Forest Family Lawyers

I joined Barnes & Diehl, PC in 2004 where I have focused on family law matters. I have worked as a forensic and clinical psychologist for the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina, and Central State Hospital’s Maximum Security Forensic Unit. I use my psychology training daily for the benefit of my clients. Understanding what influences and motivates people is important in both negotiating and litigating to get the best outcome for my clients. I handle a variety of cases including child custody, child and spousal support, complex equitable...

Sarah Patras is a lead senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C. She practices exclusively family law, representing clients in separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases, including a large number of contested cases. Ms. Patras works in the firm’s Fredericksburg-Stafford office, and represents clients in Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and surrounding areas. Born in Nebraska, Ms. Patras grew up in Iowa and earned double B.A. degrees from Iowa State University. She then relocated to Virginia, and graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2016. After law school, Ms. Patras clerked for one year for a Virginia Circuit Court...

Lindsay Connolly is a lead senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. She is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Ms. Connolly works in the firm’s Fredericksburg office, and represents clients in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg and surrounding areas. Originally from Milford, Massachusetts, Ms. Connolly graduated magna cum laude from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. She then earned her law degree from David A. Clarke Law School in Washington, D.C., graduating summa cum laude and the top female in her class. Ms. Connolly was...

Sarah Collins is a partner at The Manassas Law Group, P.C., practicing family law and criminal law. She is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, and support cases. Ms. Collins represents clients in Manassas, Prince William County, and all across Northern Virginia. Before entering private practice, Ms. Collins served for two years as a law clerk in the Prince William County Circuit Court.

Andrew Tank is a partner at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Mr. Tank works in the firm’s offices in Fairfax and Arlington, and represents clients all across Northern Virginia. Mr. Tank is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, equitable distribution, custody, visitation and support cases. An attorney since 2007, Mr. Tank has firmly established himself as a leader in the Northern Virginia legal community. He has been an active member of the Virginia State Bar’s Young Lawyers Conference, serving as Program Chair for the Bar’s annual meeting from 2009 to 2012,...

Matthew Smith is a managing partner at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. He is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Mr. Smith works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington and all across Northern Virginia. An attorney since 2005, Mr. Smith has litigated every type of family law case in the courts of Northern Virginia, including high value equitable distribution cases, custody, support, and military divorce cases. He is the attorney in the firm most experienced in navigating the Fairfax County...

Michael Poe is a lead senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Mr. Poe works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represent clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Mr. Poe earned his J.D. from William & Mary Law School in 2011, after earning his B.A. from Miami University in 2006. After law school, Mr. Poe clerked for the Circuit Court in Montgomery County, Maryland before serving as a Policy Fellow for an institute in Washington, D.C. He entered private practice for a law firm in Alexandria, Virginia in 2012. Mr. Poe practiced...

Cambridge Baker is a Senior Attorney at AMG Law, PLC, practicing exclusively family law. Her practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases. Ms. Baker represents clients in Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and all across Northern Virginia. Originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Ms. Baker graduated from Elon University in North Carolina, where she was a Presidential Scholar. After college, Ms. Baker worked as a Private Wealth Management Administrative Assistant at Advantage xPO onsite at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in Boston, Massachusetts. She then transitioned to a position as a Wealth Management...

High-quality representation and client satisfaction with over 31 years of experience.

Better Business Bureau member with an A+ rating.

Michelle Mordue Helms is a distinguished DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Family Law attorney who routinely handles cases throughout Hampton Roads and the surrounding areas.

Her dedication to her clients, extensive knowledge of the law and her understanding of the applications of the law are what sets her apart from other lawyers.

Michelle Mordue Helms began as a Paralegal 31 years ago and is a graduate of Syracuse Law School. She was admitted to practice law in New York...

I represent individuals with child custody, visitation, divorce, and other family law matters. My firm handles cases from uncontested divorces to highly litigated custody battles. We fight for a fair and just outcome and offer personalized service throughout your case.

