Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Richard Clifford Pecoraro
Midlothian, VA Attorney with 22 years of experience
Free ConsultationBankruptcy
University of Richmond School of Law and University of Cambridge
Rich Pecoraro has focused 100% of his practice on consumer bankruptcy Ch. 7 and Ch. 13 services since 2002. He strives to provide caring and attentive service to his clients, while maintaining a strong and progressive approach to his practice. Rich has helped thousands of Virginians resolve their debt and regain control of their finances in order to focus on the more important things in their lives. He was previously an associate at Boleman Law and a partner at the law firm of Chandler Pecoraro.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Joan Heishman Proper
Manassas, VA Lawyer with 17 years of experience
(703) 291-6660
Judiciary Place
9300 W. Courthouse Road, Suite 306
Manassas, VA 20110
Education and Family
George Mason University School of Law
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.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&A
Tara Brown
Midlothian, VA Lawyer with 13 years of experience
Divorce and Estate Planning
Rutgers School of Law-Newark
Tara was born and raised in northern New Jersey where she worked full time to put herself through college and law school part time. She graduated from Rutgers School of Law in New Jersey with an academic award. While attending Rutgers Law School Tara served as facilitator of study groups in the minority student program, teaching assistant, and Editor of the Women’s Rights Law Reporter.
Tara is committed to protecting what matters most. Tara has been practicing family law, trust and estates, for six years. Her 18 years of negotiation experience, and ability to evaluate...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Chris Macturk
Richmond, VA Lawyer with 29 years of experience
Divorce and Family
Samford University
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...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Sandra Gregor
Fredericksburg, VA Lawyer with 24 years of experience
Free ConsultationPersonal Injury and Products Liability
University of Richmond School of Law
I am an experienced litigator whose practice is dedicated to standing up for the rights of clients who have been seriously injured through no fault of their own. I practice out of the Allen Law Firm's Fredericksburg office in the areas of personal injury litigation, including automobile and trucking accident litigation, product liability, and premises liability in both state and federal courts. Prior to joining Allen & Allen, I practiced law with a Richmond insurance defense firm where I gained valuable knowledge of how insurance companies and their attorneys evaluate claims and handle cases. I use this understanding combined with...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial MediaResponsive Law
Michelle Mordue Helms
Virginia Beach, VA Lawyer with 25 years of experience
(757) 516-0684
2697 International Parkway
Parkway II, Suite 106
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence and Personal Injury
Syracuse University College of Law
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...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Brian A. Boys
Virginia Beach, VA Lawyer with 15 years of experience
(757) 636-4480
5265 Providence Road
Suite 303
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Estate Planning and Probate
University of Richmond School of Law
Brian Boys brings his professionalism and significant legal skills to his clients and our community. Brian’s primary practice areas include Elder Law, Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, Guardianships and Conservatorships, Special Needs Planning, and Personal Injury Settlement Consulting and Litigation in support of each of these areas. Brian is also qualified to serve as a guardian ad litem for incapacitated adults.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial MediaResponsive Law
Benjamin Williams
Richmond, VA Attorney with 10 years of experience
Immigration
University of Richmond School of Law
I am a Richmond, Virginia immigration attorney and the owner of Ben Williams Law, PLLC.
I have experience in all types of immigration matters, ranging from marriage/fiance, family, and employment-based visas to deportation defense and asylum.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Jonathan E. Halperin
Glen Allen, VA Lawyer with 33 years of experience
Civil Rights, Nursing Home, Personal Injury and Products Liability
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
Jonathan Halperin is a seasoned attorney with over three decades of experience in both state and federal courtrooms. Not only does he possess an extensive list of successful case outcomes by trial and settlement, but he has been named by Super Lawyers® as one of the Top 50 Attorneys in Richmond and Top 100 Attorneys in Virginia – an honor bestowed only upon the top 1% of lawyers in the state. His laudable list of accolades includes recognition in the Best Lawyers in America, 2015-2023 Editions from Best Lawyers® and an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review for more than...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Jeffrey R. Blair
Virginia Beach, VA Lawyer with 11 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Family
West Virginia University
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.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Jason A Barlow
Virginia Beach, VA Lawyer
Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Traffic Tickets
University of South Dakota School of Law
Jason was raised in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake and attended Great Bridge High School. After graduation he went to Old Dominion University, getting a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Following college, in 1994 Jason began working as a Deputy at the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office. In 1997 he decided to attend law school and graduated in 2000 from The University of South Dakota Law School.
