edwards, who stepped forward to care for her young twin nephews when their parents could no longer do so.

Thanks to the compassion and dedication of volunteer attorney Tara Shoemaker and paralegal Kate Hanson, and through the support of the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) Judicare Program, Karrie was able to provide her nephews with a secure and loving home during a time of upheaval.

The case began in early 2024 when Karrie sought third-party custody of her seven-year-old nephews through the Frederick County Circuit Court. The children’s biological parents—one of whom was Karrie’s brother—were struggling with drug addiction and unable to safely care for the boys.

In April 2024, the court granted Karrie pendente lite (temporary) custody, ensuring the children could remain in her care with supervised visitation rights for their parents.

Just months later, tragedy struck. In July 2024, the children’s father was killed in a drug-related incident. Their mother, meanwhile, entered a substance abuse rehabilitation program after a period of evading law enforcement. Through it all, Karrie remained steadfast, providing emotional and physical stability for her nephews.

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An Urgent Call for Help

As the case moved forward, Karrie faced another hurdle. On the morning of her September 3, 2024, status hearing, she reached out to MVLS, distraught that her assigned attorney had stopped responding.

With just hours before the court appearance, MVLS Family Law Director Nancy Grimm immediately posted an urgent request to the Judicare volunteer listserv. Within minutes, attorney Tara Shoemaker answered the call and agreed to take the case—on the same day.

Tara’s responsiveness exemplifies the heart of the MVLS volunteer network: attorneys who step up when clients need them most. She and her paralegal, Kate Hanson, worked quickly to ensure Karrie would not face court alone that afternoon and that her case would move forward with care and professionalism.

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Teamwork and Compassion in Action

Under Tara’s guidance, Kate provided critical case support and client communication, helping Karrie navigate the emotionally charged custody process. For Kate, this was one of her first major cases as a paralegal, and a formative experience that underscored the value of volunteerism in family law.

“This overall experience was wonderful,” Kate shared. “I’m grateful to have supported such a dedicated aunt fighting for her nephews’ well-being.”

Kate’s personal connection to MVLS deepened her perspective. Having previously received MVLS assistance during her own family law matter, she described her role on Karrie’s case as “a full-circle moment” and a reminder of how community-driven legal services change lives.

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A Positive Outcome for the Family

Thanks to Tara and Kate’s efforts, Karrie was able to maintain custody of her nephews. The court’s decision protected the boys’ safety and ensured they could remain in a nurturing environment while their mother continued her recovery journey.

Karrie now has a court order that safeguards her and the children, as well as a plan to work collaboratively with the boys’ maternal family members moving forward.

“Karrie is a passionate client who would do anything for her nephews,” Kate noted. “All she needed was legal guidance to match her commitment.”

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Why Volunteerism Matters

For both Tara and Kate, the case reaffirmed the importance of pro bono work and community support. Family law cases can be emotionally complex and financially draining, especially for those already managing trauma or hardship. The MVLS Judicare Program ensures that clients like Karrie have access to compassionate, skilled legal help—at no cost.

“If you’re in a position to give back within your field, you should take it,” Kate said. “These are people’s lives—and you really are making a difference in their protection, stability, and overall quality of life.”

Through the Judicare Program, volunteer attorneys receive modest compensation for representing low-income Marylanders in contested family law cases. But for Tara, Kate, and the many others who serve through MVLS, the real reward lies in seeing families like Karrie’s thrive.

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A Ripple Effect of Hope

Today, Karrie and her nephews are on a more stable path forward. The children remain in her care, their lives structured by consistency and support rather than uncertainty and fear.

For Kate, the experience strengthened her commitment to advocating for women and children in crisis—a reflection of the empathy and resilience that define the MVLS volunteer community.

Stories like Karrie’s illustrate that legal advocacy isn’t only about winning cases—it’s about restoring dignity, safety, and hope. And when volunteers like Tara and Kate step forward, Maryland families have a chance to rebuild their futures with confidence and care.