Dahlgren Family Lawyers

Van Smith focuses his practice on family law and estate planning, including divorce, custody and support matters. He is the sole owner of SMITH | STRONG, PLC, with offices in Richmond and Williamsburg, Virginia. Van’s family law practice resolves complex divorce, related tax and business issues, custody and support plans, property distribution, integrated solutions for wealth preservation and management post-separation, civil litigation, defense of juvenile and domestic relations court criminal matters, and estate planning. He also practices elder law, assisting families with planning effectively for nursing home costs. We recognize many of our family law clients are in...

Erica Giovanni Baez focuses her practice on family law. Erica understands the exceptionally difficult emotional, spiritual, and financial challenges often presented by divorce and other domestic relations matters. Her vast litigation experience, and especially her personal experience as a mother, guides her as she works diligently and vigorously to help her clients craft solutions and continue to prioritize their children’s best interests amidst such difficulties.

Erica is a certified Guardian Ad Litem for children and is licensed to practice law in both Virginia and Florida. She is frequently lectures at legal education seminars. She currently serves on the Board of Directors...

I graduated from Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, D.C. in 2001. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology at Arizona State University in 1991. I was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 2001. Since then, I have been practicing law in Virginia with an emphasis on family law matters, including divorce, custody & visitation, child and spousal support, and domestic violence.

STEPHEN V. SOMMERS (licensed in Virginia 1999, Texas (1997), Maryland (1996)), was born at Camp Pendleton, CA, October 4, 1956 and educated at Troy State University (B.S., Summa Cum Laude, 1981), Golden Gate University (M.A., 1986) and American University (Juris Doctor, 1995). Mr. Sommers retired from the United States Air Force at the rank of Major after 22 years flying fighter aircraft. Mr. Sommers has been admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Fourth Circuit and the Tenth Circuit and all Virginia Courts. He is a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, the...

Kabara Korth Praskavich is a partner at Maddox & Gerock, P.C., where her practice is devoted entirely to domestic relations. She supports clients through emotionally challenging transitions with clarity and care, ensuring they remain informed and confident at every stage of the legal process. Her work covers the full spectrum of family law, including custody, support, property division, and post-decree enforcement. Kabara offers valuable insight in cases involving complex financial matters such as business valuations, executive compensation, and dissipation of assets. She is a frequent speaker on these subjects at national legal conferences and continuing education programs. Her approach is highly individualized,...

Katharine Maddox brings over 20 years of experience to her family law practice, addressing every facet of domestic relations matters. She is skilled in both negotiation and litigation and frequently employs alternative dispute resolution when appropriate. A Virginia Supreme Court certified mediator, Katharine also regularly handles collaborative law cases. She approaches each case with a commitment to partnership, treating her clients as teammates in the pursuit of thoughtful, respectful outcomes. Whether the matter involves complex financial holdings, custody of children, or the determination of support obligations, Katharine strives for resolutions that allow families to move forward with dignity. Katharine is a Fellow...

Tashina Gorgone is a partner at Maddox & Gerock, P.C. in Falls Church, Virginia, where she focuses on family law and appellate litigation. She handles a wide range of family law matters, including custody, child support, and property division. Tashina has significant experience with complex custody disputes involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and sexual abuse. She has litigated relocation cases and represented both mothers and fathers in seeking primary or shared custody. Tashina is committed to helping families find solutions that meet their immediate needs and support long-term peace of mind. She is skilled at identifying opportunities for resolution through mediation...

Attorney Lyanchesi Nanette Santiago Esq. an experienced attorney in the areas of Family, Criminal and Traffic Law. She has experience in the area of divorce law (contested and uncontested), child custody, child support, adoption, spousal support, property division and settlement and post judgment modifications and name changes and many other family law cases. Attorney Lyanchesi Nanette Santiago Esq, is a member of the Virginia State Bar and has provided excellent legal defense to her clients in Virginia Courts. She is aggressive but companionate, to handle your legal needs. You can contact him directly at 703-786-8340 American Lawyers Group, PLLC located in the...

Attorney Guillermo Enrique Cintron Esq. an experienced attorney in the areas of Family, Criminal and Traffic Law. He has experience in the area of divorce law (contested and uncontested), child custody, child support, adoption, spousal support, property division and settlement and post judgment modifications and name changes and many other family law cases. Attorney Guillermo Enrique Cintron Esq, is a member of the Virginia State Bar and has provided excellent legal defense to his clients in Virginia Courts. He is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia law school. He is aggressive but companionate, to handle your...

