Charles County Family Lawyers

Life is full of transitions and turning points. Dealing with change is challenging enough; when change involves legal questions, it can be overwhelming. With the right help, it doesn’t have to be. As a life changes attorney, my goal is to help make the big changes you may face—marriage, divorce, and guardianship—easier. You don’t have to move through major, and sometimes chaotic, life changes alone. I will work with you to identify your needs and goals, explore your options, and give you the legal guidance you need to make informed decisions. You remain in control, with the support...

Stephanie Moran is an experienced attorney at Watson & Moran LLC. She is a zealous litigator and negotiator who is dedicated to providing excellent service and legal representation. Ms. Moran's practice areas include Family Law, Civil Litigation, Employment Law, Discrimination, Entertainment Law and Bankruptcy.

Ms. Moran was born in Washington, D.C. She earned her B.A. in 1995 from Howard University, magna cum laude. Her J.D. was obtained at the University of Maryland School of Law in 1998. Additionally, Ms. Moran earned an LL.M., with honors, in 2001 from Georgetown University Law School. Ms. Moran served as Law Clerk to the...

Richard S. Lundin's dream of becoming a Washington D.C lawyer started far from the nation's capital, working part-time as a litigation assistant in Phoenix Arizona. It was at Arizona State that Rick graduated with a degree in finance, and later George Washington University where he earned his Juris Doctor. It was also during this time that he worked for federal judge, the Honorable Charles R. Richey, who left a strong impression on Rick's early legal career. It was 1994 when Rick was hired by James Nickelsporn, who later invited him to be his law partner, forming Nickelsporn &...

Richard Dodd is a seasoned divorce and child custody negotiator and litigator. He is also trained in mediation and collaborative dispute resolution, both of which emphasize clients' self-determination in negotiating settlement terms to provide for equitable parenting access plans and property settlements according to their values and objectives, rather than leaving the outcome to a judge.

Tracey Coates is Co-Chair of the firm's Family Law department and a member of its Litigation practice group. In working in the former capacity, she handles a variety of domestic relations matters, including pre-marital agreements, divorce and separation, child custody, child support modification, enforcement of court orders and agreements, adoption, and guardianships. Her clients include all types of individuals and couples, in a wide range of family structures.
Tracey works hard to engage in background conversations with her clients to understand family dynamics and build rapport and trust. She goes into every case with a caring, but realistic approach with her...

Benjamin Marcoux joined Houlon, Berman, Bergman, Finci, Levenstein & Skok, LLC in June of 2010. Prior to joining the firm, he worked with the Collaborative Law Group in Ellicott City, Maryland. He served clients in a variety of practice areas including: family, civil litigation, collaborative law, wills and probate, and personal injury. Ben has appeared before judges and masters in Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, Anne Arundel, Calvert and Worcester counties. While in law school, Ben served as Dean's Fellow to Professor Rice, the former Evidence Master for the AT&T break-up litigation. Ben is a member of the...

General practice law firm serving clients in Prince George's County, Maryland and surrounding Maryland counties.

Alycia Stack has spent her career litigating in Southern Maryland, helping families and children through times of crisis. She concentrates her practice in family law, including divorce, child custody, and adoption. She most recently represented children in the child welfare system, throughout foster care, terminations of parental rights, and adoptions as a Staff Attorney at Maryland Legal Aid. Prior to that she represented victims of domestic violence in peace and protective order proceedings. Alycia has handled over 300 peace and protective order cases and has extensive training in domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and trauma. She is active in...

Shayan Modarres is an experienced trial attorney, civil rights activist, and the founder and managing member of The Modarres Law Firm. With law offices in Florida and Maryland, The Modarres Law Firm focuses primarily on civil rights litigation. Over the course of his career as a civil rights attorney in Central Florida, Mr. Modarres has represented clients in a number of high-profile cases and successfully recovered large settlements for victims of police misconduct. Most notably, Mr. Modarres served as a member of the legal team that represented the family of Trayvon Martin. Inspired by his work as a...

