Independence Divorce Lawyers

Ms. Khan is the managing attorney at Mehnaz Khan Law, PLLC, and has been working in the legal field for more than two decades in Northern Virginia. She is a graduate of The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. With extensive experience in Family Law, Immigration Law, and Estate Planning, most of her practice is devoted to litigation. An immigrant herself, Ms. Khan’s personal experience in obtaining United States Citizenship through Naturalization can benefit you as well. She is well versed with what it takes to obtain a U.S. Citizenship. She counsels clients throughout the Northern Virginia area in...

Afsana Chowdhury is dedicated to providing her clients with top-notch legal representation in all types of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, division of property, and more. She is nationally recognized as a top attorney by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and has been named one of the Top 10 Attorneys Under 40 by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys. Chowdhury Divorce Law Group serves clients in Fairfax County and throughout Northern Virginia with professional, effective, and efficient legal services customized to their individual needs.

Brandon Zeigler is one of the top-rated Family Law and Small Business attorneys in Virginia Beach, VA. Brandon is focused on providing exceptional, quality legal representation to individuals, families and businesses. The backbone of the American economy is small business. As a principal at Parks Zeigler, PLLC, he is extremely passionate about this area of law. As the owner of three small businesses, he knows first-hand the issues that need to be addressed in forming and running a company. He enjoys working with small business owners to ensure they have the correct documents, contracts, leases,...

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 work as a principal attorney at Poole Brooke Plumlee PC. I have a passion for helping people navigate the most challenging family situations they have ever faced in their lifetimes, whether that includes a divorce, a child custody dispute, or other family law matter. Each case is unique and deserves a specialized plan. When I meet with clients, I help them set reasonable goals and formulate a strategy and roadmap that we can follow together to maximize the chance of achieving those goals. I take pride in being accessible to my clients and keeping them informed about...

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...

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...

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...

Kabara Korth Praskavich is a partner at Maddox & Gerock, P.C., where her practice is devoted entirely to domestic relations. She supports clients through emotionally challenging transitions with clarity and care, ensuring they remain informed and confident at every stage of the legal process. Her work covers the full spectrum of family law, including custody, support, property division, and post-decree enforcement. Kabara offers valuable insight in cases involving complex financial matters such as business valuations, executive compensation, and dissipation of assets. She is a frequent speaker on these subjects at national legal conferences and continuing education programs. Her approach is highly individualized,...

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...

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

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...

Amanda Kimble is a lead senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Ms. Kimble works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. An attorney since 2007, Ms. Kimble is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, equitable distribution, adoption, custody, visitation and support cases. Ms. Kimble tirelessly pursues the best possible results for each client, either through negotiation or, where necessary, trial. She is well known for her commanding presence in the courtroom. Ms. Kimble’s proactive litigation style, work ethic and sharp...

Jamel Rowe is a 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, visitation, support and adoption cases. Ms. Rowe works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represent clients in Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Rowe earned her J.D. from William & Mary Law School in 2012, after earning her B.A. from the College of William & Mary in 2007. After graduating from law school, Ms. Rowe received a one-year legal fellowship with the National Council For Adoption (NCFA), in...

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 custody, support, separation and high asset divorce cases. Mr. McHugh works in the firm’s Manassas office, and represents clients throughout Manassas and Prince William County. As one of the leading military divorce lawyers in the firm, Mr. McHugh is intimately familiar with issues of military retirement, disability pay, and survivor benefits. Mr. McHugh is also experienced in the division of federal retirement benefits, including the FERS Basic Benefit Plan and...

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...

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...

Katharine Maddox brings over 20 years of experience to her family law practice, addressing every facet of domestic relations matters. She is skilled in both negotiation and litigation and frequently employs alternative dispute resolution when appropriate. A Virginia Supreme Court certified mediator, Katharine also regularly handles collaborative law cases. She approaches each case with a commitment to partnership, treating her clients as teammates in the pursuit of thoughtful, respectful outcomes. Whether the matter involves complex financial holdings, custody of children, or the determination of support obligations, Katharine strives for resolutions that allow families to move forward with dignity. Katharine is a Fellow...

Mariah Brackman (née 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. Brackman works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Originally from Arizona, Ms. Brackman 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. Brackman was included in the 2024–2026 editions of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch...

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...

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...

Catherine "Kate" Reese focuses her practice on the full spectrum of family law matters in the Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, Maryland regions. She has extensive trial experience in contested divorces, child custody and visitation matters, equitable distribution of assets, child and spousal support, and the negotiation and preparation of prenuptial and marital agreements. When Ms. Reese identifies matters that can be resolved more amicably and without the costs of litigation, she highly recommends alternate dispute resolution options such as mediation, arbitration and collaborative law. Ms. Reese is a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Family Law mediator and an experienced collaborative...

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 Leesburg, Ashburn, 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 managing 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 Leesburg, Ashburn, 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...

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...

Tashina Gorgone is a partner at Maddox & Gerock, P.C. in Falls Church, Virginia, where she focuses on family law and appellate litigation. She handles a wide range of family law matters, including custody, child support, and property division. Tashina has significant experience with complex custody disputes involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and sexual abuse. She has litigated relocation cases and represented both mothers and fathers in seeking primary or shared custody. Tashina is committed to helping families find solutions that meet their immediate needs and support long-term peace of mind. She is skilled at identifying opportunities for resolution through mediation...

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,...

I made a choice years ago to use my talents to help other people through the practice of family law. I practice family law because it is an area of law where we need ethical and responsible attorneys to guide people through the legal side of what is a very emotionally driven time in their lives. As a founding member of Phillips & Peters, PLLC, I helped create the firm’s goal of helping families move forward through a time that most people churn in place. I want to help you accomplish your goals.

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....

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...

Attorney Jason Swango, founder of The Firm For Men, is a leader in the law arena, representing men exclusively in all family law matters including divorce, custody, support, post-divorce, and more. As a former military servicemember, Attorney Swango understands the intricacies of military family law, earning a reputation in Hampton Roads as the go-to attorney for active duty and former military.

James Garret is the founding member of Garrett Law Group, PLC in Virginia Beach. The firm focuses on criminal defense, including all traffic matters, and divorce and child custody cases.

Mr. Garrett has been in private practice since graduating from the Boyd School of Law at UNLV in 2005.

Sarah Haight is a senior 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. 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...

Christian Campbell is an associate 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. Campbell represents clients all across Northern Virginia. 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...

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 was included in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for his work in Family Law. He currently holds a perfect 10.0 rating from Justia. Mr. Brackman resides in Northern Virginia.

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, Ashburn, Manassas and Fredericksburg-Stafford, 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...

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...

JD, Washington and Lee Law School
BA, University of Virginia (English and Mathematics)

Echols Scholar
Washington Scholar
National Moot Court Team
Big Brother of the Year

Recognized expert in consumer law and consumer rights litigation and has testified as an expert witness in the Virginia Circuit Courts

Cary Powell Moseley, Esquire
Attorney at Law
Moseley Law, PLLC
401 Otey Street
Bedford, Virginia 24523
540.583.5362 (office)
434.546.3774 (cell)
cary@carymoseley.com (email)
carymoseley.com (web)