Smithfield Family Lawyers

After a decade of serving the community through a career in law enforcement, I transitioned into the legal field with the hopes of helping the struggling families and individuals I saw in the courtroom. My sole focus is family law which includes custody, child support, divorce, protective orders, and more. I am certified as a guardian ad litem for juveniles and dedicated to making fair assessments for the benefit of the children I represent. I provide unique value to my clients in that I have seen many sides of the law and know when to defend, fight, and settle.

Josh is a tenacious attorney with extensive courtroom and business experience that brings value to his clients. He has a broad area of practice with clients throughout the country. Josh’s focus of practice in the following areas of law: civil litigation, personal injury, criminal and traffic defense, divorce and family law, wills, trusts and estate planning, landlord and tenant law, business and corporate law, intellectual property, and general practice.

Jessica graduated summa cum laude from Otterbein University (Columbus, OH) with a major in Political Science/Government & triple minor in Psychology, Speech Communication, & Legal Studies. She graduated second in her law school class with highest honors from the HBU, North Carolina Central University School of Law (Durham, NC), earning a Juris Doctor & Certificate in Dispute Resolution. Her diverse legal experience includes legislative and policy evaluation, judicial internships, litigation, and mediation/settlement negotiation/alternative dispute resolution. In 2014, Jessica joined The Cooper Law Firm, P.C. (Virginia Beach, VA) to form its successful family law division. In May 2019, was named Partner...

Going through a divorce or custody situation is one of the most stressful times in a person's life. I know first hand. I've been there, and I understand what you are going through.

It was awful for me, but having a competent, caring, empathetic, and responsive attorney on your side helps more than you can imagine. I'd love to help you in your difficult times to move forward to a happy "new normal."

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.

Ms. Oram-Smith started practicing law in West Virginia in 1986. She practiced for two years there, and then moved back to Virginia in 1988 and has been practicing family law in Virginia ever since. She served the community as a staff attorney with the Virginia Beach office of the Tidewater Legal Aid Society for four years.

Ms. Oram-Smith is a veteran divorce Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia for over 30 years and currently represents clients in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia in her family law practice located near the Town Center of Virginia Beach.

Ms. Oram-Smith is committed to...

OVER 41 YEARS IN PRACTICE-I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THOUSANDS OF CASES.

Attorney with nearly 20 years of experience in military, family, criminal and divorce issues.

James E. Short is a skilled lawyer who has over 30 years of experience. His practice is focused on a wide range of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases as well as DUI defense, family law and personal injury. As a former prosecutor, James E. Short, provides a unique perspective to assess your legal needs. He is committed to providing the highest level of service at an affordable price and fighting for the rights of his client. His successful track record has earned him the recognition of his colleagues and clients alike. Please call the office at 757-410-5042 to...

Kelly Cournoyer brings both compassion and powerful advocacy to her cases. Raised in a military family that moved to stations on three continents, Kelly knows first-hand the unique challenges that military families face and the support they need to be successful. A former prosecutor, Kelly is a confident and talented trial lawyer who is focused on delivering excellent results for her clients. Prior to prosecuting, Kelly held positions as a law clerk and intern in private firms and in state and federal government, including for the U.S. Navy JAG Corps Trial Department. She earned a law degree at George Washington University and a...

Jana holds the distinction of being one of the very few, if only, practicing Virginia attorneys who has served as a university Title IX deputy coordinator. This insider’s view of the Title IX process and her work on university investigations gives Jana a leg up for her clients.

The consummate problem solver, Jana’s been solving people-problems in corporate human resources management for the last decade.

Jana has also been an advocate for families and young people who need assistance since her early days as a professional for the YMCA and later as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL).

Whether student or family or...

Since 2000, my practice of law has focused on divorce and family law. Please contact me regarding your divorce or family law matter and I should be able to help you. My commitment is to handle your matter personally, effectively and efficiently.

Melone Hatley, PC attorney Charles D. Hatley has made a career of practicing family law because of the opportunity it gives him to help families through such a critical juncture. “I am passionate about helping individuals through trying times and protecting their rights so they can concentrate on their personal lives,” Mr. Hatley said. The divorce process can be highly confusing for many people. Getting bogged down in all the legal jargon and procedures can be incredibly frustrating when so much is at stake. Mr. Hatley walks through each step of the process to make sure his clients...

Ra Hee Jeon is a Pender & Coward attorney focusing her practice on family law and immigration matters. Born and raised in South Korea, she is bilingual in Korean and English and skillful in Spanish. Ra Hee routinely drafts and reviews prenuptial agreements and property settlement agreements and advises her clients in complex contested divorce, uncontested divorce, and child custody/visitation/support issues. She actively participates in negotiation efforts to zealously represent her clients and to serve the best interests of any children involved. Ra Hee represents foreign-born and U.S. citizen clients in a variety of immigration matters and helps them navigate the...

