Arbutus Family Lawyers

Attorney James E. Crawford, Jr.
Founder and Managing Partner
As a Baltimore-native, Attorney James Crawford grew up watching his father interact with some of the best judges and prosecutors in the state, using forcefulness and grace to navigate complex legal situations. He learned that the power to change the life of even one client is worth more than any amount of money or prestige.
As one of the most capable and tenacious trial lawyers in Maryland, he has enjoyed an extraordinary amount of successes on behalf of clients, spending just about every day of his working career in a Maryland courtroom.
The Founding of...

I’m a proud Black female family law attorney based in Maryland, and I’ve been practicing law since 2013. Today, I focus my practice on divorce and family law because I believe that’s where I can make the greatest impact. My clients are often going through one of the most painful transitions of their lives. Whether it’s a high-conflict divorce, a custody battle, or the restructuring of a family unit, I’m here to provide strategy, structure, and support. I work best with clients who are ready to take control of their future. From our first conversation, I focus on understanding your goals...

Jac E. Knust began his law practice in 1972 and practices primarily in the Central Maryland Metropolitan area. He has engaged in a general law practice for 52 years, with emphasis on family law, divorce, separation and property settlement agreements, elder law, estate planning, wills, probate, trusts, powers of attorney, health care advance directives, criminal matters, real estate, landlord/tenant, business planning, corporations, LLCs, and partnerships. He is a former Assistant State's Attorney for Howard County, a former Assistant Public Defender for Howard County. From 2014 to 2018 Jac E. Knust served as a Special Magistrate for the Circuit...

Avigayil Pearlman is a highly dedicated attorney specializing in divorce and family law, recognized for her exceptional academic achievements and practical experience. Graduating magna cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law, she focused on family law and ranked among the top 23% of her class. Pearlman's commitment to gaining practical experience led her to internships with the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and the prestigious Bronfein Family Law Clinic. Additionally, she participated in a transformative summer program at the University of Aberdeen School of Law, broadening her legal horizons internationally. Today, as a respected attorney at the...

Divorce and Bankruptcy, with Dignity. Licensed in MD, VA, and DC, with offices in Ellicott City, Maryland and Annandale, Virginia.

Robert A. Siegel is a life-long Maryland resident having grown up in Montgomery County. Robert graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Soon thereafter, Robert passed the CPA exam and gained valuable experience working at a Fortune 500 Company. Not satisfied with a desk job, Robert went back to school to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a courtroom lawyer. In 1998, Robert graduated Cum Laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law and passed the Bar. The next year, Robert was admitted to practice in the...

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION INCLUDE

• Maryland Divorce and Separation law
• Pre and Postnuptial Agreements
• Separation and Property Settlement Agreements
• Paternity
• Property Division, the Division of Marital Assets, Maintenance and Support
• Alimony – Pendente Lite, Rehabilitative and Indefinite
• Custody and Visitation
• Maryland and Interstate Child Support
• Military Divorces involving Maryland residents
• Ex Parte Protective Order Hearings (temporary and final)
• Interstate Custody Disputes
• Relocation Child Custody Cases
• Maryland Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act
• Appeals to the Court of Special Appeals and Court of Appeals
• Best Interest Attorney appointments in Baltimore County, Howard County and Talbot County

Your Formidable Advocate!

Thomas B. Stahl is an accomplished family law and estate planning attorney in Columbia, Maryland. Mr. Stahl is the owner of the Law Offices of Thomas Stahl and represents clients throughout central Maryland and the Washington, D.C., area. He has vast experience with family law cases involving divorce and child support and custody and helping clients with estate administration, probate, trusts and wills. Mr. Stahl has over a decade of legal experience and is an established family law attorney. Prior to founding his firm, he served as a clerk for a judge on the bench of the Circuit Court for...

Heather McCabe is an accomplished litigator, mediator, and parenting coordinator. She enjoys working closely with clients to help them achieve their goals for both themselves and their children. She has taught both at Georgetown University Law School and American University's Washington College of Law. She exclusively practices in the area of family law (including divorce, separation, child support, domestic violence, and child custody).

