Wakefield Family Lawyers

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...

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."

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...

I have been practicing law for over forty years. I have been listed in Who's Who in American Law and in Who's Who in America. I was on the boards of the the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board and its property company for over a combined twenty-five years. I participated in a Peninsula Legal Aid program to help deserving people with legal assistance they were unable to afford. I have had the privilege of helping a lot of people. I am only licensed in Virginia, so I will only be able to help with Virginia...

Whether your spouse served you with a divorce, or you need to serve your spouse with one, it pays to take immediate action. Sometimes it's difficult to make a decision, and things feel uncertain, and that's ok.For many clients, custody of children is the primary concern above all else. We understand prioritizing custody, and can work with you to achieve the result you desire. But it is critical not to wait. As soon as you realize a custody issue is brewing, you must take immediate action to protect your children. A proactive family law attorney will drive your case forward,...

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...

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

When bad things happen to good people, they call The Tyson Legal Team headed up by Attorney Marqueta Tyson. Marqueta helps people resolve some of life's most difficult challenges: criminal charges, traffic/DUI infractions, employment, business, divorce and personal injury matters. She also protects the rights of athletes and entertainers through contract drafting and deal negotiations. In June of 2003, she founded The Tyson Legal Team, PLC and Pulse Sports and Entertainment Management LLC. The Pulse side of the house focuses on all aspects of an athlete's or entertainer's career both on and off the field or stage. Pulse...

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...

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...

STEPHEN V. SOMMERS (licensed in Virginia 1999, Texas (1997), Maryland (1996)), was born at Camp Pendleton, CA, October 4, 1956 and educated at Troy State University (B.S., Summa Cum Laude, 1981), Golden Gate University (M.A., 1986) and American University (Juris Doctor, 1995). Mr. Sommers retired from the United States Air Force at the rank of Major after 22 years flying fighter aircraft. Mr. Sommers has been admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Fourth Circuit and the Tenth Circuit and all Virginia Courts. He is a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, the...

Jim Gochenour grew up in the Fredericksburg area and Westmoreland County, Virginia. He graduated from the preparatory school Woodberry Forrest, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of William and Mary in 1984 and his law degree from the University of Richmond’s T.C. Williams School of Law in 1987. He began practicing law in a small general practice as an associate, then as partner in a firm and then as a solo practitioner. In 1992, Jim was introduced to criminal law from the perspective of the prosecutor when the judges of the 15th Judical Court appointed him...

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...

Rebecca began her business with the goal of helping families through a range of family issues from divorce and separation to creating cohesive estate plans. Through a strong focus on people - both clients and employees - the firm has grown and expanded into new markets. Our offices now serve northern Virginia, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

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...

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 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.

John Whitbeck is the founder and partner of WhitbeckBennett. His practice focuses on family law, more specifically divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, domestic violence and protective orders, adoption, special education law, and mental health law.

He is a professor of law at George Mason University Law School, and the former Director of the George Mason University Law and Mental Illness Clinic.

John uses his expert knowledge of the law to advocate for his clients and their families.

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...

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.