Lawyer Caroline Walker works tirelessly to better the lives of local youth
Words by Nick Norris | Photo by Blakeney Clouse Families are separating more frequently as the 21st century marches on. And as the world has learned, spouses are not the only ones regularly devastated by divorce. Children are often forced to choose between their parents and watch helplessly as their lives are forever flipped upside down. Jasper attorney Caroline Walker recognizes how stressful custody cases can be for children and has made it her goal to help local youth through their unique situations. “It is kind of a special calling for me,” Caroline says. “It’s not fair to these kids. They never asked to be in the middle of a custody dispute. They often don’t want their parents split up. Or their guardians may be sick and not able to take care of them, so these kids are left wondering where they will end up. I try to help them through that process.” Originally from McCalla, Alabama, Caroline entered Birmingham-Southern College with the goal of becoming a history professor. By the time she graduated, she realized her calling was becoming an attorney and earned her law degree at the University of Alabama. It was at Alabama where she met her husband of 15 years, Jerrod. The couple now has two daughters, whom Caroline often finds herself building her work schedule around. Caroline does more than just assist families navigating through splits. Sometimes, she brings them together. “A lot of times in juvenile cases, you come across parents who maybe screwed up in the past,” she says. “Perhaps they had addiction or mental health issues and have since turned their lives around for the better. I help those individuals get reunited with their kids.” Since many of Caroline’s clients are struggling families, she, too, becomes woven into the obstacles they face. In a career so mentally taxing, the hard-working attorney finds reward in final results. “Especially in juvenile cases, it feels good to help make certain situations right,” Caroline explains. “Whether it’s reuniting a parent with their child or helping a kid get out of a bad situation and giving them a fighting chance, it gives me a sense of purpose.” Divorce, addiction, and many other unfortunate situations often leave youth in Walker County in helpless situations, desperately searching for little more than a “fighting chance,” as Caroline articulates. In a world that often feels cruel and unforgiving, Caroline does her best to be a flicker of hope for young people and redeemed parents by listening to their unique situations and guiding them on their journeys. For many in her 16 years of practicing law, she has been just that. 78
