Fuerst Carrier & Ogden

Fuerst Carrier & Ogden stands as a family law powerhouse in Lake Charles, Louisiana, dedicated to protecting families' interests while helping individuals move forward positively after family separation. Located at 127 W. Broad Street Suite 300 in Lake Charles, the firm brings over 50 combined years of attorney experience to every family law matter it handles. With a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes while maintaining dignity and respect throughout the legal process, Fuerst Carrier & Ogden has earned the trust of families throughout Southwest Louisiana.

M. Scott Ogden, Jr., a partner at the firm, represents a new generation of family law excellence while maintaining the firm's commitment to client-centered representation. Scott brings both academic accomplishment and genuine passion for family law to his practice. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business from Louisiana State University, providing solid grounding in financial matters crucial to understanding complex family law disputes. He subsequently earned his Juris Doctor from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University, graduating cum laude—recognition reserved for top academic performers—and placing within the top 25% of his law school class. This academic distinction signals the intellectual rigor and legal acumen Scott brings to every case.

Scott's legal practice reflects a comprehensive approach to family law and related areas. He routinely handles all aspects of family law, from divorce and property division to child custody and support determinations. His expertise extends to estate planning and probate matters, recognizing that family wealth management and succession planning frequently intersect with family law issues. Scott also maintains experience in civil litigation and limited criminal defense work, providing clients with comprehensive legal guidance when family law matters touch these related areas.

The legal community's recognition of Scott's excellence is substantial and multifaceted. He has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2018 through 2022, an honor bestowed only on attorneys who meet stringent selection criteria based on peer recognition and professional achievement. Beyond this, Scott has been honored as one of the 10 best attorneys by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, named among the top 10 attorneys under 40 by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, and recognized as one of the top 10 family law attorneys by Attorney and Practice Magazine. These distinctions from multiple prestigious organizations demonstrate the consistent, widespread recognition of his legal skill and professional excellence.

What distinguishes Fuerst Carrier & Ogden is the firm's philosophy regarding family law representation. The firm explicitly focuses on protecting the best interests of children while helping families put themselves in the best position to begin new chapters following separation or divorce. This approach recognizes that family law is fundamentally about relationships—relationships between spouses, between parents and children, and between families. Rather than viewing litigation as a battle to be won at all costs, the firm approaches family law as an opportunity to help families navigate transition in ways that preserve dignity and maximize positive outcomes for all involved, particularly children.

The firm's expertise in property division reflects both legal sophistication and practical wisdom. Under Louisiana's unique civil law system, determining what constitutes community property versus separate property can be complex and contentious. Scott and his team bring detailed knowledge of Louisiana property law to these disputes, ensuring fair division that reflects both the law and the realities of each family's financial situation. When business interests, professional practices, retirement accounts, or other complex assets are involved, the firm's ability to value and divide these assets fairly becomes crucial. Families appreciate the firm's ability to explain complex financial and legal concepts in understandable terms, enabling them to make informed decisions.

Child custody and support matters receive particular care and attention. The firm understands that arrangements made during a custody dispute will shape parent-child relationships for years to come. Rather than viewing custody purely as a legal entitlement to be won, the firm works with clients to develop custody arrangements that serve children's emotional, psychological, and developmental needs. Child support calculations receive meticulous attention to ensure accuracy and fairness under Louisiana law.

The firm's commitment to over 50 combined years of experience means clients are working with attorneys who have seen virtually every family law scenario imaginable. This experience enables the firm to anticipate problems, develop creative solutions, and guide clients realistically through their legal challenges.

Fuerst Carrier & Ogden's office serves families throughout Southwest Louisiana and beyond, with particular focus on Lake Charles and surrounding areas. The firm's reputation for achieving positive outcomes while treating all involved with respect has earned consistent client loyalty and positive referrals.

For families in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana seeking family law representation from attorneys who combine substantial experience, legal expertise, professional recognition, and genuine commitment to protecting family interests, Fuerst Carrier & Ogden offers the exceptional representation families deserve during challenging transitions.