Foster 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...

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.

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,...

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...

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...

Michael graduated from the University of South Carolina Pettigrew School of Law in 1969 with a Juris Doctor. He was a finalist in the Prince Competition, where he demonstrated exceptional ability in appellate advocacy. He was a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Conflicts. While in law school, he was selected by the NAACP to travel to Memphis, Tennessee. There, he helped investigate police brutality in connection with the Memphis riots that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. He was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Among lawyer associations, Michael was admitted to both...

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...

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...

I have been practicing law for over forty years. I have been listed in Who's Who in American Law and in Who's Who in America. I was on the boards of the the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board and its property company for over a combined twenty-five years. I participated in a Peninsula Legal Aid program to help deserving people with legal assistance they were unable to afford. I have had the privilege of helping a lot of people. I am only licensed in Virginia, so I will only be able to help with Virginia...

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...

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...

Adriana was born and raised in New York, and attended both college and law school in Washington, D.C. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs, Philosophy, and Political Science from The George Washington University in 2009, and her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in 2013.

Throughout law school, Adriana worked for various nonprofit organizations in Virginia and Washington, D.C., focusing on immigration issues related to domestic violence victims, victims of crime, children, and family matters.

Upon graduation, Adriana moved to Virginia where she earned her license to...

Ben Carafiol dedicates his practice to making a difference in someone's life. He has represented clients throughout Northern Virginia for the past twelve years. Former clients and other attorneys alike remark on his steady counsel and expansive knowledge. Ben has litigated, mediated, or settled every type of family law matter in Virginia. Those efforts have earned him a Superb rating from Avvo and a perfect 10.0 from Justia. He is also recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and has been every year since 2016.

Born in St. Louis, Ben attended The College of William & Mary, where he graduated...

I joined Barnes & Diehl, PC in 2004 where I have focused on family law matters. I have worked as a forensic and clinical psychologist for the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina, and Central State Hospital’s Maximum Security Forensic Unit. I use my psychology training daily for the benefit of my clients. Understanding what influences and motivates people is important in both negotiating and litigating to get the best outcome for my clients. I handle a variety of cases including child custody, child and spousal support, complex equitable...

Mike Mullin has an extensive legal background as a former prosecutor and seasoned trial lawyer. Mike Mullin graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2004 and Catholic University School of Law in 2007. Since then, he has worked for almost 15 years as a criminal prosecutor and trial lawyer in all levels of Virginia Courts. The majority of Mike's practice is traffic, criminal, and family law matters. Mike specializes in DUI defense and speeding cases. Being a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and serving on the House Courts of Justice Committee gives Mike a unique perspective he can share...

Jack Randall became acquainted with the need for good advocacy while working for the Virginia Beach Police Department. As a police officer, Jack would have to put on cases for the Commonwealth and recognized that he had an ability to present cases in such a way that judges and other attorneys recommended he attend law school. Having graduated from Christopher Newport University, Jack attended Regent University School of Law during their evening program, while working full-time for the Virginia Beach Police Department. Upon graduation, Jack joined the Southampton Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. As a member of Randall Page, Jack brings a...

Stephen has been licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2010. In 2011, after completing his law degree and passing the bar, Stephen founded Quest Law PLLC, a solo practice, in Richmond, Virginia. Since then, he has been practicing as a litigator in Chesterfield, Henrico, and Richmond City courts. He represents clients who have been charged with a variety of criminal offenses and also handles family legal matters that require litigation. Contact Quest Law PLLC in Midlothian to schedule a meeting with Stephen.

In addition to representing clients in education, family law and guardianship and conservatorship matters, Joan is certified as a Guardian ad litem to represent incapacitated adults in guardianship, conservatorship, and family law matters. She is also certified as a Guardian ad litem for children.

Are you looking for an attorney that will understand not only the legal aspects of divorce, but the emotional and financial implications of divorce? At the law firm of Susan E. Donner, I work hard to be approachable. Divorce work can be contentious, but I emphasize the compassionate side of divorce representation. I care about the emotional impact of divorce and work with my clients to bring about the result that is in the best interests of their family and their relationship with their children.Divorce is emotionally draining, especially when children are involved.The decisions you...

Erÿk Mahaffey is an attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Mr. Mahaffey handles every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Mr. Mahaffey works in the firm’s Fredericksburg-Stafford office, and represents clients in Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and surrounding areas. Mr. Mahaffey earned his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2008, after graduating cum laude from Salem State University in 2001. An attorney since 2008, Mr. Mahaffey worked at a law firm in Winchester, Virginia from 2008—2010. He then operated his own solo bankruptcy law...

Ellie Pittman is an attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Her practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases. Ms. Pittman works in the firm’s Fredericksburg-Stafford office, and represents clients in Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and surrounding areas. Ms. Pittman graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2021, after graduating cum laude from the University of Delaware in 2018.

Accomplished and result-focused with 24 years of experience in Family Law, Bankruptcy and Administrative Law specializing in Security Clearance Defense and Medical License Defense.

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...

Traffic Attorney. I have practiced law in the area for over 32 years. If you retain me, in many cases you will never have to appear in court for your traffic violations. I am a former special prosecutor. Contact me today at 804-541-4145 or email to bradpbutterworth@gmail.com.

Practicing law since 1996, Chris Macturk opened Evolution Divorce in 2017 to help people carefully navigate the divorce process. Our goal is to help you safely maneuver the chaos divorce brings so you can step into your next evolution of life with hope and courage. Chris Macturk is an accomplished Richmond divorce and family lawyer. After hearing complaints about the uncertainties and anxieties presented by hourly billing, Chris wanted to offer a closer, transparent, and unfettered working relationship with his clients. He created Evolution Divorce & Family Law with Pre-Agreed Pricing. Chris has helped hundreds of clients through divorces, separations, and child...