Dunsmore & Benson knows that crucial times require talented attorneys for support, guidance, and expertise in the legal system. Our attorneys provide professional and civil aid and follow ethical standards. We offer a comfortable, casual atmosphere while maintaining a compassionate, professional relationship.
Our attorneys are well known throughout the Alabama Judicial System in multiple counties, and have had decades of experience. Based on our experience, we can help you navigate through the legal situation you are in with empathy, compassion, professionalism and strategy that comes with years of legal experience.
Deborah L. Dunsmore
Attorney at Law
Deborah L. Dunsmore received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Montevallo in 1994. After graduating, Deborah returned home to Jackson County and worked in human resources for a publicly-traded multinational manufacturing firm. Deborah received her Professional in Human Resources Certification by exam from the Society of Human Resource Management, and received a second bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2001. She received specialized training at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business. While working in the manufacturing sector, Deborah was responsible for employee recruitment, training and discipline, environmental health and safety, and legal compliance.
Deborah worked full-time while attending law school at night and received her Juris Doctor from the Birmingham School of Law in 2006.
Deborah L. Dunsmore is a member of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. She is a member of the Family Law Section and Bankruptcy and Consumer Law Section of the Alabama State Bar. She is a member of the National Association of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives.
Locally, Deborah helped found the Jackson County Drug Court and serves on the Jackson County Wellness Court. She is past president of the Jackson County Bar Association. She is a member of the Children’s Policy Council for Jackson County. She serves on the board of directors for the Salvation Army. She enjoys running, yoga, reading and traveling. She has an amazing daughter, Ashlee Dunsmore. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro.
G. Douglas Benson
Attorney at Law
Email: doug@dunsmorebenson.com
Doug Benson received his Bachelor of Arts from Auburn University in 1987 and his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law in 1991. While at Cumberland School of Law, he received the Outstanding Senior Member Award for the American Journal of Trial Advocacy. He was a member of the Honor Court, the Cumberland Trial Advocacy Board and was the Treasurer of the Christian Legal Society. Prior to entering the private practice of law, Doug Benson clerked for the Honorable Hugh Maddox, Associate Justice with the Alabama Supreme Court. Doug Benson has lectured at continuing legal education seminars on the subject of Worker’s Compensation. Doug is the past President of the Madison County Young Lawyers Association.
Doug Benson is a member of the Alabama State Bar, the Jackson County Bar Association, the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, and the Worker’s Compensation Section of the Alabama State Bar. Doug speaks both English and Spanish.
Doug enjoys exercise, church and Auburn football. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Misty Godfrey
Certified Paralegal
Email: misty@dunsmorebenson.com
Misty Godfrey is a certified paralegal with over twenty-five years experience. She received her Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies degree from Muskingum Technical College in 1994, and her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Northeast Alabama Community College in 2005. She was recognized as Who’s Who Among American Junior Colleges, Sigma Kappa Delta and Phi Theta Kappa. She received the Legal Concepts Regional Award and was Ohio State Vice President of the Business Professionals of America. Misty Godfrey received her Bachelor of Science from Athens State University in 2012 where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association.
Misty is experienced in criminal law, civil litigation, capital defense, expungements, personal injury, corporate and business law and domestic relations. Her primary duties at Dunsmore & Benson include case and office and client management, criminal law, social security disability, bankruptcy and litigation assistance.
Misty volunteered and worked with CAJA (Court Appointed Juvenile Advocate) of Madison County, a court program of carefully screened, trained and certified volunteers appointed by a Judge to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Misty is currently a volunteer with Crisis Services of North Alabama where she has served since 2006 and was recognized as their Rape Responder of the Year in 2009. She is also a volunteer for The Summit of Fort Payne, a twelve-month faith-based women’s residential recovery program for those struggling with addictions.
Misty enjoys exercise, reading, boating, travel, and spending time with family. She has three adult married children, Payton, Morgan and Sierra. She is a member of The Well/Rock Family Worship Center and has served in the past as a Nursery Coordinator.
Candy Maynor
Paralegal
Email: candy@dunsmorebenson.com
Candy Maynor is a certified paralegal with over twenty years experience. She received her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Northeast Alabama Community College in 1992.
Candy’s duties include case management, corresponding with clients, attorneys, judges and other court personnel, as well as paralegal duties. She is experienced in real estate, civil litigation, estates and trusts, and corporate and business law. Candy’s primary focus at Dunsmore & Benson is domestic relations, adoptions, juvenile and estate and probate law.
Candy Maynor is married with three children and enjoys running, exercising, watching movies, and spending time with her family. Candy is a member and Sunday School teacher at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.