Franklin County Divorce Lawyers

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.

Robert Flax represents drivers with speeding and, reckless driving charges. He appears in the Richmond, Virginia area courts of the City of Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Petersburg and Colonial Heights. Richmond Virginia area traffic courts hear thousands of cases a year. Interstates 64 and 95 run through it. Out of state drivers may receive higher fines and other punishment if they do not have a lawyer to show that the driver deserves leniency or is innocent. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor. A conviction of reckless driving or speeding might affect the driver’s employment and security...

I have practiced Family Law since graduating law school in 2005. I regularly provide counseling to clients on matters of divorce, equitable distribution, child custody and visitation, spousal and child support and adoptions. As an adoptive parent myself, I understand the blessing of building a family through the grace of adoption and I enjoy assisting families on this journey. I have had the great honor to meet my children's birth families and as a result I feel that I connect to both the adoptive parents as well as the birth parents, all of whom are making a...

Jasmine Moore 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. Originally from North Carolina, Jasmine earned her law degree from Charlotte School of Law, after earning her B.A. cum laude from Fayetteville State University. An attorney since 2017, Ms. Moore began her career working as a Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Works in Fredericksburg. She joined Livesay & Myers, P.C. as an Associate Attorney in 2020, and was promoted to the position of Senior Associate Attorney in 2023. Ms. Moore...

Adriana was born and raised in New York, and attended both college and law school in Washington, D.C. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs, Philosophy, and Political Science from The George Washington University in 2009, and her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in 2013.

Throughout law school, Adriana worked for various nonprofit organizations in Virginia and Washington, D.C., focusing on immigration issues related to domestic violence victims, victims of crime, children, and family matters.

Upon graduation, Adriana moved to Virginia where she earned her license to...

Divorce and Bankruptcy, with Dignity. Licensed in MD, VA, and DC, with offices in Ellicott City, Maryland and Annandale, Virginia.

Hi, I'm Matthew.



I approach the practice of law with a focus on helping my clients understand an often complicated legal system. Working collaboratively allows me to anticipate my clients' needs, while also aiding my clients by providing them an informed view of all the potential dangers and rewards of each unique case. My primary practice areas are Divorce, Child Custody, Trusts & Wills and Bankruptcy. However, I also provide legal support for small businesses looking to incorporate, resolve disputes with employees or review potential contracts and business transactions.

Brianna Salerno is a lead senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Ms. Salerno works in the firm’s office in Arlington, and represents clients in Arlington, Alexandria and all across Northern Virginia. An attorney since 2010, Ms. Salerno has litigated every type of family law case in the courts of Northern Virginia, including divorce, custody, support and high value equitable distribution cases. She also is one of the firm’s leading authorities on the division of federal or military retirement benefits in divorce. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Ms. Salerno graduated magna cum laude from The George Washington University...

Dan Miller was raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. He graduated from Norfolk Collegiate School in 1985, and graduated from Oxford College in 1987 with an Associate of Arts degree. Dan went on to graduate from Emory University in Atlanta in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Philosophy and Sociology. From 1989 to 1995 Dan played drums in a band based in Atlanta Georgia where he toured the College Circuit throughout the Southeastern United States. Dan graduated a semester early and was admitted to practice law in Virginia in November 1998. In 1998, Dan was hired by Michael...

While Shelly has had great success with her own law firm, the opportunity to become the Manager Partner of a Chesapeake office for Parks Zeigler was enticing. The merging of the two firms allows Shelly to offer a wide variety of services to her clients while maintaining her Chesapeake roots. She is looking forward to many more years of successful practice with Parks Zeigler.

Shelly attended Regent University School of Law and graduated in 2001. In law school, she competed on the mock trial team and served as an officer for the American Bar Association. In her third year, Shelly...

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...

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...

Jonathan McHugh is a lead senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. He is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including high asset divorce cases. Mr. McHugh works in the firm’s offices in Manassas and Arlington, and represents clients all across Northern Virginia. As one of the leading military divorce lawyers in the firm, Mr. McHugh is intimately familiar with issues of military retirement, the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act, the Survivor Benefit Plan, disability pay, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Mr. McHugh is also experienced in the division...