For more than 30 years, the dependable lawyers of Huesman, Jones and Miles, LLC have provided a broad range of high-quality legal services in the greater Baltimore area and throughout Maryland. Gerard "Gary" Miles firmly believe in resolving disputes, not creating them. For both individuals and businesses, our experienced and practical attorneys strive to address your needs with a calm professionalism.

Amos Whitney received his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2005 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland, School of Law in May 2009.

After graduating from law school, Amos served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Diane O. Leasure, former Administrative Judge for the Circuit Court for Howard County from August 2009 - September 2010. He was admitted to the Maryland bar in December 2009, Amos then joined Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C., as an associate in September 2010. In 2018, Mr. Whitney was made a Partner.

Van (pronounced "Vun") believes that when people retain the firm to represent them, it is our job to do just that - to represent their ideals and goals. To do this effectively, Van believes in a team approach and encourages full participation from clients. She has discovered that when people are given the opportunity to participate in the process, they have a much better understanding of what is going on and thus, are able to make better decisions.

I have been dedicated to practicing family law exclusively for nearly 15 years. I understand that individuals facing divorce or family law disputes seek not only legal guidance but also support. I adopt a proactive and attentive approach in my representation, and my clients recognize my determination, passion, and effectiveness both in and outside the courtroom. As a lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County, I have litigated and negotiated hundreds of family law matters throughout Maryland in both the District and Circuit courts. Besides trial work, I have also represented family law clients in appellate matters at both the Appellate Court...

I began practicing law in 1996. Since then, I have helped many clients in Maryland and the District of Columbia with their family law issues, including high-conflict divorces, custody cases involving special needs children, and premarital and postmarital agreements. I am an experienced litigator, but is also a trained Collaborative practitioner and trained mediator.

For the last twelve years I have also represented numerous students and families in education matters, including school discipline in public and private schools, and campus sexual assault, Title IX cases and academic misconduct cases at the college level.

Jenna Forman Clothier worked as a law clerk for The Law Office of Alan S. Forman, LLC while attending law school in the evening at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Upon admission to the Bar in Maryland in December 2014, Jenna continued to work at The Law Office of Alan S. Forman as an Associate. Jenna was admitted to the Maryland Bar in December 2014. Her practice includes family law, adoption, and immigration. In 2005, Jenna graduated from the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science. She continued...

Attorney Hasson Barnes practices in the areas of civil and criminal litigation, with a focus on the following areas: Real Estate, Landlord Tenant, Contract Disputes, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. Attorney Barnes also prepares Wills, Power of Attorneys, Deeds, and Health Care Directives, and has extensive experience as a mediator.

Born and raised in the Baltimore area, Buddy Miles is proud to continue a family tradition of providing professional legal services to individuals and businesses in Baltimore County and throughout Maryland. As a foreclosure trustee and bankruptcy attorney, he is the firm’s contact attorney for creditors requiring foreclosure or bankruptcy services. His practice also includes personal injury, family law, guardianship, DUI defense, traffic ticket defense and collections. At top-25 law school Washington and Lee University, Buddy was on the Moot Court Board, directed the Mock Trial Team and served as treasurer for the Student Bar Association. He served as...

Dana McKee is a partner at Brown Goldstein & Levy and the chair of the firm’s family law practice, which she established in 2002. She handles all aspects of family law, including divorces, separation agreements, paternity, custody and visitation, child support, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and appeals. As a family law attorney, Dana has extensive experience in representing clients with high net worth and those with complex custody and financial issues. She is a tough but fair negotiator who has successfully handled numerous mediations, trials, and appeals.

Dana also is trained and experienced in Collaborative Law (an alternative dispute resolution process)....

Attorney Joshua T. Ortega has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of others in the face of complicated legal situations. Mr. Ortega has experience in a wide range of criminal and civil matters - including criminal and civil defense, family law, and personal injury cases. Mr. Ortega's most valuable asset, which sets him apart as an attorney, is his dedication to the needs of his clients. As a zealous advocate, Mr. Ortega gives his clients a powerful voice in and out of the courtroom.