Returning home, Jason’s first job in the legal field was for the Virginia Legal Aid Society in Suffolk, where his practice focused on landlord/ tenant issues and disability claims. He went on to the Chesapeake...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Christopher Jones
Colonial Heights, VA Lawyer with 23 years of experience
Free ConsultationPersonal Injury and Products Liability
University of Richmond School of Law
Chris Jones is a personal injury lawyer and managing attorney in the Petersburg, VA office of Allen & Allen. He has over ten years of litigation experience and has tried thousands of jury and bench trials. He became an attorney to stand up for victims who were injured or killed through senseless acts. Knowing his clients may be going through the most difficult time in their lives inspires Chris to be a zealous advocate for them.
Chris’s practice is focused exclusively on personal injury cases, including car and motorcycle accidents. Competitive by nature, Chris thrives in negotiations. This aids...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ABlawg SearchSocial Media
Juli Porto
Fairfax, VA Lawyer
Free ConsultationPersonal Injury and Products Liability
I am a personal injury and appellate attorney. I help those who are injured in car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, and I help those who are victims of crimes, including sexual assaults. I also handle appeals to the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. I understand that the legal system can seem complicated and foreign to many people, and I offer free consultations to explain and make things clearer for you.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Jeffrey Rhodes
Arlington, VA Attorney with 26 years of experience
Business and Employment
Washington and Lee University School of Law and The George Washington University Law School
Jeffrey Rhodes is an accomplished civil litigator, and a leading business and employment lawyer. In his many years of practice, Mr. Rhodes has litigated in courts around the country. Mr. Rhodes advises companies and executives, representing them in structuring, drafting, and defending their corporate transactions to help accomplish their business goals. Mr. Rhodes has effectively defended multi-million dollar claims and has also has obtained a multi-million dollar verdict on the plaintiff's side. He has litigated matters in all areas of civil, commercial and employment law, including: •contract disputes; •enforcement and defense...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Lynn Fletcher
FALLS CHURCH, VA Lawyer with 42 years of experience
Free ConsultationDivorce and Family
Duke University
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.
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Ofelia Lee Calderon
Fairfax, VA Lawyer with 23 years of experience
Immigration and International
University of San Francisco School of Law
Ofelia L. Calderón is a founding partner at Calderón Seguin PLC. In addition to maintaining a diverse practice which includes family, naturalization, business, and asylum, Ofelia concentrates on federal matters and removal cases. Outside her practice, Ofelia is a fervent advocate for the immigration community and has frequently taken her support and knowledge to various community forums. S
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Jeffrey Scott Romanick
Fairfax, VA Lawyer with 32 years of experience
Free ConsultationBusiness, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Landlord Tenant
American University Washington College of Law
Skilled trial lawyer. ...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Jennifer Williams
Fairfax, VA Attorney with 18 years of experience
Divorce and Family
Regent University School of Law
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...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Chidinma Harley
Fairfax, VA Lawyer with 17 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense and Traffic Tickets
University of Arkansas - Fayetteville
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...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Kerri Castellini
Fairfax, VA Attorney with 19 years of experience
Estate Planning and Probate
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
Kerri Castellini is primarily a DC-based attorney with a focus on estate and trust administration, guardianship for incapacitated adults and minors, and estate planning. She brings her legal experience to the Trusts and Estates Practice Group and is currently admitted to practice law in Washington DC, Maryland, and before the supreme court. She is passionate about providing a high level of attention to her clients to come up with a plan that is best for their unique circumstances.
Claimed Lawyer Profile
C. Douglas Welty
Arlington, VA Lawyer with 42 years of experience
Business and Estate Planning
University of Virginia School of Law
C. Douglas Welty, a full-time trusts & estates attorney, is certified as an Estate Planning Law Specialist by the Estate Law Specialist Board, an autonomous body accredited by the American Bar Association and affiliated with the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. He was the first estate planning attorney in Northern Virginia to earn such certification.
