Lanham Family Lawyers

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.

We are a full service law firm offering customized legal solutions. Our firm represents clients in all aspects of family law, including complex marital dissolution actions, high conflict custody matters, paternity, and non-marital cohabitation cases. We also represent clients in Landlord & Tenant matters, along with a number of other practice areas. We understand that the most successful settlements result from intense trial preparation. Our firm works tirelessly in achieving advantageous results for our clients. We have represented a wide range of individuals, and understand that each client has their own unique circumstances that require creative and customized legal solutions....

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.

After many years of practicing family law, and having seen the emotional and financial damage that litigation can cause, I have chosen to focus my practice on healthier ways of resolving disputes such as Collaborative Law, mediation, negotiation, and settlement advocacy. While I represent individual clients, I also assist couples as a neutral mediator. I believe that by focusing on constructive settlement solutions, separating couples are much more likely to make mutually beneficial decisions while preserving valuable financial resources. Whether through Collaborative Law, mediation, or standard negotiation, I help my client stay focused on future goals rather...

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...

Everyone should be able to afford justice. As a teacher for disadvantaged teens in Baltimore, it was clear to me that the lack of affordable legal representation is a problem for so many who seek a fair outcome in court. Making sure that everyone’s rights are honored, regardless of income, has always been my goal as an attorney. Starting with my work as a law student with University of Maryland’s JustAdvice Clinic, to volunteering with Legal Aid, to fighting for the rights of victims as an attorney for the nonprofit, SALI (Sexual Assault Legal Institute), I have represented clients in...

Tracey Coates is Co-Chair of the firm's Family Law department and a member of its Litigation practice group. In working in the former capacity, she handles a variety of domestic relations matters, including pre-marital agreements, divorce and separation, child custody, child support modification, enforcement of court orders and agreements, adoption, and guardianships. Her clients include all types of individuals and couples, in a wide range of family structures.
Tracey works hard to engage in background conversations with her clients to understand family dynamics and build rapport and trust. She goes into every case with a caring, but realistic approach with her...

Lynn attended Law School in Charlotte, North Carolina and graduated in December 2015. While in school, Lynn served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Albert Diaz in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the Honorable Wanda G. Bryant in the North Carolina State Court of Appeals, and the Honorable Robert C. Conrad in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to her judicial internships, Lynn interned with the Senior Vice President and Regional Legal Counsel for Balfour Beatty Construction-the 3rd largest builder in the country. Lynn also took...

Life is full of transitions and turning points. Dealing with change is challenging enough; when change involves legal questions, it can be overwhelming. With the right help, it doesn’t have to be. As a life changes attorney, my goal is to help make the big changes you may face—marriage, divorce, and guardianship—easier. You don’t have to move through major, and sometimes chaotic, life changes alone. I will work with you to identify your needs and goals, explore your options, and give you the legal guidance you need to make informed decisions. You remain in control, with the support...

Richard Dodd is a seasoned divorce and child custody negotiator and litigator. He is also trained in mediation and collaborative dispute resolution, both of which emphasize clients' self-determination in negotiating settlement terms to provide for equitable parenting access plans and property settlements according to their values and objectives, rather than leaving the outcome to a judge.

Richard S. Lundin's dream of becoming a Washington D.C lawyer started far from the nation's capital, working part-time as a litigation assistant in Phoenix Arizona. It was at Arizona State that Rick graduated with a degree in finance, and later George Washington University where he earned his Juris Doctor. It was also during this time that he worked for federal judge, the Honorable Charles R. Richey, who left a strong impression on Rick's early legal career. It was 1994 when Rick was hired by James Nickelsporn, who later invited him to be his law partner, forming Nickelsporn &...

A law firm for every day people. The belief of my practice is simple: I represent those who need an attorney but think they can't afford one. I believe in standing up for those who think no one will stand up for them. I give voice to the voiceless. Sometimes things happen. You need an attorney. You think you can't afford one. You can afford Elizabeth Pugliese, Esq.

Jessica Russell was born and raised in Frederick, Maryland, and is now committed to providing excellent legal services to her community. In 2010, Ms. Russell interned at the Office of the Public Defender for Baltimore City's Juvenile Justice Division. From 2011- 2013, Ms. Russell competed for her school's Alternative Dispute Resolution Team, taking third place in the 2012 International Competition for Mediation Advocacy in Toronto. While in law school, Ms. Russell served on the executive board of the Law Students for Reproductive Justice, University of Maryland Chapter and was active in the International Law Society. Prior to...

Mr. Dales is a Cornell University graduate who received his law degrees from the University of Maryland and the University of Miami. He is a solo practitioner located in Annapolis, Maryland.

The firm offers hands-on direct lawyer to client personal service and access. We have been to all of local county courts and have helped clients with a wide variety of problems from personal injuries arising as a result of a defective product, vehicular or boating collision, fall, bite, or health care error as examples, to real estate issues over property lines, title defects, easements, transferable development options, to divorce...

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.

The National Law Center, George Washington University J.D., with Honors
University of Maryland, BA Major in Government & Politics, Minor in Psychology
Civic, Professional, Foundation and Corporate Affiliations:

Delegate to Democratic National Convention
Campaign Manager for Rep. Michael D. Barnes
Rockville Chamber of Commerce – Past President
National Capital Chapter of MS Society - Board of Trustees, and Past Chair
Shady Grove Hospital Fund Campaign - Major Gift Chair
Montgomery County Bar Association –Chair Judicial Selections; Member of Ethics, Fee Arbitration and Legislation Committees
Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce - Vice President
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce - Liquor Control Evaluation
Rockville Alternative Community Service Commission
Montgomery County Volunteer MS Committee -...

