Staunton Family Lawyers

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...

Carly Jehlen Hart focuses her practice in the areas of domestic law and criminal defense. She specializes in domestic abuse/violence. Ms. Hart has been practicing law since 2010 and joined the firm of Melone Hatley after dissolving her firm in Northern Virginia and moving to the Metro Richmond area. As a lawyer, Carly appreciates being able to help her clients, and getting to know them, during what is usually a very difficult situation, and the opportunity to advocate for them not just in their litigation, but for them in their lives. Ms. Hart graduated from the University of South Florida with...

Andrew Tank is a partner at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Mr. Tank works in the firm’s offices in Fairfax and Arlington, and represents clients in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria and all across Northern Virginia. Mr. Tank is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, equitable distribution, custody, visitation and support cases. An attorney since 2007, Mr. Tank has firmly established himself as a leader in the Northern Virginia legal community. He has been an active member of the Virginia State Bar’s Young Lawyers Conference, serving as Program Chair for the Bar’s annual...

James Livesay is a founding partner at Livesay & Myers, P.C. He leads the firm’s team of family law attorneys across offices in Fairfax, Arlington, Ashburn, Manassas and Fredericksburg-Stafford, Virginia. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1995 and the University of Virginia School of Law in 1998, Mr. Livesay served three years in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. He entered civilian practice as a family law attorney in 2001, and joined with partner Kevin Myers to found Livesay & Myers, P.C. in 2003. Drawing on his experience as a Navy JAG officer, Mr. Livesay established the military divorce section of the firm...

Mariah Brackman (née Mariah Latimer) is an associate 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. Brackman works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Originally from Arizona, Ms. Brackman graduated cum laude from the University of Arizona, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Honors College, before earning her law degree from George Mason University Law School. Ms. Brackman was included in the 2024–2026 editions of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch...

Christian Campbell is an associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. His practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases. Mr. Campbell represents clients all across Northern Virginia. Mr. Campbell earned his J.D. from American University – Washington College of Law in 2021, after graduating cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015. While attending law school, Mr. Campbell worked as a legal assistant at a law firm in Washington, DC. In that position, he supported attorneys in a wide range of fields, including antitrust, securities regulation, and...

Amanda Stone Swart is a lead senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. She is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Ms. Stone Swart works in the firm’s Ashburn office, and represents clients in Leesburg, Ashburn, Loudoun County, and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Stone Swart is originally from Boone, Iowa. She graduated summa cum laude from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 2004, with Bachelor’s of Arts degrees in both Political Science and Journalism. Upon graduation, Ms. Stone Swart worked in politics in...

Ariel Baniowski is a managing partner at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. She is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Ms. Baniowski works in the firm’s Ashburn office, and represents clients in Leesburg, Ashburn, Loudoun County, and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Baniowski is known as one of the more aggressive attorneys at Livesay & Myers, P.C., and has litigated every type of family law matter in Virginia, including custody, support, separation and high asset divorce cases. Ms. Baniowski’s work ethic and drive are unmatched. To say...

Scott Parker is a senior associate attorney at Kublan Khan PLC., practicing exclusively family law. His practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases. Mr. Parker represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Originally from North Carolina, Mr. Parker graduated from North Carolina State University in 2005. He then earned his law degree from Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts in 2009, and relocated to Northern Virginia. Mr. Parker practiced law in Fairfax as a solo practitioner from 2009–2015. His practice consisted of litigation–criminal defense at...

I represent individuals with child custody, visitation, divorce, and other family law matters. My firm handles cases from uncontested divorces to highly litigated custody battles. We fight for a fair and just outcome and offer personalized service throughout your case.

A resident of Virginia Beach for over 30 years, Mr. Miyares has deep roots in our community. A graduate of Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Mr. Miyares went on to attend Old Dominion University in Norfolk. After earing a B.S. in Political Science in 2000, Mr Miyares earned his J.D. in 2003 from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. After his admission to the Virginia Bar in 2003, Mr. Miyares proudly worked in the office of the Norfolk Public Defender. During 8 years in that office, Mr. Miyares gained...

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...

Lindsay M. Barton is an associate focusing her practice and providing client guidance in Real Estate, Estate Planning, Civil Litigation, and miscellaneous legal matters.

Lindsay graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. While at Berkeley, Lindsay was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority and had the fortunate experience of working and studying in Spain where she gained command of the Spanish language and exposure to its cultural, political, and legal systems.

Lindsay received her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. During her tenure at Loyola, Lindsay was distinguished as a top oralist and...

Alexandra “Alli” Kennedy is a dynamic and passionate attorney at Randall & Bruch, P.C., where she focuses on Domestic Relations law. Born in Virginia Beach and raised in Southampton County, Alli brings a deep-rooted connection to Virginia and a strong commitment to serving her community with dedication and empathy. Alli graduated from Southampton High School in Courtland, Virginia, in 2018. She then pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2020. Her academic prowess and dedication were further demonstrated during her time at the Appalachian School of Law, where she obtained her Juris...