Doug Welty also holds the multidisciplinary Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designation, which is conferred by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils upon both estate planning attorneys and highly experienced non-attorney estate planning professionals (such as certified public accountants, financial planners, insurance specialists,...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
Jonathan L. Katz
Fairfax, VA Attorney with 35 years of experience
Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI
The George Washington University Law School
Pursuing your best defense against criminal and DUI prosecutions in Fairfax, Arlington, Prince William, Loudoun and Beyond. For more information, visit katzjustice.com
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
C. Douglas Welty
Arlington, VA Attorney with 42 years of experience
Estate Planning and Probate
University of Virginia
I practice in Northern Virginia (including Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun Counties) exclusively in the areas of estate planning; wills, trusts & estates (including probate and trust administration); estate and gift taxation; wealth preservation and asset protection; and family business law. For more information, please contact me or visit my website, weltyblair.com.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Casey Rian Stevens
Woodbridge, VA Attorney with 36 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Traffic Tickets and White Collar Crime
George Mason University
Casey R. Stevens With more than 34 years of experience practicing law, Casey R. Stevens is a leader in the Virginia criminal defense community. He is a skilled and dedicated defense lawyer who is focused on achieving a successful outcome for his clients in every case that he takes on. Prior to becoming a criminal defense attorney, Casey served as a prosecutor in the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Prince William County, Virginia where he gained unique insight into how the government develops and prosecutes both felony and misdemeanor cases. Casey is well respected by attorneys and judges and...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Mr. Kia Brian Kondori
Arlington, VA Attorney with 10 years of experience
Free ConsultationBusiness, Elder, Estate Planning and Probate
After passing the Virginia State Bar, Mr. Kondori became an associate attorney at Pikrallidas & Associates, involved with all types of cases, ranging from personal injury, divorce and family law, contract review & consulting, the ever changing immigration field, as well as civil and traffic matters. Kia aims to continue representing his clients to the best of his abilities as one of the founding attorney's at Kondori & Moorad, LLP. Currently, Mr. Kondori, handles various matters related to real estate, estate planning, business law, landlord & tenant law and medical and dental practice sale and acquisition.
Mr. Kondori is a...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Ryan A Brown
Arlington, VA Lawyer with 17 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning
George Mason University
Ryan A. Brown was born in Kansas City and raised in California. His first job in the computer industry began at the age of eleven, building and repairing personal computers for a local store in Santa Barbara, California. In 1993 he began a computer and Internet consulting firm and started the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Santa Barbara.
Ryan went on to attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he received a BS in Computer Science with departmental and school honors and a BA in Spanish in 2000. Ryan is a member of Tau Beta Pi, Upsilon Pi Epsilon...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
Katherine Herrmann
Arlington, VA Lawyer with 13 years of experience
Appeals, Civil Rights and Employment
Ave Maria School of Law
Katie is passionate about educating and empowering others, and utilizes her legal experience to help individuals understand and resolve their legal issues. Although interested in a diverse range of legal fields, Katie is enthusiastic about advocating for the rights of others in matters of discrimination, employment issues, and wage and hour disputes at The Erlich Law Office.
Before coming to The Erlich Law Office, Katie worked as the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Winchester. Previously, Katie worked as an intern at the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in Washington, DC.
Katie earned her J.D. from...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial MediaResponsive Law
Jad Sarsour
Arlington, VA Attorney with 18 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence and Traffic Tickets
Michigan State University
Jad Sarsour is a criminal defense and traffic attorney with the Firstpoint Law Group, P.C., in Fairfax, Virginia. Known for his strong record in the courtroom and his dedication to client relations, Mr. Sarsour represents clients in a wide variety of criminal cases, including domestic assault, sex crimes, larceny, credit card fraud, and embezzlement.
He also defends individuals charged with moving violations, driving under the influence, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license. With trial experience in Fairfax, Alexandria, Prince William, Loudoun, and other counties in northern Virginia, Jad Sarsour has a deep understanding of the unique characteristics of...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
B.R. "Billy" Hicks
Springfield, VA Attorney with 49 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Personal Injury
American University Washington College of Law
Mr. Hicks has been practicing law for 39 years. He attended college on the GI Bill and worked his way through law school as a full-time policeman. After graduation, he served for two and one-half years as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. He went into private practice in 1979, but served as the part-time prosecutor for the City of Falls Church for about 18 years. His practice is limited to criminal law, including DWI/DUI, and personal injury law. He is AV-Preeminent Rated and has been for many years. He has been named to Super Lawyers....
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Christopher Mark Winslow
Midlothian, VA Lawyer with 16 years of experience
Free ConsultationBankruptcy, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Personal Injury
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, Chris entered the United States Navy as an Intelligence Specialist Petty Officer. While serving, he studied at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
Chris is admitted to practice law in all Virginia General District and Circuit Courts, the Virginia Court of Appeals, the Virginia Supreme Court, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western District of Virginia, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In 2008, he was a contributing author on the Virginia Continuing Legal Education publication, “Defense of Serious Traffic Cases in Virginia.” Chris is a...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Tara L. Tighe
Woodbridge, VA Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Free ConsultationMedical Malpractice, Personal Injury and Products Liability
George Washington University Law School
Tara Tighe is a personal injury attorney. She has significant litigation experience in both jury and bench trials, and her strong desire to help others led her to become an attorney who fights for the rights of injured individuals. She strives to give every client the guidance and legal protection they need after an accident in order for them to devote their focus on rebuilding their lives.
