Chester Family Lawyers

After finishing law school, I started a company focused on teaching new fathers (by birth or adoption) skills and abilities they may not have had a chance to learn. Eventually I closed that business in order to work in the area of foreclosure prevention law due to the increasingly common foreclosure (which in Virginia can happen very quickly). I have chosen to continue to help people in need at my own law firm so I can give my clients the attention they deserve.

After a decade of serving the community through a career in law enforcement, I transitioned into the legal field with the hopes of helping the struggling families and individuals I saw in the courtroom. My sole focus is family law which includes custody, child support, divorce, protective orders, and more. I am certified as a guardian ad litem for juveniles and dedicated to making fair assessments for the benefit of the children I represent. I provide unique value to my clients in that I have seen many sides of the law and know when to defend, fight, and settle.

Christopher Mays received his BS from Virginia Tech and JD from the George Washington University Law School. Chris has received various awards for his work as a family law attorney, including recognition as a “Top Lawyer” by Northern Virginia Magazine. He has lectured at Continuing Legal Education seminars for the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and local bar associations in Northern Virginia. He has also written for the Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and co-authored written materials for Virginia CLE (Continuing Legal Education). As an attorney, Chris focuses his practice on representing individuals and families in matters relating...

John Irving brings a working knowledge of all aspects of the legal process to any case or client with his extensive and eclectic legal background. In 1997, John received his undergraduate bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Shortly after graduation he began work as a fraud investigator for the City of New York. John handled thousands of cases involving welfare and housing fraud. Following this position, he was recruited to and employed the Prince William County Police Department where he exhibited his superior abilities and received several commendations and awards. After a brief time with the police department, John decided to make...

Sharon Moss is an associate at Farrell & Croft, P.C. practicing family law and estate planning. She is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. In her estate planning practice, Ms. Moss drafts wills, trusts, advance medical directives, living wills, and powers of attorney.

A native Virginian, Ms. Moss is a military spouse, and has lived in many states over the last 16 years. She graduated cum laude in the top 20% of her class from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of...

As a criminal defense attorney, John has fought aggressively for his clients’ rights in cases involving serious felonies, including murder, malicious wounding, drug possession/distribution, white-collar crimes, and sex crimes (e.g. rape, child pornography) as well as all types of misdemeanors, including DUI, assault and battery, and simple driving infractions, such as reckless driving. As a civil litigation lawyer, John has experience in both jury trials and bench trials, and has represented clients in cases worth millions of dollars. Early on in his career, he litigated patent infringement cases all over the country. Over the years, he has continued to excel in...

Adrienne Sakyi is an Associate Attorney with the law firm of Schempf & Ware, PLLC in Yorktown, Virginia. Her practice focuses on civil litigation, business disputes, and estate litigation. Schempf & Ware, PLLC represents both individuals and businesses in many forms of litigation ranging from business needs to personal injury to criminal matters, and we would be happy to assist you with any needs you may have.

Deborah N. Arthur has built a long-standing reputation in the Fairfax County, Virginia community for being an attorney with a drive for success. Earning her B.S. in Business Administration from George Mason University in 1977, she continued her education, earning her J.D. from George Mason University in 1982, after spending two years at the Department of Justice. Since then, she has assisted those in need of legal representation in matters concerning divorce, bankruptcy, personal injury, family law, and estate matters. So, what separates Mrs. Arthur from the crowd? She understands that bad things sometimes happen to good people. That's why she...

I, Von L. Piersall, III, founded my law practice in 2001, which has since grown into a well-recognized firm handling personal injury, criminal law, and family law cases. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from East Carolina University, a Master of Science in Counseling from Longwood College, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond. Before practicing law, I dedicated my efforts to assisting young individuals involved with the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice and worked at the Pines Treatment Center as well as a group home in Norfolk. Throughout my career, I have successfully had matters heard across...

Going through a divorce or custody situation is one of the most stressful times in a person's life. I know first hand. I've been there, and I understand what you are going through.

It was awful for me, but having a competent, caring, empathetic, and responsive attorney on your side helps more than you can imagine. I'd love to help you in your difficult times to move forward to a happy "new normal."

Ms. Oram-Smith started practicing law in West Virginia in 1986. She practiced for two years there, and then moved back to Virginia in 1988 and has been practicing family law in Virginia ever since. She served the community as a staff attorney with the Virginia Beach office of the Tidewater Legal Aid Society for four years.

Ms. Oram-Smith is a veteran divorce Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia for over 30 years and currently represents clients in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia in her family law practice located near the Town Center of Virginia Beach.

Ms. Oram-Smith is committed to...

Samantha Lewis focuses her practice on all areas of family law and civil litigation, guiding her clients through the process with skill and empathy. She joined Manassas Law Group in August 2022 after her time as a law clerk for the Honorable Carroll A. Weimer, Jr. of the Prince William County Circuit Court. Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, Samantha moved to Virginia to attend George Mason University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Government and International Politics, she attended George Mason Antonin Scalia Law School, graduating...

Prior to joining The Reed Law Firm, Mr. Reed graduated near the top of his class at the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. During his time at Dickinson, Mr. Reed was privileged to serve on the Board of the Dickinson Law Review in the position of Notes Editor. His work experience includes clerkships with the United States Department of Justice, Civil Division and The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Mr. Reed also served as an associate at a large nationally recognized law firm for approximately six years. Mr. Reed is a member of the Virginia Bar and the Prince...