Samantha Bohannon focuses her practice in the areas of Criminal Law, DUI, Traffic Violations, and Family Law. Before opening her own firm, Mrs. Bohannon served as a Magistrate for Region Six, which includes Richmond, Henrico, New Kent, Williamsburg, York/Poquoson, James City, Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, King and Queen, King William, West Point and Charles City. Mrs. Bohannon's prestigious position has given her a unique understanding on probable cause and common errors law enforcement officers typically make. Often times law enforcement has more than enough evidence to convict you, but that doesn't mean you're guilty. Not only is it the...

Wren M. Williams is the President of Schneider & Williams, P.C. He graduated from Patrick County High School and went on to attend Hampden-Sydney College as a Patrick Henry Scholar. There, Williams was active in student government, president of his fraternity, and received the Cohen Citizenship Award from the Lambda Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa. Williams graduated cum laude from Hampden-Sydney College, earning a BA in English with minors in both Rhetoric and Creative Writing. Following graduation, Williams attended Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law for its outstanding trial advocacy program. During his time at Cumberland, Williams served...

High-quality representation and client satisfaction with over 31 years of experience.

Better Business Bureau member with an A+ rating.

Michelle Mordue Helms is a distinguished DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Family Law attorney who routinely handles cases throughout Hampton Roads and the surrounding areas.

Her dedication to her clients, extensive knowledge of the law and her understanding of the applications of the law are what sets her apart from other lawyers.

Michelle Mordue Helms began as a Paralegal 31 years ago and is a graduate of Syracuse Law School. She was admitted to practice law in New York...

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.

Carl Chandler is an attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. His practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation, and support cases. Mr. Chandler works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Mr. Chandler graduated from George Mason University School of Law in 2022. While attending law school, he served as a Student Legal Advisor in the Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic, providing legal services to military servicemembers, veterans, and their families across a wide range of civil matters. Mr....

Experienced Divorce Attorney and Mediator

Sarah Haight is a senior associate 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. Haight works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Haight earned her law degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 2014, after graduating from Purdue University in 2011. She was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 2014 and the Virginia Bar in 2016. Ms. Haight began her legal career by working as an Assistant District...

I have been practicing family law and personal injury in the state of Maryland since 2003. I have helped many families deal with the heart ache of divorce and custodial issues related to divorce...helped clients deal with loss of income, transportation, and life activities due to being injured in a car crash. How may I help you?

Katie Anderson 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. Anderson works in the firm’s Fairfax office, and represents clients in Fairfax County and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Anderson graduated magna cum laude from American University Washington College of Law in 2022. While attending law school, she practiced law as a student-attorney in the Gender Justice Clinical Program for which she received the Edward J. Walker Endowed Clinical Scholarship. The award is given to student-attorneys who...

Cambridge Baker is a Senior Attorney at AMG Law, PLC, practicing exclusively family law. Her practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases. Ms. Baker represents clients in Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and all across Northern Virginia. Originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Ms. Baker graduated from Elon University in North Carolina, where she was a Presidential Scholar. After college, Ms. Baker worked as a Private Wealth Management Administrative Assistant at Advantage xPO onsite at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in Boston, Massachusetts. She then transitioned to a position as a Wealth Management...

Minji Kim has a heart for serving others with her unique skills and talents. Ms. Kim is admitted to practice law in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. Ms. Kim is also a member of the A. Sherman Christensen American Inn of Court I. After graduating from Concordia University in Montréal, Canada, Ms. Kim worked in both public and private sectors internationally. As a Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff Analyst at the Department of National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Canada, Ms. Kim coordinated government projects and provided guidance on project approval and business planning to client groups. Ms. Kim went on...

Attorney Rana Sneij Syriani is an experienced (Immigration, Family & Traffic Attorney), representing clients at the Law offices of American Lawyers Group, PLLC. She has extensive 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 as listed below. Ms. Syriani will represent you, if you live in one of the following Virginia counties: Fairfax , Falls Church, Arlington, Loudoun, Vienna, Warren, King George, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Prince William County, Culpeper and Stafford. Ms. Syriani...

I am a Virginia Beach trial lawyer who served previously as an Assistant Public Defender in the City of Virginia Beach and also as a Magistrate. Today I focus my legal practice on delivering excellent results for clients of Toscano Law Group primarily on state criminal cases, divorce and custody, and estate matters.

Thoman Law, P.L.L.C is a boutique law firm, headed by an experienced former prosecutor, that focuses on Criminal Defense, Traffic Defense, DUI Defense, Divorce, Child Custody, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Medical Directives, Adoption, Personal Injury, and General Civil Litigation cases. The mission of the firm is to provide the best possible representation and service for our CLIENTS. Great customer service, flexible office hours, and payments plans are always available. Call for a free consultation! 757-447-4090 Managing Partner, Brian Thoman began practicing law in the Hampton Roads area after earning his law degree from the Regent University School of Law in 2006....

