Fairfax County Estate Planning Lawyers

U Mass Amherst - University of Massachusetts at Amherst - Political Science - Undergraduate Degree

Real Estate Broker License - Commonwealth of Virginia

Juris Doctorate Degree - Law Degree - Liberty University School of Law - Lynchburg, Virginia

Virginia State Bar - Commonwealth of Virginia

Eleven years’ legal experience in business law, corporate formation, compliance, complex consumer litigation, regulatory, contracts and bankruptcy law. Local experience in family law; advocate for domestic violence survivors. Four years in Am Law (top 100 American law firms) located in DC, with business, bankruptcy and commercial litigation focus. Experience in automotive and construction fraud litigation. Fifteen years’ corporate experience, gained as business owner, award-winning author and airplane owner. Advanced knowledge of and experience working with UDAAP, Bankruptcy rules...

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.

Karen L. Rowell is an associate attorney with Clark & Bradshaw, P.C. Ms. Rowell grew up in Roanoke County, Virginia, graduating from Cave Spring High School. She received her baccalaureate degree in Family & Child Development from Virginia Tech and her juris doctor from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary. Ms. Rowell served as a Cryptologic Technician Interpretive in the United States Navy for five years prior to attending law school and has been practicing law in Harrisonburg since 2008. Ms. Rowell focuses her practice on wills & estate planning, advanced...

J. Douglas McCarthy is a founding partner of McCarthy & Akers, PLC. His practice focuses on transactional law dealing with Estate Planning, Real Estate and Corporate matters. Prior to founding McCarthy & Akers, PLC, Mr. McCarthy was a partner in the Winchester, Virginia law firm of Groves and McCarthy.

Mr. McCarthy received his J.D. from the Keller School of Law at The University of Dayton, in Dayton, Ohio, where he earned honors in the fields of Taxation, Wills and Trusts. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, where he majored in Political Science.

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...

Daniel J. Roberts is a sole practitioner family law attorney in Quinton, Virginia. He was previously a partner in the firm of Lax & Truax, LLC, where he began his career in 2000. Dan received his undergraduate degree (magna cum laude) in Sociology from the University of Connecticut in 1996 and his Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2000. Dan is licensed in both Virginia and Connecticut. Our office strives to help families navigate the complexities of estate planning and family law with confidence and care. Member: Virginia Bar Association (2020- ), Fairfield County Bar Association...

Samantha Bohannon focuses her practice in the areas of Criminal Law, DUI, Traffic Violations, and Family Law. Before opening her own firm, Mrs. Bohannon served as a Magistrate for Region Six, which includes Richmond, Henrico, New Kent, Williamsburg, York/Poquoson, James City, Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, King and Queen, King William, West Point and Charles City. Mrs. Bohannon's prestigious position has given her a unique understanding on probable cause and common errors law enforcement officers typically make. Often times law enforcement has more than enough evidence to convict you, but that doesn't mean you're guilty. Not only is it the...

Lewis A. Martin, III began his law practice by joining his father upon his graduation with a JD from the University of Virginia in 1979. He focuses his practice in the areas of real property law, including commercial real estate, mechanics’ and materialmen’s liens, like-kind exchanges, and advanced property conveyances and financing, as well as estate planning and administration, serving as an Assistant Commissioner of Accounts for Albemarle County, Virginia. Mr. Martin was born and raised in Charlottesville, and values the relationships he’s developed through a lifetime of calling Central Virginia his home.

Honored with the inaugural 2019 VLW Influential Women in Virginia, top “Women in the Law” (in Family Law & Personal Injury 2016-20), "Best Lawyers in America” (U.S. News & World Report 2014-21), AAAA 2018 “President’s Award,” 2017 “Adoption Attorney of the Year” (Lawyers Monthly magazine), 2017 MRWBA Women of Achievement Award, 2016 Richmond NAWBO “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, 2015 Virginia State Bar Family Law Service award, "SuperLawyers" top lists, "Legal Elite" (Va Business) and numerous other awards, Colleen Marea Quinn is a partner and equity owner in the law firm of Locke & Quinn, Founder of the “Raising...