Ms. Charles has expertise and experience in family law, wills, trusts and estates, and business law.

She has handled complex family law cases concerning issues of: divorce, alimony, marital property, custody, visitation/access, parental alienation, modification of existing orders, contempt proceedings, protective order proceedings, and child support issues.

In the corporate realm, she works with small and mid-sized companies and assisting them in setting up their business entities as well as representing them in contract negotiations and many other business-related tasks.

Finally, her community involvement is of the utmost importance to her; she believes serving people makes her a better and more effective...

I am proud of the many successful outcomes I have obtained for my clients, both in litigating contested matters in the courtroom, as well as in negotiating favorable settlements for them. I am committed to representing my clients’ interests in the most ethical, professional, results-driven, and cost-effective manner possible.

My legal career for the past 11 years has been focused primarily in the area of family law. The other two areas in which I practice are (1) probate and contested estate and trust matters, and (2) collections, judgment enforcement, and civil litigation.

My family law practice covers the full range of divorce,...

A law firm for every day people. The belief of my practice is simple: I represent those who need an attorney but think they can't afford one. I believe in standing up for those who think no one will stand up for them. I give voice to the voiceless. Sometimes things happen. You need an attorney. You think you can't afford one. You can afford Elizabeth Pugliese, Esq.

Jessica Russell was born and raised in Frederick, Maryland, and is now committed to providing excellent legal services to her community. In 2010, Ms. Russell interned at the Office of the Public Defender for Baltimore City's Juvenile Justice Division. From 2011- 2013, Ms. Russell competed for her school's Alternative Dispute Resolution Team, taking third place in the 2012 International Competition for Mediation Advocacy in Toronto. While in law school, Ms. Russell served on the executive board of the Law Students for Reproductive Justice, University of Maryland Chapter and was active in the International Law Society. Prior to...

Mr. Dales is a Cornell University graduate who received his law degrees from the University of Maryland and the University of Miami. He is a solo practitioner located in Annapolis, Maryland.

The firm offers hands-on direct lawyer to client personal service and access. We have been to all of local county courts and have helped clients with a wide variety of problems from personal injuries arising as a result of a defective product, vehicular or boating collision, fall, bite, or health care error as examples, to real estate issues over property lines, title defects, easements, transferable development options, to divorce...

Attorney Joshua T. Ortega has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of others in the face of complicated legal situations. Mr. Ortega has experience in a wide range of criminal and civil matters - including criminal and civil defense, family law, and personal injury cases. Mr. Ortega's most valuable asset, which sets him apart as an attorney, is his dedication to the needs of his clients. As a zealous advocate, Mr. Ortega gives his clients a powerful voice in and out of the courtroom.

The National Law Center, George Washington University J.D., with Honors
University of Maryland, BA Major in Government & Politics, Minor in Psychology
Civic, Professional, Foundation and Corporate Affiliations:

Delegate to Democratic National Convention
Campaign Manager for Rep. Michael D. Barnes
Rockville Chamber of Commerce – Past President
National Capital Chapter of MS Society - Board of Trustees, and Past Chair
Shady Grove Hospital Fund Campaign - Major Gift Chair
Montgomery County Bar Association –Chair Judicial Selections; Member of Ethics, Fee Arbitration and Legislation Committees
Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce - Vice President
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce - Liquor Control Evaluation
Rockville Alternative Community Service Commission
Montgomery County Volunteer MS Committee -...

Mark W. Oakley is an established litigation attorney concentrating on civil litigation, personal injury, construction law, and criminal and traffic defense. He also advises business clients, negotiates and drafts contracts, and handles a variety of litigation matters at all levels of the state and federal court systems. Mr. Oakley is trained and certified in the collaborative practice of law. Mr. Oakley is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law (J.D. 1987), and the University of Maryland, College Park (B.A. 1984). He is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association, the District of...

