Midland Divorce Lawyers

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...

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...

Andrew Tank is a lead senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Mr. Tank works in the firm’s offices in Fairfax and Arlington, and represents clients all across Northern Virginia. Mr. Tank is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, equitable distribution, custody, visitation and support cases. An attorney since 2007, Mr. Tank has firmly established himself as a leader in the Northern Virginia legal community. He has been an active member of the Virginia State Bar’s Young Lawyers Conference, serving as Program Chair for the Bar’s annual meeting from...

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.

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...

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,...

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.

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. The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC serves clients in Fairfax County and throughout Northern Virginia with professional, effective, efficient legal services customized to their individual needs.

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...

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...

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...

Matthew Smith is a junior partner at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. He is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Mr. Smith works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington and all across Northern Virginia. An attorney since 2005, Mr. Smith has litigated every type of family law case in the courts of Northern Virginia, including high value equitable distribution cases, custody, support, and military divorce cases. He is the attorney in the firm most experienced in navigating the Fairfax County...

Sarah Haight 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. 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 Attorney in Lancaster...

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...

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....

Scott Parker is a senior associate attorney at Kublan Khan PLC., practicing exclusively family law. His practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases. Mr. Parker represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Originally from North Carolina, Mr. Parker graduated from North Carolina State University in 2005. He then earned his law degree from Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts in 2009, and relocated to Northern Virginia. Mr. Parker practiced law in Fairfax as a solo practitioner from 2009–2015. His practice consisted of litigation–criminal defense at...

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...

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...

I have been practicing family law and personal injury in the state of Maryland since 2003. I have helped many families deal with the heart ache of divorce and custodial issues related to divorce...helped clients deal with loss of income, transportation, and life activities due to being injured in a car crash. How may I help you?

Katie Anderson 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. Anderson works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Anderson graduated magna cum laude from American University Washington College of Law in 2022. While attending law school, she practiced law as a student-attorney in the Gender Justice Clinical Program for which she received the Edward J. Walker Endowed Clinical Scholarship. The award is given to student-attorneys...

Growing up, Alanna’s parents heard primarily one complaint from her teachers: she talks too much. In high school, she had an English teacher sit down and explain to her that she needed to develop her listening skills and taught her that she would learn a lot more by listening than by talking. Alanna is a product of LA Law, and in her youth, the television show glamorized being a lawyer. Being active in debate and public speaking in high school and college, law school was a natural progression. She found that the two important qualities in being a family...

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...

After completing his undergrad with honors at the University of Toronto in Canada, Mr. Raheen moved to New York and attained his Juris Doctorate Law Degree (J.D.) and Master of Laws Degree (LL.M.) at the New York Law School and Fordham University School of Law, respectively. Following his post-doctorate graduation, Mr. Raheen worked with the prestigious NY law firm of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, where he gained and reflected their successful motto of attention to detail in high quality work product. Mr. Raheen and his family moved closer to family in the DC...

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.

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

For over a decade, lawyer Sarah Bruns has been aggressively protecting the rights of her clients in Northern Virginia. As a seasoned trial attorney, Sarah has defended individuals charged with Murder, Rape, Robbery, Theft, and Drug Possession/Distribution. Sarah also has extensive experience in representing clients charged with traffic offenses such as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) and Hit and Run. While some crimes carry more severe penalties than others, Sarah handles every client’s case knowing that it is the most important one for that client. She believes that no client should be treated as if their issue is of little consequence. Sarah’s...

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...

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...

Ryan M. Schmalzle is a principal and founder of the firm. His practice focuses on family law, civil litigation, and criminal law. Ryan regularly practices in several jurisdictions in Northern Virginia including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Clarke County, Frederick County and the City of Winchester. He also practices in the Maryland Courts, including Frederick County and Montgomery County. Ryan is an adjunct professor of law at George Mason University School of Law where he teaches appellate writing. Ryan also serves as a Special Justice in Loudoun County and he presides over civil commitment hearings. Although Ryan’s primary love...

Camellia Safi is a partner with Safi, Duran & Chim, PLLC, in Fairfax, Virginia. Camellia has over a decade of experience practicing family law in the Northern Virginia area. Camellia understands that good results require compassion, hard work and an ability to connect with the client. Family law is a unique area of law that requires the attorney and the client to be on the same page and have similar values and goals to achieve success. Camellia serves as an advocate for her clients and alleviates their concerns and fears but believes that to achieve the best results, the client...

Jamel Rowe 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, 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...

Michael Poe is a senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Mr. Poe works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represent clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Mr. Poe earned his J.D. from William & Mary Law School in 2011, after earning his B.A. from Miami University in 2006. After law school, Mr. Poe clerked for the Circuit Court in Montgomery County, Maryland before serving as a Policy Fellow for an institute in Washington, D.C. He entered private practice for a law firm in Alexandria, Virginia in 2012. Mr. Poe practiced family...

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,...

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...

I am dedicated to helping couples and families get through divorce in as constructive, thoughtful, amicable and cost-effective way as possible. I support my clients in finding solutions that will keep you and your family out of destructive, expensive court battles. I bring years of family mediation and collaborative divorce experience as well as specialized training and practice in parenting coordination. My focus is on helping you and your spouse to craft solutions that will work for your unique situation. My mission is to help you to make informed, thoughtful decisions about both your future and your children's future.

Kathleen Marie Stotish was born and raised in central New Jersey, and has called northern Virginia "home" for nearly a decade. She focuses her practice on business transactions and commercial litigation, and also works in the areas of collections/creditors' rights law, and family law. Ms. Stotish has also been certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Guardian Ad Litem for Incapacitated Adults. Ms. Stotish graduated cum laude from the Washington College of Law at American University in 2012. During law school, Ms. Stotish worked as a Law Clerk with the Law Offices of Jonathan Gelber,...

I am a client focused attorney licensed to practice law in Virginia, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I am an advocate, counselor and defender for my clients and I work to achieve the best results for the individuals who entrust their case in my hands. I began my legal career in New Jersey where I served as a Deputy Attorney General for several years; specializing in the area of child protection. After moving to the D.C. metro area I continued my legal career in Washington, D.C. where I worked on large scale...

Experienced Divorce Attorney and Mediator