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...

Ms. Fine has practiced law for 35 years, the last 28 in Virginia. Her business law experience started immediately after graduating from Boston College Law School in 1982 when she worked at a 50-attorney Boston law firm. In 1989 she joined the Costello Dickenson firm in Winchester, Virginia, and in 1990 opened her own firm.

Ms. Fine has extensive practice drafting business contracts, including buy-sell agreements, employment agreements and non-competition agreements, and, balancing that experience, she reviews and litigates contracts drafted by other attorneys.

Her Wills, Trusts and Estates practice involves planning, drafting estate documents and probate litigation.

Her equine practice is an...

My practice consists primarily of family law matters. People entrenched in a family law case-maybe a divorce or custody battle- often find this to be one of the most challenging seasons of their life. They are best served by an attorney who is truly invested in them. I work closely with my clients in creating a strategy that achieves my client’s goals in the most efficient and practical way possible. I am a skilled negotiator and an effective litigator, utilizing both of these tactics as needed.

I graduated from Christopher Newport University with a B.A. in Political Science, and I graduated...

Vincent J. Mata attended the University of Notre Dame and the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum for undergraduate studies in the classical humanities. He obtained a Master's degree at The Catholic University of America in philosophy, and earned his Juris Doctor at George Mason University School of Law, now Antonin Scalia Law School. Vincent is a founding partner and attorney at Mata & Hill PLC. He focuses his practice primarily on estate and elder law issues. Mata & Hill PLC additionally offers real estate, business, and civil litigation services, and serves clients throughout the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

Andrew P. Hill is a founding partner and attorney with Mata & Hill PLC, a full-service civil law firm serving the beautiful northern Shenandoah Valley. Mr. Hill concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, estate planning and administration, litigation, and business.

Mr. Hill received his undergraduate degrees from Northwestern University and his law degree from the College of William and Mary. Prior to forming Mata & Hill PLC, he worked with small but highly-respected law firms in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.

Mr. Hill is licensed to practice law in the state courts of Virginia,...

Representing individuals and families throughout the Richmond Metropolitan area, including Caroline, Hanover, Henrico, and Chesterfield Counties and the City of Richmond. My practice areas focus on adoption, family law, divorce, support, child custody and visitation, criminal and traffic law.

I represent clients in a variety of legal areas. I regularly represent clients all over the Richmond area and I often travel as far east as Virginia Beach, as far north as Spotsylvania, as far west as Charlottesville and as far South as Dinwiddie. I assist clients with obtaining and defending protective orders, uncontested and contested divorce, spousal support, child custody, visitation and support, pre-nuptial agreements, property settlement agreements, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, criminal defense, business formation and dissolution and general civil litigation.

Since 2002 Clint Sellers has used practical legal advice to protect families and small businesses. He focuses on real estate, civil trials, wills and small business matters and is an authority on the use of estate planning techniques for wealth preservation and succession planning. Clint’s clients range from young families to retirees, professionals, entrepreneurs and estate representatives and beneficiaries. He strives to always deal fairly and help clients resolve disputes without unnecessary expense or litigation. Clint is admitted to practice in all Virginia courts, as well as Federal courts. He regularly appears in District and...

Gail Holstrom was born and raised in the Richmond area, graduating from Lee Davis High school in 1981. After high school, Gail enlisted in the United States Air Force and later returned to the Richmond area to get her Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Gail graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2001. Prior to forming her own firm, Gail clerked for Robert S. Carter, P.C. while in law school and worked for Tuck & Associates, PLC as an associate attorney. During her free time. Gail enjoys running and is a member of...

Raised in Hanover, Virginia, Cassie completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in two years, majoring in both international studies and political science. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor degree from University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law. Prior to establishing Baudean Law, Cassie clerked for the Honorable judges of Hanover Circuit Court, working closely with the judges and attorneys on a wide variety of legal issues. Cassie has dedicated her work towards helping clients navigate the legal process for a variety of situations. The majority of Cassie's practice is family law, including...