I joined Silverman Thompson in 2025, bringing with me a wealth of experience in various aspects of family law, including protective orders, contested divorces, and marital settlements. I have consistently secured positive outcomes for my clients through thorough preparation and strong advocacy. My primary focus as a family law attorney is to achieve the most favorable results for my clients. I am recognized for my meticulous research, robust writing skills, and confident presence in the courtroom. My ability to effectively communicate arguments and draft compelling motions has been instrumental in securing final protective orders for victims of abuse and favorable resolutions...

I am a dedicated attorney with a focus on family law, guardianship and elder law litigation. Known for my fierce advocacy, I am committed to ensuring that my clients achieve the most favorable outcomes in their legal matters. I approach sensitive family dynamics with understanding and patience, offering the support my clients need during challenging times. As a native of Baltimore, I deeply value family life and actively participate in community initiatives, reflecting my dedication to making a positive impact beyond the courtroom.

Joseph H. LaMore, Jr. is a former Assistant State's Attorney for Anne Arundel County and an honors graduate from the University of Maryland School of Law, with vast experience before all Maryland State and Federal Courts. He has been named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers association, named to the "SuperLawyers" list as published by Baltimore Magazine, and named a "Leading Lawyer" for Anne Arundel County, as published in What's Up? Annapolis Maganzine. Mr. LaMore provides representation in all Criminal Matters, Auto Accidents, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death and Family Law. He has been admitted to...

The Law Offices of C. Valerie Ibe, has licenses to practice in the States of California, Maryland and New York and is equipped to help residents of these states to face the complexities of civil litigation whether in the state courts or in federal courts. The lead attorney, in addition to legal qualifications has also an MBA in Business Administration and a CPA

Dawn Merino has been providing legal services and mediation to the people of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and the surrounding areas for over twenty years. Specializing in family law, Dawn’s clients remain grateful for her assistance during the most difficult phase of their lives. We offer legal services and mediation for matters including divorce, separation, child custody, and domestic violence.

Kelley was born and raised in Baltimore County.

She received her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Kelley returned to Baltimore and earned her law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Kelley was a Rule 16 student attorney in the Family Law Clinic, where she assisted clients in protective order and divorce matters. Prior to opening her own practice, Kelley was an associate at the Law Office of Garland C. Hall in Glen Burnie. For the last 3 years, Kelley was named among the 10 best attorneys in client satisfaction by the American...

Are you thinking about filing for divorce? Are you unsure where to turn when it comes to dealing with child custody issues or a postnuptial agreement? If so, then you can’t afford to wait for the quality care that is so completely available at the Law Office of Garland C. Hall, LLC. Here, you will be treated with the careful understanding and help that is necessary. If you need a Glen Burnie divorce lawyer, then you don’t have to search any longer. The Law Office of Garland C. Hall, LLC consists of a team of legal professionals who will make...

Ken C. Gauvey is an experienced attorney in the areas of immigration, wage and hour,family law, and litigation matters. When you have a matter with us, your matter is personally handled by an experienced attorney who will communicate with you about your case and act as a litigator, an advocate, and partner.

David M. Goldman is a Maryland attorney in general practice, focusing primarily on Family Law, Wills & Estates and Elder Law, with a commitment to the highest standards of personal service for his clients and their families. He graduated from Northeastern University School of Law in 1996 and has been a member of the Bar of the State of Maryland since 1999. David is also an expert in Jewish Law, and is active in community affairs.

Stephen Drazin is the Principal, Legal Coordinator, and Managing Attorney at The Drazin Law Center, P.A. Mr. Drazin offers over 20 years of legal experience to individuals and businesses across Maryland, including the Columbia and Baltimore regions. Stephen Drazin is licensed in all the State and Federal Courts within Maryland, as well as, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (in Richmond, VA). Stephen strives to offer an alternative to large law firms by working with clients from the initial consultation through settlement, trial, or case dismissal. Understanding that clients require and desire to know all...

In practice for over 25 years, Adam M. Freiman is the areas premier bankruptcy attorney. Having successfully represented thousands of Debtors in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases, Adam has built his practice by helping people not only alleviate their debt, but restore their credit; and their lives!