James Livesay is a founding partner at Livesay & Myers, P.C. He leads the firm's team of family law attorneys across offices in Fairfax, Arlington, Leesburg, Manassas and Fredericksburg, Virginia.

After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1995 and the University of Virginia School of Law in 1998, Mr. Livesay served three years in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. He entered civilian practice as a family law attorney in 2001, and joined with partner Kevin Myers to found Livesay & Myers, P.C. in 2003.

Drawing on his experience as a Navy JAG officer, Mr. Livesay established the military divorce section of the firm in 2003...

Rex focuses his practice primarily in the criminal and family arenas. He firmly believes client-centered representation. As such, the client’s needs are the primary driver of the course of litigation. Once the client’s needs and wishes are established, Rex Flynn will zealously work (with integrity) to obtain the desired result, often with innovative solutions.

A graduate of George Mason University’s School of Law, Mr. Flynn served multiple terms in student government, the Black Law Students Association (regional and local), the American Bar Association (the 11th Circuit Lt. Governor of Diversity), the Honor Committee and as an editor for the Journal of...

MARY G. COMMANDER has been engaged in the practice of law in Norfolk, Virginia and surrounding areas since 1981. She is well-known and respected in the Hampton Roads area for her proficiency in all matters of Family Law and her diligent and no-nonsense approach in court. Ms. Commander is a certified Norfolk Master Gardener Volunteer and actively involved in the rescue of former racing greyhounds (with two of her own at home).

Mary Commander’s Education & Experience:

She is a magna cum laude graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she served for three years as an elected member of...

Jennifer Huchler 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, visitation and support cases. Ms. Huchler works in the firm’s offices in Fairfax and Fredericksburg, and represents clients in Fairfax County, Stafford, Fredericksburg and all across Northern Virginia.

Originally from Florida, Ms. Huchler graduated cum laude from Florida State University before graduating cum laude from American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C.

During law school, Ms. Huchler earned a great deal of experience geared toward making her a successful family...

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.

Mariah Latimer 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, visitation and support cases. Ms. Latimer works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Originally from Arizona, Ms. Latimer graduated cum laude from the University of Arizona, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Honors College, before earning her law degree from George Mason University Law School. Ms. Latimer was included in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for her work...

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...

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...

Christian Campbell is an associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Mr. Campbell handles every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Mr. Campbell earned his J.D. from American University - Washington College of Law in 2021, after graduating cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015. While attending law school, Mr. Campbell worked as a legal assistant at a law firm in Washington, DC. In that position, he supported attorneys in a wide range of fields, including antitrust, securities regulation, and white collar criminal defense. After law school, Mr. Campbell worked...

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...

As a native of Northern Virginia, I have here focused my practice on providing sound and balanced representation to clients navigating the difficult legal waters of family law, including contested divorce, custody, support, and equitable distribution. My persuasive style has been well received in courtrooms throughout Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, and is sustained and continually nuanced by a body of experience sufficient to deliver sophisticated results for my clients. In 2015, for example, through negotiation or litigation, my firm handled the equitable distribution of more than half a billion dollars in assets. Business owners,...

Amy has been practicing law exclusively in the area of Domestic Relations since 2003. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dickinson College, graduating cum laude, with a double major in Sociology and Spanish. While at Dickinson, Amy was a Member of the Spanish Honor's Society, and also served as a Teaching Assistant and tutor.

Continuing her education at the Dickinson School of Law of Pennsylvania State University, Amy received her Juris Doctorate. At Pennsylvania State, Amy was selected to Appellate Moot Court Board, and also served on the ACLU's "Know Your Rights Campaign." Amy also met her husband Noah...

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...

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.

Amanda Stone Swart 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. Stone Swart works in the firm’s Ashburn office, and represents clients in Ashburn, Leesburg, Loudoun County, and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Stone Swart is originally from Boone, Iowa. She graduated summa cum laude from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 2004, with Bachelor’s of Arts degrees in both Political Science and Journalism. Upon graduation, Ms. Stone Swart worked in politics in...