Nate L. Adams, III, was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 1981. Since that time, he has tried or argued cases at every level of the Virginia Courts and, with the sole exception of the U.S. Supreme Court, the Federal Courts. He concentrates his practice in business law, incorporation law, workers' compensation, creditor's rights, employment law for both employers and employees, domestic relations, and personal injury.

Mr. Adams is a graduate of the College of William and Mary (A.B., 1977) and the Washington and Lee University School of Law (J.D., 1981).

Mr. Adams is active in the Winchester community, currently...

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.

Ari graduated cum laude from Boston College Law School, where he was the Managing Editor of the Boston College Environmental Affairs Law Review. Originally from Boston, MA, Ari relocated to Virginia in 2011 after meeting his bride, Garland, and joined the Stapleton Elder Law family soon thereafter. The couple wed in Clarke County in 2012 and live “happily ever after” in Charlottesville. Ari and Garland welcomed their first child, Elspeth Margaret, in March, 2015. While Ari’s focus in on Elder Law and Asset Protection, he is also an expert on Veterans benefits. Ari takes the time to listen to...

Anna focuses her practice on individual consumer and business bankruptcies, tax compliance and controversy, corporate and business law, and estate planning and administration. Prior to joining Harry Jernigan CPA Attorney, P.C., Mrs. Dunkum was Staff Attorney for the Chapter 13 Trustee for the Middle District of North Carolina- Greensboro Division. Mrs. Dunkum is admitted to practice in the United States Bankruptcy Courts for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of North Carolina and the Eastern District of Virginia as well as all courts in the State of North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia and U.S. Tax Court. ...

Jim Garrett is a Principal of Carrell Blanton Ferris & Associates, PLC. and has practiced law for over twenty years. Before narrowing his practice to estate planning, his practice areas included real estate, business law and consumer protection. Today Jim uses his knowledge and experience in real estate and business in the estate planning context, especially in the areas of business succession planning, charitable giving and asset protection strategies.

Jim believes that estate planning is not just for the benefit of the client, but also for the client’s surviving loved ones, valued charities and later generations of the client’s family. That...

Alexander was born and raised in the Richmond, VA area. He is an Eagle Scout and Member of the Order of the Arrow. Alexander attended the Virginia Military Institute on a lacrosse scholarship. After his Rat Year, Alexander transferred to Hampden Sydney College, where he graduated in 2002. Alexander worked as a law clerk for 3 years at Ayers & Stolte before attending Appalachian School of Law. He served as a law clerk for the Honorable John Alderman of Hanover Circuit Court in the Summer of 2007. Alexander graduated ASL with 112 hours of training in the theory, ethics and...

Attorney Scott Maxwell is an experienced attorney licensed to practice in Virginia, California, New York, and Connecticut (ret.). Attorney Maxwell's practice is focused on estate planning, probate administration, trust administration, residential real estate, and healthcare law.

Core Values
Compassionate representation of clients
Personalized attention
Prompt, open, and honest communication
Financially efficient representation
Meticulous attention to detail
Superb legal research

Admissions
Virginia
New York
California
Connecticut (retired)
Various Federal Courts

Education
St. John’s University School of Law, Queens, New York, Juris Doctor
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, B.A., Philosophy

Areas of Practice
Estate Planning (Forming Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, etc.)
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Residential Real Estate
Healthcare Law

Awards and Honors
New York State Bar Association Professor William R. Ginsberg Memorial Essay...

Sheryl Herndon is the owner and founder of Herndon Law, P.C., a client-centered firm that specializes in General Estate Planning, Elder Law, Estate and Trust Administration, Fiduciary Services, Long-Term Care and Medicaid Planning, Guardianships and Conservatorships for Incapacitated Adults, Veterans Benefits, and representing clients in Involuntary Civil Commitment Proceedings. A Richmond native, Sheryl received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech (GO HOKIES!) and graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond’s T.C. Williams School of Law where she was a founding member of The Richmond Journal of Law and Technology, the world’s first law review to be published exclusively online. ...