West River 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...

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...

Dana McKee is a partner at Brown Goldstein & Levy and the chair of the firm’s family law practice, which she established in 2002. She handles all aspects of family law, including divorces, separation agreements, paternity, custody and visitation, child support, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and appeals. As a family law attorney, Dana has extensive experience in representing clients with high net worth and those with complex custody and financial issues. She is a tough but fair negotiator who has successfully handled numerous mediations, trials, and appeals.

Dana also is trained and experienced in Collaborative Law (an alternative dispute resolution process)....

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...

Thomas E. Pyles, Esquire, is an accomplished personal injury and criminal defense trial attorney with over 26 years of legal experience. He has a tremendous background in personal injury and criminal defense cases, having tried over 200 jury trials and over 1,000 bench trials. Mr. Pyles has handled complex civil and criminal litigation with outstanding client satisfaction and great professionalism. His reputation, both inside the courtroom and out, have allowed him to be one of the top litigators in this state.

Ms. McCann earned her B.A. degree in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 1979. She graduated the University of Baltimore School of Law Magna Cum Laude in December of 1996 and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in June of 1997. She was a member of the University of Baltimore Law Review and the Heuisler Honor Society. After earning her law degree, Ms. McCann became associated with the Baltimore firm of Ober, Kaler, Grimes and Shriver. From there, she entered solo practice in Annapolis, Maryland. In 2001, she joined the...

Choosing a family lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Nothing matters more than family matters. Your Family Lawyer must have character, emotional range and most important of all, the right temperament. You are looking for an attorney who has the litigation, mediation and accounting skills to win, but you also need an ally you can trust. When you have both, you can feel confident at every turn and every step of the way.

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,...

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 &...

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...

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.

As an adoptive mother of 5, Sheri A. Mullikin represents expectant mothers and fathers, adoptive parents, and children in private or independent, agency, and international adoptions throughout central Maryland, including newborn, stepparent and other relative/kinship adoptions. Ms. Mullikin also helps individuals and families protect their loved ones through estate planning and administration legal services, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives.

As a native of Baltimore, Maryland, Attorney Cohen has been practicing here for over 20 years. She established the Law Offices of Kerri Cohen after working for 11 years for the State of Maryland in Baltimore City at the Office of the Public Defender as an experienced criminal defense trial attorney. She represented clients charged with serious felonies such as homicide, rape, robbery and drug charges among other crimes. Attorney Cohen has tried hundreds of cases before Judges and Juries in the Circuit Court, District Court and Juvenile Courts. Attorney Cohen graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of...

Nicole M. Whitaker, owner of Whitaker Legal, LLC, is also an adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law where she teaches Legal Analysis, Research and Writing. After living in Madrid, Spain, Ms. Whitaker speaks Spanish fluently. In her free time, she teaches English as a Second Language for the Community College of Baltimore County.

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...

Welcome to Joehl Law where you will find Strong, Compassionate Representation for Your Family Law Needs.

Virginia B. Joehl graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She completed psychological clinical work in family counseling and behavior modification. Afterwards, she pursued her law degree at the University of Baltimore.
Virginia is a member of the Montgomery County Bar Association, Maryland State Bar Association, American Bar Association as well as a Master of the Bench with the Montgomery County Inn of Court. She is a lifelong resident of Maryland, a dedicated Terrapin and an active volunteer...

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 -...

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.

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

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

The Law Offices of C. Valerie Ibe, has licenses to practice in the States of California, Maryland and New York and is equipped to help residents of these states to face the complexities of civil litigation whether in the state courts or in federal courts. The lead attorney, in addition to legal qualifications has also an MBA in Business Administration and a CPA

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...

2002 and 2003 - Nominated for Who's Who Among American Law Students

2012 - Recipient of the Pro Bono Award from Community Legal Services of Prince George's County, Inc.

2014 - Recipient of the President's Citation for Outstanding Pro Bono Service from the Montgomery County Maryland Bar Foundation

Attorney Dontrice P. Hamilton graduated from The George Washington University National Law Center. As a law student, she interned at the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. After graduation, she was a Judicial Law Clerk to The Honorable William B. Spellbring, Jr. at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County. Her practice focuses on family law,...

The attorneys at Minshew & Ahluwalia LLP are devoted exclusively to the practice of Family Law, including uncontested and contested divorce, separation, child support, child custody, alimony and spousal support, separation agreements, prenuptial agreements, division of property, domestic violence, child support enforcement and modification. We are strong advocates for families in Maryland and Washington, D.C., and committed to delivering the highest professional and ethical standards to the practice of family law. The law firm provides high-quality, aggressive, and innovative legal representation to defend our client's legal rights and protect their interests, both personally and financially. Client service is our principal...

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...

In practice in Maryland and Washington D.C. For 25 years. I have tried hundreds of cases and resolved many more. The most important thing a lawyer can do for you is to analyze the case and take steps to assure a positive outcome. A resolution without a trial is always preferable.