Kellam Parks is a managing partner at Parks Zeigler, PLLC – Attorneys at Law, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Kellam focuses his practice on family law, cybersecurity and data privacy, credit report disputes, and civil litigation. He is active with the Virginia State Bar, most recently chairing the Special Committee on Technology and the Future Practice of Law. He is also active with both the Virginia Beach Bar Association, where he serves on the Circuit Court Liaison Committee and the Norfolk/Portsmouth Bar Association, where he serves on the Executive Committee. Kellam also participates in the mentorship programs for both associations,...

I have practiced Family Law since graduating law school in 2005. I regularly provide counseling to clients on matters of divorce, equitable distribution, child custody and visitation, spousal and child support and adoptions. As an adoptive parent myself, I understand the blessing of building a family through the grace of adoption and I enjoy assisting families on this journey. I have had the great honor to meet my children's birth families and as a result I feel that I connect to both the adoptive parents as well as the birth parents, all of whom are making a...

James E. Short is a skilled lawyer who has over 30 years of experience. His practice is focused on a wide range of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases as well as DUI defense, family law and personal injury. As a former prosecutor, James E. Short, provides a unique perspective to assess your legal needs. He is committed to providing the highest level of service at an affordable price and fighting for the rights of his client. His successful track record has earned him the recognition of his colleagues and clients alike. Please call the office at 757-410-5042 to...

Brandon Zeigler is one of the top-rated Family Law and Small Business attorneys in Virginia Beach, VA. Brandon is focused on providing exceptional, quality legal representation to individuals, families and businesses. The backbone of the American economy is small business. As a principal at Parks Zeigler, PLLC, he is extremely passionate about this area of law. As the owner of three small businesses, he knows first-hand the issues that need to be addressed in forming and running a company. He enjoys working with small business owners to ensure they have the correct documents, contracts, leases,...

I work as a principal attorney at Poole Brooke Plumlee PC. I have a passion for helping people navigate the most challenging family situations they have ever faced in their lifetimes, whether that includes a divorce, a child custody dispute, or other family law matter. Each case is unique and deserves a specialized plan. When I meet with clients, I help them set reasonable goals and formulate a strategy and roadmap that we can follow together to maximize the chance of achieving those goals. I take pride in being accessible to my clients and keeping them informed about...

The son of a government official, Andy grew up in various parts of the country, including Ohio, Colorado, and Texas. He attended the College of William and Mary and graduated in 1988 with a B.A. with honors in Government. Andy then went to the University of Richmond Law School, obtaining his J.D. in 1991. While in law school, he won the moot court competition, the trial competition (twice), and the writing competition. After passing the Virginia bar exam in 1991, Andy worked in one of the largest law firms in the country in its Norfolk office, primarily defending large...

Dan Miller was raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. He graduated from Norfolk Collegiate School in 1985, and graduated from Oxford College in 1987 with an Associate of Arts degree. Dan went on to graduate from Emory University in Atlanta in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Philosophy and Sociology. From 1989 to 1995 Dan played drums in a band based in Atlanta Georgia where he toured the College Circuit throughout the Southeastern United States. Dan graduated a semester early and was admitted to practice law in Virginia in November 1998. In 1998, Dan was hired by Michael...

Stephen has firsthand experience with the effects of divorce on children and families, and he possesses the experience to minimize the adverse consequences on all family members through collaborative approaches. As a member of the Virginia State Bar, Stephen is authorized to practice law in all courts within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Additionally, he is admitted to practice before the United States District Court and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia. Stephen is an esteemed member of the Roanoke Bar Association and the Family Law Section of the Virginia Bar Association. Actively engaged in community service, Stephen participates...

While Shelly has had great success with her own law firm, the opportunity to become the Manager Partner of a Chesapeake office for Parks Zeigler was enticing. The merging of the two firms allows Shelly to offer a wide variety of services to her clients while maintaining her Chesapeake roots. She is looking forward to many more years of successful practice with Parks Zeigler.

Shelly attended Regent University School of Law and graduated in 2001. In law school, she competed on the mock trial team and served as an officer for the American Bar Association. In her third year, Shelly...