After finishing law school, I started a company focused on teaching new fathers (by birth or adoption) skills and abilities they may not have had a chance to learn. Eventually I closed that business in order to work in the area of foreclosure prevention law due to the increasingly common foreclosure (which in Virginia can happen very quickly). I have chosen to continue to help people in need at my own law firm so I can give my clients the attention they deserve.

Michael W. Lee is a 1988 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute. He obtained his law degree in 1996 from the University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law and holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the College of William & Mary. Prior to attending law school, he served as a police officer in Colonial Heights and worked for the Virginia State Corporation Commission. He has been an attorney for almost 20 years and is admitted to practice law in both Virginia and Colorado. He previously served as the elected Commonwealth’s Attorney forthe City of Colonial Heights, is...

Brandon is a lifelong Virginian who grew to love Hampton Roads during his time at Christopher Newport University. After graduating from "CNU," Brandon attended law school at the University of Richmond. There, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Law & Technology as well as the President of the Moot Court Board. During law school Brandon interned at a large civil defense firm in Norfolk. After graduating Brandon worked briefly as an Associate there before deciding that he could better help the community by working for Employees, Plaintiffs, and Small Businesses. Brandon's practice focuses on medical malpractice, employment law,...

Timolyn Whitney Tillman is licensed to practice law in Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas. Attorney Tillman received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Howard University in 1988 and her Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1992. She has been in private practice for over twenty-five years and has also served as an Assistant Public Defender for the City of Virginia Beach. Attorney Tillman is a Member of the American Bar Association and the...

I am a zealous advocate for all of my clients, regardless of the complexity of their cases. I have enjoyed a successful practice and have experience in a variety of family law and appellate matters. I strive to be the most prepared attorney in the room at every hearing and conference. I also understand that a client’s legal matter does not occur in a vacuum. I work closely with my clients to pursue outcomes that promote their specific interests and goals. Focusing on those outcomes helps us to streamline the representation and can help clients navigate difficult transitions. My goal...

Brian A. Thomasson, Esq., is a licensed Virginia attorney who has been practicing in Hampton Roads since 1998. He graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1997 and was licensed to practice law in Ohio that same year. After having returned to Virginia, Brian was licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 1999, Brian was admitted to the District of Columbia bar by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Brian’s practice areas include domestic relations law, personal injury, wills and estates, trust matters, criminal and traffic defense, representation of...

Van Smith focuses his practice on family law and estate planning, including divorce, custody and support matters. He is the sole owner of SMITH | STRONG, PLC, with offices in Richmond and Williamsburg, Virginia. Van’s family law practice resolves complex divorce, related tax and business issues, custody and support plans, property distribution, integrated solutions for wealth preservation and management post-separation, civil litigation, defense of juvenile and domestic relations court criminal matters, and estate planning. He also practices elder law, assisting families with planning effectively for nursing home costs. We recognize many of our family law clients are in...

Michael graduated from the University of South Carolina Pettigrew School of Law in 1969 with a Juris Doctor. He was a finalist in the Prince Competition, where he demonstrated exceptional ability in appellate advocacy. He was a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Conflicts. While in law school, he was selected by the NAACP to travel to Memphis, Tennessee. There, he helped investigate police brutality in connection with the Memphis riots that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. He was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Among lawyer associations, Michael was admitted to both...

I provide diligent, passionate and personalized representation to clients in courts across the Commonwealth of Virginia, including Henrico, Chesterfield, Richmond, Hanover, Powhatan, Louisa, Petersburg and Caroline Counties. I practice in a variety of areas, with a emphasis on Criminal Defense and Family Law. I pride myself on being a dedicated, prepared and successful attorney. I am committed to maintaining close contact with clients, and pursuing the best possible outcomes.

I received my B.A. from Rollins College, and my J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law. My jurisdictions include the State of Virginia and Federal District Court, Eastern District of...

Practicing law since 1996, Chris Macturk opened Evolution Divorce in 2017 to help people carefully navigate the divorce process. Our goal is to help you safely maneuver the chaos divorce brings so you can step into your next evolution of life with hope and courage. Chris Macturk is an accomplished Richmond divorce and family lawyer. After hearing complaints about the uncertainties and anxieties presented by hourly billing, Chris wanted to offer a closer, transparent, and unfettered working relationship with his clients. He created Evolution Divorce & Family Law with Pre-Agreed Pricing. Chris has helped hundreds of clients through divorces, separations, and child...

I represent clients primarily in Family Law matters such as divorce, custody, visitation, spousal and child support, protective orders and the drafting of property settlement agreements.

Having witnessed my own parents’ divorce in my late teens, I have a unique perspective and experience that I am able to provide to my clients. I enjoy being able to counsel them through tough life transitions. Family law issues are some of the most difficult legal issues a person can face and I believe that it is important to treat every person and situation with respect. I am able to listen to my clients...

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...