A resident of Virginia Beach for over 30 years, Mr. Miyares has deep roots in our community. A graduate of Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Mr. Miyares went on to attend Old Dominion University in Norfolk. After earing a B.S. in Political Science in 2000, Mr Miyares earned his J.D. in 2003 from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. After his admission to the Virginia Bar in 2003, Mr. Miyares proudly worked in the office of the Norfolk Public Defender. During 8 years in that office, Mr. Miyares gained...

Lindsay M. Barton is an associate focusing her practice and providing client guidance in Real Estate, Estate Planning, Civil Litigation, and miscellaneous legal matters.

Lindsay graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. While at Berkeley, Lindsay was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority and had the fortunate experience of working and studying in Spain where she gained command of the Spanish language and exposure to its cultural, political, and legal systems.

Lindsay received her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. During her tenure at Loyola, Lindsay was distinguished as a top oralist and...

Are you looking for an attorney that will understand not only the legal aspects of divorce, but the emotional and financial implications of divorce? At the law firm of Susan E. Donner, I work hard to be approachable. Divorce work can be contentious, but I emphasize the compassionate side of divorce representation. I care about the emotional impact of divorce and work with my clients to bring about the result that is in the best interests of their family and their relationship with their children.Divorce is emotionally draining, especially when children are involved.The decisions you...

Scott Parker is a senior associate attorney at Kublan Khan PLC., practicing exclusively family law. His practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases. Mr. Parker represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Originally from North Carolina, Mr. Parker graduated from North Carolina State University in 2005. He then earned his law degree from Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts in 2009, and relocated to Northern Virginia. Mr. Parker practiced law in Fairfax as a solo practitioner from 2009–2015. His practice consisted of litigation–criminal defense at...

Experienced Divorce Attorney and Mediator

I have been practicing family law and personal injury in the state of Maryland since 2003. I have helped many families deal with the heart ache of divorce and custodial issues related to divorce...helped clients deal with loss of income, transportation, and life activities due to being injured in a car crash. How may I help you?

Minji Kim has a heart for serving others with her unique skills and talents. Ms. Kim is admitted to practice law in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. Ms. Kim is also a member of the A. Sherman Christensen American Inn of Court I. After graduating from Concordia University in Montréal, Canada, Ms. Kim worked in both public and private sectors internationally. As a Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff Analyst at the Department of National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Canada, Ms. Kim coordinated government projects and provided guidance on project approval and business planning to client groups. Ms. Kim went on...

Katie Anderson is an attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Her practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases. Ms. Anderson works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Anderson graduated magna cum laude from American University Washington College of Law in 2022. While attending law school, she practiced law as a student-attorney in the Gender Justice Clinical Program for which she received the Edward J. Walker Endowed Clinical Scholarship. The award is given to student-attorneys...

Carl Chandler is an attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. His practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation, and support cases. Mr. Chandler works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Mr. Chandler graduated from George Mason University School of Law in 2022. While attending law school, he served as a Student Legal Advisor in the Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic, providing legal services to military servicemembers, veterans, and their families across a wide range of civil matters. Mr....

Samantha Bohannon focuses her practice in the areas of Criminal Law, DUI, Traffic Violations, and Family Law. Before opening her own firm, Mrs. Bohannon served as a Magistrate for Region Six, which includes Richmond, Henrico, New Kent, Williamsburg, York/Poquoson, James City, Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, King and Queen, King William, West Point and Charles City. Mrs. Bohannon's prestigious position has given her a unique understanding on probable cause and common errors law enforcement officers typically make. Often times law enforcement has more than enough evidence to convict you, but that doesn't mean you're guilty. Not only is it the...

Alexandra “Alli” Kennedy is a dynamic and passionate attorney at Randall & Bruch, P.C., where she focuses on Domestic Relations law. Born in Virginia Beach and raised in Southampton County, Alli brings a deep-rooted connection to Virginia and a strong commitment to serving her community with dedication and empathy. Alli graduated from Southampton High School in Courtland, Virginia, in 2018. She then pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2020. Her academic prowess and dedication were further demonstrated during her time at the Appalachian School of Law, where she obtained her Juris...