Tatiana Mendez is an attorney in Virginia whose practice focuses primarily on immigration, family, criminal, and traffic cases. Mendez began her legal career as an intern for the Federal Public Defender's Office in Norfolk where she assisted in the defense of a variety of clients and conducted interviews in Spanish. Since then she has practiced law all over Hampton Roads and gained experience in a wide variety of cases. In addition to her legal experience, Ms. Mendez is fluent in Spanish and earned a top score on the International Fluency Exam for Spanish Translators.

I’ve been helping others find a fresh start through bankruptcy and divorce for almost 20 years. When I was in law school I just happened to be working for a bankruptcy attorney. One of my first cases was a couple whose daughter suffered from a brain tumor, and after a multitude of surgeries and treatments, the family was left with bills in excess of $200,000 after insurance. They had no choice but to file bankruptcy and get some reprieve from the overwhelming amount of bills necessary to save their daughter. Soon after, I met...

Jon is an experienced litigator licensed in Virginia and Washington, DC. Jon’s success as an attorney comes from his experience and his dedication to efficiently and cost-effectively achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. Jon works closely with his clients to help them make the best-informed decisions on matters that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Although he has a versatile practice, Jon’s experience as a family lawyer and criminal defense attorney sets him apart from many other lawyers. He has gained a unique understanding of the intersection between criminal law and family law making him well...

Maggy R. Vaughn has cultivated extensive experience in complex family law, with a particular emphasis on adoption. As a member of the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, a prestigious organization of top adoption lawyers, she has demonstrated exceptional competence and ethical standards. In her role as a Guardian ad litem (GAL), she brings a distinctive perspective to intricate family law issues. Ms. Vaughn's practice encompasses a broad range of matters, including agency adoptions, direct parental placements, step-parent and close-relative adoptions, adoption consultations, third-party custody cases, and foster parent representation. She also handles child custody, divorce, child support, visitation,...

I am an attorney at Kublan Khan PLC. Before my current position, I dedicated my efforts to family law matters at the Family Law and Mediation Center, PLC. I have been practicing law since 2006 and have a background as a state government attorney handling both criminal and civil cases. My experience also extends to working for the U.S. Department of State, providing me with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by foreign service and military families. I earned my law degree from the William and Mary School of Law in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 2004. Following my graduation, I...

I am dedicated to helping couples and families get through divorce in as constructive, thoughtful, amicable and cost-effective way as possible. I support my clients in finding solutions that will keep you and your family out of destructive, expensive court battles. I bring years of family mediation and collaborative divorce experience as well as specialized training and practice in parenting coordination. My focus is on helping you and your spouse to craft solutions that will work for your unique situation. My mission is to help you to make informed, thoughtful decisions about both your future and your children's future.

I am a client focused attorney licensed to practice law in Virginia, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I am an advocate, counselor and defender for my clients and I work to achieve the best results for the individuals who entrust their case in my hands. I began my legal career in New Jersey where I served as a Deputy Attorney General for several years; specializing in the area of child protection. After moving to the D.C. metro area I continued my legal career in Washington, D.C. where I worked on large scale...

Jennifer Williams is an associate attorney at Raheen Family Law, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. She is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Ms. Williams works in the firm’s Ashburn office, and represents clients in Ashburn, Leesburg, Loudoun County, and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Williams earned her law degree from Regent University Law School in 2007, after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997. Ms. Williams began her legal career as an adjunct professor in Pre-Law at Hampton University in 2007. She then worked as a...

I am a sole practitioner dedicated to serving my clients by providing excellent legal representation with flexible payment options. I believe everyone deserves to have legal counsel, and for that reason, I am willing to work with clients who may require alternative payment options and who cannot afford the typical attorney fees.

Name and co-founding partner Michele L. Burton was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. She attended the University of Virginia where she obtained Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Anthropology. Shortly thereafter, Michele graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master of Arts in Humanities with a focus on Race and Law. In May 2012, she graduated from the College of William and Mary School of Law with a Juris Doctorate and passed the bar in October of that year. Upon graduation, Michele worked as a magistrate in Norfolk, Virginia for two years where she conducted probable cause...

Growing up, Alanna’s parents heard primarily one complaint from her teachers: she talks too much. In high school, she had an English teacher sit down and explain to her that she needed to develop her listening skills and taught her that she would learn a lot more by listening than by talking. Alanna is a product of LA Law, and in her youth, the television show glamorized being a lawyer. Being active in debate and public speaking in high school and college, law school was a natural progression. She found that the two important qualities in being a family...

Ryan M. Schmalzle is a principal and founder of the firm. His practice focuses on family law, civil litigation, and criminal law. Ryan regularly practices in several jurisdictions in Northern Virginia including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Clarke County, Frederick County and the City of Winchester. He also practices in the Maryland Courts, including Frederick County and Montgomery County. Ryan is an adjunct professor of law at George Mason University School of Law where he teaches appellate writing. Ryan also serves as a Special Justice in Loudoun County and he presides over civil commitment hearings. Although Ryan’s primary love...