Penn Laird Divorce Lawyers

"If it's going to be a fight, you need Laura Blair Butler on you side."

Laura Butler is a Charlottesville Trial Lawyer concentrating in Divorce and Family Law. Call today to schedule an initial consultation. She wants to help.

The following comments are from satisfied clients:

"Laura Butler is always prepared. I never saw her surprised in or out of court. She treats all adversaries with respect, and then proceeds to dismantle them. When I saw how well she knew and could quickly recall the details of my case in court, I was amazed."

"Five words: 'I like to be perfect.' These are the...

John H. Kitzmann is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and a partner and co-founder of Davidson & Kitzmann, PLC. He is also the former Chair of the Family Law Section of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Kitzmann has been practicing family law for more than twenty years. He has extensive experience negotiating and litigating the full range of family law issues. Mr. Kitzmann's recent representations in the area of family law have involved a divorce involving more than $500 Million in marital property, litigation concerning the value and distribution of a multinational corporation, complex...

Ms. Jenkins has been practicing law in Virginia since 2008 when she was admitted to the Virginia State Bar. She is also admitted in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. She is experienced in various practice areas such as family law, construction law, landlord/tenant actions, estate administration, debt collection, and bankruptcy. She has appeared in Virginia juvenile and domestic relations district court, general district court, circuit court, and the Virginia Supreme Court.

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.

Mr. Green is General Counsel, P.C.'s founder, managing partner and leads its employment law practice.

Merritt serves as an outside general counsel to numerous clients providing guidance on legal issues confronting businesses and non-profit organizations ranging from contracts and agreements to the structuring of corporate transactions and business formations. Merritt also represents businesses and individuals in all aspects of labor and employment law.

Merritt received his J.D., cum laude, from the Syracuse University College of Law (1997). At Syracuse, he was an Associate Editor of the Syracuse Law Review and was Editor-in-Chief of The Labor Lawyer, the publication of...

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.

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

Steven Goldman is a Partner at the Law Offices of Curran Moher Weis, P.C., one of the premier family law firms in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C.

Through zealous advocacy, a well-balanced approach to negotiations, and a strong financial background, Mr. Goldman has had success litigating and settling highly contested divorces, custody matters, support matters, and other areas of family law practice. His success has earned him a positive reputation from his colleagues and peers in the matrimonial bar and, at the age of 30, he was recognized as one of the Ten Leaders of Matrimonial & Divorce Law in Long...

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...

Lindsay Connolly 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. Connolly works in the firm’s Fredericksburg office, and represents clients in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg and surrounding areas. Originally from Milford, Massachusetts, Ms. Connolly graduated magna cum laude from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. She then earned her law degree from David A. Clarke Law School in Washington, D.C., graduating summa cum laude and the top female in her class. Ms. Connolly was...

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...

Allison Mazzei is an associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. An attorney since 2017, Ms. Mazzei handles every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Ms. Mazzei works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Mazzei’s interest in family law began in law school, when she had internships with a DC and Maryland family law judge. After earning her law degree, Ms. Mazzei clerked for another family law judge in DC in 2018. She then spent several years...

Experienced Divorce Attorney and Mediator

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...

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...

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...

Sarah Collins is a partner at The Manassas Law Group, P.C., practicing family law and criminal law. She is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, and support cases. Ms. Collins represents clients in Manassas, Prince William County, and all across Northern Virginia. Before entering private practice, Ms. Collins served for two years as a law clerk in the Prince William County Circuit Court.

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...