Ariel Baniowski is a Junior Partner 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. Baniowski works in the firm’s Ashburn office, and represents clients in Ashburn, Leesburg, Loudoun County, and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Baniowski is known as one of the more aggressive attorneys at Livesay & Myers, P.C., and has litigated every type of family law matter in Virginia, including custody, support, separation and high asset divorce cases. Ms. Baniowski's work ethic and drive are unmatched. To say...

Sonja Aoun represents family law clients in all aspects of separation and divorce, including divorce planning/premarital agreements, collaborative divorces, negotiated settlements, and trials. Her estate planning practice ranges from the preparation of powers of attorney and advance medical directives to wills and complex trusts and special needs planning. Sonja obtained her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center after graduating cum laude with a B.S. in Languages (Spanish) from Georgetown University. Starting in 2014, she has been named to the Virginia SuperLawyers list in the field of family law; she has been listed in the Washington,...

Laila Raheen is the Principal Attorney at Raheen Family Law, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. She is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation, and support cases. Ms. Raheen represents clients in Fairfax, Manassas, Alexandria, Arlington, and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Raheen is known as a no-nonsense, aggressive advocate for her clients. Her goal is to provide a vigorous, thorough and honest representation. Ms. Raheen graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law (cum laude) and the University of Toronto (with honors). Ms. Raheen began her legal career in...

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....

Debbie McIntyre-Yurkovich is a founding partner of McIntyre DeFede Law PLLC. Her clients benefit from her many years of experience and knowledge garnered from prior cases and clients. Ms. McIntyre-Yurkovich has represented individuals in a variety of matters throughout Northern Virginia. Ms. McIntyre-Yurkovich is also the parent of a child with special needs, and she understands the unique circumstances that present legally, economically, and emotionally to parents of special needs children. Ms. McIntyre-Yurkovich is proud that many of her client referrals come from her many satisfied current and past clients. She is equally proud that she...

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...

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...

Stephen has been licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2010. In 2011, after completing his law degree and passing the bar, Stephen founded Quest Law PLLC, a solo practice, in Richmond, Virginia. Since then, he has been practicing as a litigator in Chesterfield, Henrico, and Richmond City courts. He represents clients who have been charged with a variety of criminal offenses and also handles family legal matters that require litigation. Contact Quest Law PLLC in Midlothian to schedule a meeting with Stephen.

Mike Mullin has an extensive legal background as a former prosecutor and seasoned trial lawyer. Mike Mullin graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2004 and Catholic University School of Law in 2007. Since then, he has worked for almost 15 years as a criminal prosecutor and trial lawyer in all levels of Virginia Courts. The majority of Mike's practice is traffic, criminal, and family law matters. Mike specializes in DUI defense and speeding cases. Being a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and serving on the House Courts of Justice Committee gives Mike a unique perspective he can share...

The son of a government official, Andy grew up in various parts of the country, including Ohio, Colorado, and Texas. He attended the College of William and Mary and graduated in 1988 with a B.A. with honors in Government. Andy then went to the University of Richmond Law School, obtaining his J.D. in 1991. While in law school, he won the moot court competition, the trial competition (twice), and the writing competition. After passing the Virginia bar exam in 1991, Andy worked in one of the largest law firms in the country in its Norfolk office, primarily defending large...

Brook M. Thibault is a Virginia Beach trial lawyer, former Associate Counsel for CMA CGM (America) LLC the world's third largest container ship company, and Public Defender. As Associate Counsel for CMA CGM, Brook shared in the corporate legal responsibilities associated with the company as subsidiary and agent for CMA CGM S.A. a French Domestic Society Anonym; including complex commercial real estate transactions, transportation and maritime law, and international asset search and collection. As Assistant Public Defender, Brook has represented hundreds of accused individuals in matters ranging from minor traffic infractions to serious violent crimes. Brook is a...