Millwood Family Lawyers

I graduated from Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, D.C. in 2001. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology at Arizona State University in 1991. I was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 2001. Since then, I have been practicing law in Virginia with an emphasis on family law matters, including divorce, custody & visitation, child and spousal support, and domestic violence.

"If it's going to be a fight, you need Laura Blair Butler on you side."

Laura Butler is a Charlottesville Trial Lawyer concentrating in Divorce and Family Law. Call today to schedule an initial consultation. She wants to help.

The following comments are from satisfied clients:

"Laura Butler is always prepared. I never saw her surprised in or out of court. She treats all adversaries with respect, and then proceeds to dismantle them. When I saw how well she knew and could quickly recall the details of my case in court, I was amazed."

"Five words: 'I like to be perfect.' These are the...

Ben Carafiol dedicates his practice to making a difference in someone's life. He has represented clients throughout Northern Virginia for the past twelve years. Former clients and other attorneys alike remark on his steady counsel and expansive knowledge. Ben has litigated, mediated, or settled every type of family law matter in Virginia. Those efforts have earned him a Superb rating from Avvo and a perfect 10.0 from Justia. He is also recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and has been every year since 2016.

Born in St. Louis, Ben attended The College of William & Mary, where he graduated...

We understand that finding the right attorney is critical and would welcome the opportunity to assess your situation, answer your questions, and explain our ability to help -- even if that means helping you find an attorney with more expertise related to your legal matter. We believe that everyone should have access to legal counsel. We specialize in Residential Zoning, Consumer Protection Law, H-1B visa wage disputes, and Guardianship matters, but would be delighted to speak with you about any legal matter. Each legal matter is unique and requires an individualized approach, specialized expertise, and an ability to adapt to external...

Carolyn Grimes is a partner in the firm, practicing in all areas of family law including divorce, spousal support, child custody, child support, equitable distribution, retirement issues, and prenuptial agreements, among other areas. She practices in all of the Circuit and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts in Northern Virginia and has argued before the Court of Appeals. She has lectured on family law topics ranging from custody to retirement issues, including military, federal, civilian and Foreign Service divorce and retirement issues, for various organizations in the Commonwealth. In addition to traditional litigation, Ms. Grimes practices law in the collaborative law...

Melannie Dino is a Lead Family Law Attorney at Steven Krieger Law, PLLC practicing exclusively family law. Ms. Dino works remotely from her Ashburn home office, and represents clients in Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax Counties and across Northern Virginia. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Ms. Dino earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications in 1996 from nearby Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She proceeded to earn her J.D. from Widener University Law School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1999. Ms. Dino then returned to Erie to work in the law practice of her father, a prominent bankruptcy lawyer in Erie for decades. It was...

Maria Zamayar is an associate 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 and support cases. Ms. Zamayar works in the firm’s offices in Fairfax and Arlington, and represents clients in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria and all across Northern Virginia. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Zamayar graduated from Georgia State University before earning her law degree from American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. During law school, Ms. Zamayar earned a great deal of experience geared toward making her a successful family law attorney....

Mr. "Sris," CEO of the Law Offices of Sris, P.C., established his firm in 1997, now with locations in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Colombia, and India. Based in Fairfax, Virginia, he holds law licenses across multiple states. With a background as a prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings strong negotiation and litigation skills to his practice, focusing on complex family law cases and defense against serious criminal charges. He holds IT certifications and boasts international business knowledge, enhancing his legal knowledge. Committed to justice, Mr. Sris actively engages in legislative initiatives and community outreach, offering consultations to Indian nationals in need. With...

David Hagan is an associate at Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner PLLC, where he focuses on family law and criminal defense. He handles litigation across all areas of domestic relations, including adoptions, divorce, child custody and support, spousal support, equitable distribution, settlement agreements, property rights, prenuptial agreements, and post-divorce disputes. Additionally, he represents clients in protective order cases and misdemeanor criminal defense matters, such as traffic violations and assault/battery cases. Mr. Hagan also assists with estate litigation and other civil matters. He earned his J.D. from George Mason University School of Law, where he served as a student advisor in the...

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...

Accomplished and result-focused with 24 years of experience in Family Law, Bankruptcy and Administrative Law specializing in Security Clearance Defense and Medical License Defense.

I assist clients with legal problems in the areas of bankruptcy, divorce, wills and trusts, and probate or estate administration. I am an experienced trial lawyer and have been a member of the Virginia State Bar since 1987. While I am glad to help clients settle their legal matters expeditiously and at the lowest costs to their satisfaction, I welcome the opportunity to litigate contested matters when settlement is not an acceptable option. I particularly enjoy the interplay between different practice areas, and have helped clients with both marital or divorce problems and financial problems such as...

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.

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...