I am a dedicated attorney with a focus on family law, guardianship and elder law litigation. Known for my fierce advocacy, I am committed to ensuring that my clients achieve the most favorable outcomes in their legal matters. I approach sensitive family dynamics with understanding and patience, offering the support my clients need during challenging times. As a native of Baltimore, I deeply value family life and actively participate in community initiatives, reflecting my dedication to making a positive impact beyond the courtroom.

Charlotte K. Weinstein is a family law attorney working in private practice throughout the State of Maryland. Ms. Weinstein has 15 years’ experience representing clients in all aspects of family law, including, divorce, child custody, child support, same sex issue, and domestic violence. Ms. Weinstein will make every attempt to resolve the issues through an agreement but if litigation is necessary Ms. Weinstein is a skilled litigator and she will vehemently advocate for her client.

Ms. Weinstein is a member of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association, the American Bar Association the Maryland State Bar Association,...

Emily leads our firm’s litigation team, focusing on all aspects of divorce, custody and child support matters. Emily’s favorite place to be, when she’s working, is in the courtroom. She is a seasoned litigator who will tell you that there are few things in life better than a well-executed cross-examination. When she’s not in court, Emily is one of the nicest lawyers you will ever meet. Within the firm she is known for her ability to approach every case with a calm focus that puts her clients at ease. She has earned the well-deserved reputation among her colleagues for...

Bethesda family law attorney Brandon Bernstein provides cost-effective guidance for clients dealing with divorce, custody, property division, and related matters.

Paul J. Reinstein is a partner at the firm of Reinstein, Glackin, Patterson & Herriott, LLC. Mr. Reinstein is widely recognized by his clients and peers as one of the premier domestic law attorneys in the Washington Metropolitan area. Mr. Reinstein has been named by publications including Washingtonian Magazine, Washington D.C. Super Lawyers, and the Washington Post, as one of the top family law practitioners in the Washington Metropolitan Area. In February, 2009, Mr. Reinstein was named one of the 88 top divorce lawyers in the entire Washington Metropolitan area. Most recently, Mr. Reinstein was named a one of...

Michael F. Callahan practices family law, estate planning and elder law in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Mr. Callahan is the partner in charge of the firm’s estate planning and elder law practice.
He received his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University in 1987, and is a member of the Georgetown Chapter of Order of the Coif. He has practiced law for over thirty years.
He has been named among the top lawyers by Washingtonian Magazine and Maryland Super Lawyers
He lives with his wife, their children from time to time, and their cat in Arlington, Virginia.

Randall S. Herriott is a founding member and partner at the firm of Reinstein, Glackin, Patterson & Herriott, LLC. Randy concentrates his practice in the area of Family Law. Mr. Herriott is well known for successfully representing clients in matters involving the issues of divorce, custody and visitation, child support, alimony, property distribution and domestic violence. In 2008, Mr. Herriott successfully litigated numerous cases involving parties who were seeking the legal and physical custody of their children. In his practice, Mr. Herriott has also successfully litigated several third-party custody actions, where non-parent relatives were granted custody of their minor child relatives. Mr....

My philosophy is a guiding principle in my law practice and I apply it in every facet of serving my clients. My practice is an extension of that philosophy as I help clients problem solve when they are in the throes of a crisis. My philosophy also guides me when I am helping clients to avoid a future crisis through strategic planning and when I help them set priorities to mitigate the impact of a future problem.

Attorney Robin Rucker Gaillard is adept at the law and her ability to listen closely and to provide strong counsel along with a solid...

The law firm of Pare & Assoc., LLC (formerly Law Offices of Alice Pare) is a 10+ attorney law firm with locations in Germantown and Silver Spring. We practice several disciplines, including all aspects of family law, Trusts and Estates, Probate, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy, and consumer protection. We strive for excellence and to counsel our clients to react to their circumstnaces with reason. We do our best to keep our fees low and affordable, and encourage our clients to work toward settlement. When settlement is not possible, then we aggressively pursue our clients goals through litigation. We strive to partner...