Tara’s practice is focused exclusively on personal injury cases including car and motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, dog bites and chases, medical malpractice, slip and falls, mold inhalation and exposure, and wrongful death. Tara is...
Claimed Lawyer Profile
James McMurray Johnson
Woodbridge, VA Lawyer with 18 years of experience
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury
George Mason University School of Law
James M. Johnson graduated from James Madison University in with degrees in Biology and Economics. He received his Juris Doctor from the George Mason School of Law. James Johnson has worked at the outstanding law firms of Pfitzner & Morley, Johnson Ford Law, and now he is the managing attorney at the Johnson Law Firm, PC. He is admitted to practice in all Virginia courts, as well as the Federal and Bankruptcy courts of the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Molly E Bricker
Virginia Beach, VA Lawyer with 8 years of experience
Criminal Defense, Divorce, Estate Planning and Family
Regent University School of Law
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.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Jon Patrick Bourdon
Alexandria, VA Attorney
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...
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Erin Joanne Smith
Alexandria, VA Attorney with 14 years of experience
Free ConsultationCannabis Law, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Traffic Tickets
Erin J. Smith was raised on the Northern Neck of Virginia. She attended Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. She graduated with honors and her Bachelor’s Degree in English and a minor in Communication Studies.
She spent the next two years working as a high school English teacher before applying to and being accepted into Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in Washington, DC. While attending school, she worked at the Alexandria Office of the Public Defender, defending indigent clients charged with traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies.
Ms. Smith then opened her private practice where she currently defends individuals...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileBlawg SearchSocial Media
Steven M. Frei
Fairfax, VA Lawyer with 42 years of experience
Free ConsultationMedical Malpractice, Personal Injury and Products Liability
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Camellia Safi
Fairfax, VA Lawyer with 14 years of experience
Divorce and Family
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
Camellia Safi is a partner with Safi, Duran & Chim, PLLC, in Fairfax, Virginia. Camellia has over a decade of experience practicing family law in the Northern Virginia area. Camellia understands that good results require compassion, hard work and an ability to connect with the client. Family law is a unique area of law that requires the attorney and the client to be on the same page and have similar values and goals to achieve success. Camellia serves as an advocate for her clients and alleviates their concerns and fears but believes that to achieve the best results, the client...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Mr. Ronald E. Smith
Fairfax, VA Attorney
Free ConsultationCriminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Social Security Disability and Traffic Tickets
George Mason University School of Law
Attorney Ronald Smith practices in State and Federal Courts in Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudon Counties. At Ronald E. Smith, P.C., our clients benefit from the skill and experience of a team of legal professionals. Whether you are facing DWI (DUI) charges, drug charges or theft charges, a team of at least two attorneys and support staff will combine their efforts to mount a united defense for you. Additionally, our firm is adept at guiding clients through the process of filing for and appealing Social Security Disability claims. If you have concerns regarding Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security...
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Kimberly M Luckey
Manassas, VA Lawyer
Divorce, Family and Personal Injury
Florida Coastal School of Law
Kim Luckey exclusively practices civil litigation, primarily focusing her practice on tortious claims and family and domestic relations matters. Kim has successfully litigated numerous custody, equitable distribution, and support cases, negotiated complex property settlement agreements, and successfully pursued and defended against various tortious claims including defamation and malicious prosecution.
Kim represents clients throughout Northern Virginia in the full range of domestic relations and tort matters. Kim is recognized for her analytical style, attention to detail, and her calm but stern demeanor. Family law cases often involve intense emotional disputes, and she provides competent, effective representation while at the same time...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Syed Wali Raheen
Chantilly, VA Lawyer with 18 years of experience
(703) 544-0050
4229 Lafayette Center Dr
Suite 1300
Chantilly, VA 20151
Business, Divorce, Family and Personal Injury
Fordham University School of Law and New York Law School
After completing his undergrad with honors at the University of Toronto in Canada, Mr. Raheen moved to New York and attained his Juris Doctorate Law Degree (J.D.) and Master of Laws Degree (LL.M.) at the New York Law School and Fordham University School of Law, respectively. Following his post-doctorate graduation, Mr. Raheen worked with the prestigious NY law firm of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, where he gained and reflected their successful motto of attention to detail in high quality work product. Mr. Raheen and his family moved closer to family in the DC...