Michael F. Callahan practices family law, estate planning and elder law in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Mr. Callahan is the partner in charge of the firm’s estate planning and elder law practice.
He received his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University in 1987, and is a member of the Georgetown Chapter of Order of the Coif. He has practiced law for over thirty years.
He has been named among the top lawyers by Washingtonian Magazine and Maryland Super Lawyers
He lives with his wife, their children from time to time, and their cat in Arlington, Virginia.

Charlotte K. Weinstein is a family law attorney working in private practice throughout the State of Maryland. Ms. Weinstein has 15 years’ experience representing clients in all aspects of family law, including, divorce, child custody, child support, same sex issue, and domestic violence. Ms. Weinstein will make every attempt to resolve the issues through an agreement but if litigation is necessary Ms. Weinstein is a skilled litigator and she will vehemently advocate for her client.

Ms. Weinstein is a member of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association, the American Bar Association the Maryland State Bar Association,...

Emily leads our firm’s litigation team, focusing on all aspects of divorce, custody and child support matters. Emily’s favorite place to be, when she’s working, is in the courtroom. She is a seasoned litigator who will tell you that there are few things in life better than a well-executed cross-examination. When she’s not in court, Emily is one of the nicest lawyers you will ever meet. Within the firm she is known for her ability to approach every case with a calm focus that puts her clients at ease. She has earned the well-deserved reputation among her colleagues for...

Bethesda family law attorney Brandon Bernstein provides cost-effective guidance for clients dealing with divorce, custody, property division, and related matters.

Glenn Cooper is the Chair of the firm’s Litigation practice and senior partner in our Family Law practice. He frequently appears before federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate levels, and before arbitration panels and professional disciplinary boards. No matter whether he is litigating a matter of a business or domestic nature, Glenn aggressively defends his clients’ positions and pursues their desired outcomes. The majority of Glenn Cooper's practice is devoted to complex business, financial, commercial and domestic litigation involving significant business issues.
A number of Glenn's cases have helped shape the current state of the law in...

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...

2002 and 2003 - Nominated for Who's Who Among American Law Students

2012 - Recipient of the Pro Bono Award from Community Legal Services of Prince George's County, Inc.

2014 - Recipient of the President's Citation for Outstanding Pro Bono Service from the Montgomery County Maryland Bar Foundation

Attorney Dontrice P. Hamilton graduated from The George Washington University National Law Center. As a law student, she interned at the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. After graduation, she was a Judicial Law Clerk to The Honorable William B. Spellbring, Jr. at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County. Her practice focuses on family law,...

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.

The attorneys at Minshew & Ahluwalia LLP are devoted exclusively to the practice of Family Law, including uncontested and contested divorce, separation, child support, child custody, alimony and spousal support, separation agreements, prenuptial agreements, division of property, domestic violence, child support enforcement and modification. We are strong advocates for families in Maryland and Washington, D.C., and committed to delivering the highest professional and ethical standards to the practice of family law. The law firm provides high-quality, aggressive, and innovative legal representation to defend our client's legal rights and protect their interests, both personally and financially. Client service is our principal...

I am the managing attorney at Actio Law, and am licensed to practice law in Maryland, and pending admission to the District of Columbia Bar. Throughout my career, I have focused on protecting the rights of consumers and ordinary people. Whether through the practice of immigration and consumer debt law, or helping to keep corporate financial giants in compliance with consumer protection regulations, my primary concern has always been protecting the rights of the individuals who need it most. I understand that as times are changing, so too are the needs of clients. You...

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...

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...

As Co-Chair of Paley Rothman’s Family Law practice and a member of its Litigation practice group, Carlos Lastra provides clients with diligent, thoughtful and effective representation, addressing both their immediate concerns and securing long-term solutions, in arguably the toughest times imaginable. Applying skills honed over a quarter of a century of recurrent civil and criminal trials before judges and juries in federal and state courtrooms in multiple jurisdictions, Carlos employs his rich trial experience to create a strategy custom-made to meet the client’s objectives, anticipate the opposing party’s tactics, and ultimately achieve his client’s goals.
Over the last 26 years, Carlos...

Pallavi Kachoria is an Associate in the firm’s Litigation and Family Law practice groups. She has experience in a variety of litigation areas including general civil, commercial, and domestic litigation. Pallavi also has experience in transactional matters in working with business owners to draft documents and research complex legal issues.
Her passion for the law, the rules, and fairness helps her succeed as a litigator. In working with her clients, Pallavi embraces a practical and honest approach in dealing with their complex disputes. She works tirelessly to understand all facets of her cases and aims to develop a strong relationship...

30 years experience as lawyer--10 years as a federal prosecutor employed by Tax Division of the United States Department of Justice and 20 years as solo practitioner in Oxon Hill, Maryland concentrating in family law, criminal law, tort law (including personal injury/auto accidents), civil rights, business counseling & litigation, and appeals. Reasonable fees and very high rate of satisfaction among former clients.

In practice in Maryland and Washington D.C. For 25 years. I have tried hundreds of cases and resolved many more. The most important thing a lawyer can do for you is to analyze the case and take steps to assure a positive outcome. A resolution without a trial is always preferable.

Owner/Founder (MD) (DC) Managan Johnson is a highly experienced, meticulous, litigator, specializing in civil appeals and family law. Ms. Johnson has consistently received high praise from her clients and the bench due to her caring and superb representation. A mother of two, she is trustworthy, empathetic, and dedicated to representing clients, whether through collaborative process or litigation. “Managan made my divorce as painless as possible. A true professional who went above and beyond to help me with my case. Fast response times and solid advice. Easy to get in touch with and an abundance of knowledge and experience. I highly recommend...