Traffic Attorney. I have practiced law in the area for over 32 years. If you retain me, in many cases you will never have to appear in court for your traffic violations. I am a former special prosecutor. Contact me today at 804-541-4145 or email to bradpbutterworth@gmail.com.

In addition to representing clients in education, family law and guardianship and conservatorship matters, Joan is certified as a Guardian ad litem to represent incapacitated adults in guardianship, conservatorship, and family law matters. She is also certified as a Guardian ad litem for children.

Ellie Pittman is an attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Her practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases. Ms. Pittman works in the firm’s Fredericksburg-Stafford office, and represents clients in Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and surrounding areas. Ms. Pittman graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2021, after graduating cum laude from the University of Delaware in 2018.

Mary A. Napier, Esquire grew up in Hanover County, and is currently residing in Richmond, Virginia. She graduated with majors in psychology and justice studies from James Madison University before obtaining her juris doctor from Charleston School of Law in South Carolina.

Following law school, she began her career at the law firm of Cravens & Noll, P.C.—a general practice firm with offices in Chesterfield, Henrico and Colonial Heights, Virginia. Mary’s practice is devoted to family law and domestic relations (divorce, adoptions, custody and support).

Mary is an active member of the Virginia State Bar, and maintains an active role with...

Erÿk Mahaffey is an attorney at Boston Law Firm, practicing Bankruptcy and family law. Mr. Mahaffey handles every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Mr. Mahaffey earned his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2008, after graduating cum laude from Salem State University in 2001. An attorney since 2008, Mr. Mahaffey worked at a law firm in Winchester, Virginia from 2008—2010. He then operated his own solo bankruptcy and family law practice. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Mahaffey served in the United States Army from 1993—2001....

Kate Beurmann-O'Neill is a senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. She works in the firm’s Manassas office, and represents clients throughout Manassas and Prince William County. An attorney for 19 years, Ms. Beurmann-O'Neill began her legal career by working as an estate planning attorney at a law firm in Fairfax from 2004–2006. She then worked as an attorney in the health care field for almost 15 years, at companies based in Virginia, Tennessee and then Florida. In 2021, Ms. Beurmann-O'Neill began practicing exclusively family law, at a law firm in Manassas. She then joined...

Corrie Sirkin is a conscientious, energetic, smart and capable attorney. She has practiced family law exclusively throughout her career. She provides experienced services in areas of family law which include divorce, child custody, visitation, paternity, child support, equitable distribution, pre-marital agreements, spousal support, separation, pre-marital agreements, modification, post-judgment matters, and property settlement agreements. Corrie practices family law in Virginia and is also licensed in New Jersey and New York.

Her ability to problem solve in a rational, professional and courteous manner provides proven positive outcomes. There are many options for alternative dispute resolutions including settlement discussions, negotiation and mediation which may...

Sarah Haight is an attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Her practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases. Ms. Haight works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Haight earned her law degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 2014, after graduating from Purdue University in 2011. She was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 2014 and the Virginia Bar in 2016. Ms. Haight began her legal career by working as an Assistant District Attorney in Lancaster...

Michael Brackman is an associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. He works in the firm’s Manassas office, and represents clients throughout Manassas and Prince William County. Mr. Brackman earned his J.D. from George Mason University in 2021, after graduating magna cum laude from Centenary College of Louisiana in 2018. Mr. Brackman currently holds a perfect 10.0 rating from Justia.

I am dedicated to helping couples and families get through divorce in as constructive, thoughtful, amicable and cost-effective way as possible. I support my clients in finding solutions that will keep you and your family out of destructive, expensive court battles. I bring years of family mediation and collaborative divorce experience as well as specialized training and practice in parenting coordination. My focus is on helping you and your spouse to craft solutions that will work for your unique situation. My mission is to help you to make informed, thoughtful decisions about both your future and your children's future.