Ms. DeFede practices primarily in the areas of education law, family law, juvenile law and criminal defense. She has represented clients in all state courts in Northern Virginia, the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Supreme Court of Virginia and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Ms. DeFede has extensive litigation experience in the areas of criminal law, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Likewise, she has litigated nearly every facet of family law, such as protective orders, support, custody disputes and complex equitable distribution. Ms. DeFede has also represented clients...

Timolyn Whitney Tillman is licensed to practice law in Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas. Attorney Tillman received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Howard University in 1988 and her Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1992. She has been in private practice for over twenty-five years and has also served as an Assistant Public Defender for the City of Virginia Beach. Attorney Tillman is a Member of the American Bar Association and the...

Mr. McLeod grew up in North Texas before his undergraduate studies took him across the globe. Mr. McLeod graduated from Adelaide University (South Australia), receiving a B.A. degree in History. Returning to Texas, he then attended Texas Christian University and went on to comlpete an M.A. in History. Mr. McLeod then undertook his legal education at the University of the District of Columbia School of Law with the help of academic scholarships and grants and went on to graduate cum laude. During law school Mr. McLeod attained the prestigious position of Managing Editor of the University...

Retired U.S. Marine Corps judge advocate practicing family law, criminal law, military law and general litigation.

Whether your spouse served you with a divorce, or you need to serve your spouse with one, it pays to take immediate action. Sometimes it's difficult to make a decision, and things feel uncertain, and that's ok.For many clients, custody of children is the primary concern above all else. We understand prioritizing custody, and can work with you to achieve the result you desire. But it is critical not to wait. As soon as you realize a custody issue is brewing, you must take immediate action to protect your children. A proactive family law attorney will drive your case forward,...

When bad things happen to good people, they call The Tyson Legal Team headed up by Attorney Marqueta Tyson. Marqueta helps people resolve some of life's most difficult challenges: criminal charges, traffic/DUI infractions, employment, business, divorce and personal injury matters. She also protects the rights of athletes and entertainers through contract drafting and deal negotiations. In June of 2003, she founded The Tyson Legal Team, PLC and Pulse Sports and Entertainment Management LLC. The Pulse side of the house focuses on all aspects of an athlete's or entertainer's career both on and off the field or stage. Pulse...

Attorney Leslie Lee Robinson has more than twenty five years of experience as an attorney and litigator specializing in numerous areas of law: bankruptcy, including chapters 7, 11 and 13; family law, including divorce, child custody, marital agreements (both premarital and separation), adoption and child advocacy; corporate law, including incorporation of businesses and serving as registered agent; landlord-tenant; drafting and negotiating contracts; wills and trusts, powers of attorney, both general and specific and medical powers of attorney; and in criminal defense at the federal, state and juvenile levels. She began her law practice in and around the Charlottesville area, moving...

I am a zealous advocate for all of my clients, regardless of the complexity of their cases. I have enjoyed a successful practice and have experience in a variety of family law and appellate matters. I strive to be the most prepared attorney in the room at every hearing and conference. I also understand that a client’s legal matter does not occur in a vacuum. I work closely with my clients to pursue outcomes that promote their specific interests and goals. Focusing on those outcomes helps us to streamline the representation and can help clients navigate difficult transitions. My goal...

Mr. Leahy is a former Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County. As a former prosecutor, he brings to the firm knowledge and experience from one of the local Commonwealth Attorney’s Offices.

In January 2011, Donna opened Donna Dougherty Law within a few blocks of the Prince William County Courthouse. Her firm focuses on Family Law issues and she represents children in custody and abuse and neglect situations. She and her staff work as a team to advocate for their clientâs interests and in moving on to the next stage of their lives. In 2005, Donna began practicing law in Virginia focusing on civil litigation to include family and real estate litigation. Donna has fine-tuned her practice and focuses on family issues where marriages and/or relationships are dissolving and legal assistance...

B.A. University of Richmond 1975 J.D. University of Richmond - T.C. Williams School of Law 1980

Brian A. Thomasson, Esq., is a licensed Virginia attorney who has been practicing in Hampton Roads since 1998. He graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1997 and was licensed to practice law in Ohio that same year. After having returned to Virginia, Brian was licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 1999, Brian was admitted to the District of Columbia bar by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Brian’s practice areas include domestic relations law, personal injury, wills and estates, trust matters, criminal and traffic defense, representation of...

Anneshia Miller Grant has over 13 years practicing family law in Virginia. She is experienced in handling every type of family law matter, including custody, support, separation, protective orders, military and high asset divorce cases. Attorney Miller Grant is a highly experienced military divorce lawyer. In her years handling divorce cases in the Hampton Roads area, she became 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. Not only are Attorney Miller Grants parents, brother and brother-in-law former or active duty service members,...

We are a small law firm that handles all matters related to Criminal Law, including, felony and misdemeanor representation, DUI and other traffic related matters, assault and battery charges, domestic violence matters, drug crimes and property and theft crimes; child custody matters, child support matters and representation for claims brought by the Division of Child Support Enforcement; and Trust and Estates law, including, drafting wills, codicils, trusts and power of attorney documents. Our firm's smaller size enables us to focus on finding the most affordable way to fulfill the needs of each client. Our firm takes a personal interest in...

Jim Gochenour grew up in the Fredericksburg area and Westmoreland County, Virginia. He graduated from the preparatory school Woodberry Forrest, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of William and Mary in 1984 and his law degree from the University of Richmond’s T.C. Williams School of Law in 1987. He began practicing law in a small general practice as an associate, then as partner in a firm and then as a solo practitioner. In 1992, Jim was introduced to criminal law from the perspective of the prosecutor when the judges of the 15th Judical Court appointed him...