Glenn Cooper is the Chair of the firm’s Litigation practice and senior partner in our Family Law practice. He frequently appears before federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate levels, and before arbitration panels and professional disciplinary boards. No matter whether he is litigating a matter of a business or domestic nature, Glenn aggressively defends his clients’ positions and pursues their desired outcomes. The majority of Glenn Cooper's practice is devoted to complex business, financial, commercial and domestic litigation involving significant business issues.
A number of Glenn's cases have helped shape the current state of the law in...

At Havens & Associates, LLC, our clients come first. Every client is treated with personalized attention and is guaranteed effective representation. Our expertise and integrity have earned us a reputation as one of the premier legal firms in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Havens & Associates, LLC is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for every client. Havens & Associates, LLC represent clients in all state and federal courts located in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Mr. Cleckner practices exclusively in the areas of criminal defense, traffic defense, and peace and protective order defense. He has never done anything else. Therefore, he focuses all of his extensive court experience on your case to get the best possible outcome. His wife Melanie handles all of the firm's domestic, family and divorce matters.

Heavyweight Experience in YOUR corner. Michelle has 25 years experience in the courtroom. As a twice elected State's Attorney, 8 years as the Division Chief for the Maryland Attorney General's Office specializing in criminal and environmental matters, and 12 years as a successful criminal defense attorney, Michelle is the one to have in your corner. Michelle practices all over the Eastern Shore of Maryland, as well as Anne Arundel, Prince George's, Baltimore City, and Baltimore Counties, as well as surrounding locations. Offices are based in Cambridge, MD but she can arrange meeting and trial prep rooms...

Kelley was born and raised in Baltimore County.

She received her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Kelley returned to Baltimore and earned her law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Kelley was a Rule 16 student attorney in the Family Law Clinic, where she assisted clients in protective order and divorce matters. Prior to opening her own practice, Kelley was an associate at the Law Office of Garland C. Hall in Glen Burnie. For the last 3 years, Kelley was named among the 10 best attorneys in client satisfaction by the American...

Are you thinking about filing for divorce? Are you unsure where to turn when it comes to dealing with child custody issues or a postnuptial agreement? If so, then you can’t afford to wait for the quality care that is so completely available at the Law Office of Garland C. Hall, LLC. Here, you will be treated with the careful understanding and help that is necessary. If you need a Glen Burnie divorce lawyer, then you don’t have to search any longer. The Law Office of Garland C. Hall, LLC consists of a team of legal professionals who will make...

Dawn Merino has been providing legal services and mediation to the people of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and the surrounding areas for over twenty years. Specializing in family law, Dawn’s clients remain grateful for her assistance during the most difficult phase of their lives. We offer legal services and mediation for matters including divorce, separation, child custody, and domestic violence.

Owner/Founder (MD) (DC) Managan Johnson is a highly experienced, meticulous, litigator, specializing in civil appeals and family law. Ms. Johnson has consistently received high praise from her clients and the bench due to her caring and superb representation. A mother of two, she is trustworthy, empathetic, and dedicated to representing clients, whether through collaborative process or litigation. “Managan made my divorce as painless as possible. A true professional who went above and beyond to help me with my case. Fast response times and solid advice. Easy to get in touch with and an abundance of knowledge and experience. I highly recommend...

Manuel "Manny" has represented his clients in civil litigation, debt settlements, family law matters, and business matters. Manny now primarily focuses on DUI Defense and personal injury. Manny provides highly competent DUI defense, both in court and at the MVA, to first time or subsequent offenders. Manny also practices personal injury law and other civil litigation. These cases are highly rewarding when Manny is able to secure fair compensation for his clients through protracted settlement talks, skillful pre-lawsuit tactics, and litigation.

Manny is highly accomplished in other civil matters including contested family law matters, real estate litigation, and other...