Growing up, Alanna’s parents heard primarily one complaint from her teachers: she talks too much. In high school, she had an English teacher sit down and explain to her that she needed to develop her listening skills and taught her that she would learn a lot more by listening than by talking. Alanna is a product of LA Law, and in her youth, the television show glamorized being a lawyer. Being active in debate and public speaking in high school and college, law school was a natural progression. She found that the two important qualities in being a family...

Name and co-founding partner Michele L. Burton was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. She attended the University of Virginia where she obtained Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Anthropology. Shortly thereafter, Michele graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master of Arts in Humanities with a focus on Race and Law. In May 2012, she graduated from the College of William and Mary School of Law with a Juris Doctorate and passed the bar in October of that year. Upon graduation, Michele worked as a magistrate in Norfolk, Virginia for two years where she conducted probable cause...

Ryan M. Schmalzle is a principal and founder of the firm. His practice focuses on family law, civil litigation, and criminal law. Ryan regularly practices in several jurisdictions in Northern Virginia including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Clarke County, Frederick County and the City of Winchester. He also practices in the Maryland Courts, including Frederick County and Montgomery County. Ryan is an adjunct professor of law at George Mason University School of Law where he teaches appellate writing. Ryan also serves as a Special Justice in Loudoun County and he presides over civil commitment hearings. Although Ryan’s primary love...

Alyssa Grzesiak (pronounced “Gray-Shock”) is an attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Her practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation, and support cases. Ms. Grzesiak works in the firm’s Ashburn office, and represents clients in Leesburg, Ashburn, Loudoun County, and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Grzesiak graduated from William & Mary Law School in 2023. During law school, she worked at the Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Office, the Virginia Office of the Attorney General and the Human Trafficking Institute. Ms. Grzesiak also held positions as Executive...

I’ve been helping others find a fresh start through bankruptcy and divorce for almost 20 years. When I was in law school I just happened to be working for a bankruptcy attorney. One of my first cases was a couple whose daughter suffered from a brain tumor, and after a multitude of surgeries and treatments, the family was left with bills in excess of $200,000 after insurance. They had no choice but to file bankruptcy and get some reprieve from the overwhelming amount of bills necessary to save their daughter. Soon after, I met...

Jon is an experienced litigator licensed in Virginia and Washington, DC. Jon’s success as an attorney comes from his experience and his dedication to efficiently and cost-effectively achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. Jon works closely with his clients to help them make the best-informed decisions on matters that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Although he has a versatile practice, Jon’s experience as a family lawyer and criminal defense attorney sets him apart from many other lawyers. He has gained a unique understanding of the intersection between criminal law and family law making him well...

I came to the Mathews/Gloucester area after practicing in Hampton. My focus is state litigation, trusts, deeds, wills, and estate planning and administration.

I am on the Board of Directors of HeadStart, am a current or former officer with the Lions Charity Foundation and Middle Peninsula Bar Association. Also a member of the Mathews Ruritans.

I volunteer time and resources for most community functions.

Tatiana Mendez is an attorney in Virginia whose practice focuses primarily on immigration, family, criminal, and traffic cases. Mendez began her legal career as an intern for the Federal Public Defender's Office in Norfolk where she assisted in the defense of a variety of clients and conducted interviews in Spanish. Since then she has practiced law all over Hampton Roads and gained experience in a wide variety of cases. In addition to her legal experience, Ms. Mendez is fluent in Spanish and earned a top score on the International Fluency Exam for Spanish Translators.

Thoman Law, P.L.L.C is a boutique law firm, headed by an experienced former prosecutor, that focuses on Criminal Defense, Traffic Defense, DUI Defense, Divorce, Child Custody, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Medical Directives, Adoption, Personal Injury, and General Civil Litigation cases. The mission of the firm is to provide the best possible representation and service for our CLIENTS. Great customer service, flexible office hours, and payments plans are always available. Call for a free consultation! 757-447-4090 Managing Partner, Brian Thoman began practicing law in the Hampton Roads area after earning his law degree from the Regent University School of Law in 2006....