Best Family Lawyer in Vermont
Kevin Volz
Family Lawyer
Kevin Volz has over 15 years of experience as a Vermont attorney, focusing on family law and personal injury cases. Kevin received his Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School in 2002. His appreciation of Vermont and his desire to help the local community encouraged him to raise his children in Southern Vermont. In 2004 Kevin opened The Law Office of Kevin M. Volz in Rutland, VT and since then, has served the Vermont community with dedication and compassion. Attorney Kevin Volz is here to offer legal advice, assist you through your divorce or family matters, and ensure you receive proper workers’ compensation or personal injury compensation.
At The Law Office of Kevin M. Volz, we work with you to understand your individual needs and goals while striving to keep costs contained. With over 20 years experience, Attorney Kevin Volz understands the burden of legal issues. Kevin and his team provide compassion and support throughout the process and will ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Charles S. Martin
Family Lawyer
Charlie Martin has been practicing law in Vermont for over 50 years. He has successfully advocated for the rights of central Vermonters in all types of civil and criminal litigation. Charlie now oversees part of the Defender General’s program, and concentrates his practice on private civil matters, including family law, employment issues, and private criminal defense.
Charlie is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Vermont, the United States Tax Court, the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
Charlie and his long-term partner June are world travelers that have visited many countries over the years. This past decade included a trip to India, Italy, Germany, and more recently, a camping trip to the eastern Canadian provinces.
Charlie is a Civil War scholar and will happily discuss the subject for hours. He has participated in many reenactments over the years.
Tristan Christopher Larson
Family Lawyer
I am a lawyer in Rutland, Vermont and a partner at Larson & Gallivan Law, PLC. I represent people in family court matters around the state, but primarily in Rutland, Windsor, Addison and Bennington counties.
I grew up on a dairy farm in Rutland County and much of my family still lives here. Before forming the law firm Larson & Gallivan, I was a partner in a medium-sized law firm for Vermont located in Rutland. Prior to that I worked as a clerk in the state court system for two years, getting to know the judges and lawyers in Rutland County. As a firm, and as individuals, we value loyalty, trust and flexibility in ourselves and with each other. These are the qualities that we offer clients as well.
I graduated with honors from Harvard Law School in 2003. For a while after law school, I worked at a Boston law firm with 200 lawyers. My office was on the 37th floor and I could see ships sailing into the harbor far below. My clients were mostly giant real estate development and construction companies, government entities and the like. It sounds exciting, but the work was often very tedious. Endless numbers of contracts needed to be written and rewritten; liability studies needed to be done and sub-agreements with engineers needed to be edited. Boxes, rooms and sometimes whole warehouses of documents needed to be reviewed. Thousands of gas station leases needed to be cross-referenced with the laws of fifty states. I was bored.
CYNTHIA L. BROADFOOT
Family Lawyer
Cynthia began the firm, now known as Broadfoot, in 1997. She has been in private practice in Vermont since 1989, working with other attorneys for years before opening her own law firm. Cynthia has practiced law in Vermont for almost 24 years. Prior to establishing her own law firm, Cynthia worked with several Burlington area attorneys.
Cynthia has been widely recognized for her extensive work in the family courts and in personal injury claims. While her practice focuses primarily on personal injury and family law cases, Cynthia has been involved in many different types of cases. She has defended individuals in serious criminal matters. While Cynthia’s courtroom experience is concentrated in the trial courts, she has also argued several times before the Vermont Supreme Court and before the United States District Court.
Cynthia has worked as an advocate for individuals helping people attain access to the legal system. Her experience includes work within the Chittenden County Public Defense system as assigned counsel in family and district court proceedings. In 2003, Cynthia received the Vermont Bar Association’s Pro Bono Service Award in recognition of her extensive pro bono work. In addition to her membership in the Vermont Bar Assocation, Cynthia is also admitted to New York and New Hampshire’s Bar Associations. She has actively participated in numerous national, state, and local professional organizations. Currently, Cynthia serves on the board of governors for the Vermont Association for Justice and is a faculty participant in the trial college and CLE programs designed to train lawyers in courtroom skills. Cynthia is co-author of Divorce in Vermont, a helpful handbook on the issues involved in family court proceedings.
Nanci A. Smith
Family Lawyer
Nanci has been practicing law since 1992. She started her practice in busy litigation firms in Montpelier & Rutland, Vermont with a focus on Civil and Criminal Litigation and Family Law. She also worked at Vermont Legal Aid, Inc. representing victims of domestic violence and people with psychiatric diagnoses in mental health civil commitment proceedings. Nanci began her solo private practice in 2005 and works exclusively in the area of Family Law. She is a member of the Vermont Bar Association and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. She has received advanced training in and practices Collaborative Divorce and Collaborative Mediation. She is also licensed to practice law in the state of New York.
Nanci is a regular instructor for the Vermont Bar Association and the National Business Institute on Family Law matters. She is the Past-President of the Board of Trustees for Vermont Legal Aid, Inc. and Legal Services of Vermont. She is the Chair of the Vermont Bar Association Collaborative Section and a member of the Collaborative Practice Vermont, an Interdisciplinary Practice Group. Nanci has represented children as counsel or as their court appointed Guardian Ad Litem upon request of the court. She is divorced, has a lovely daughter in college and an office Maltese, named Louie.
Thomas W. Costello
Family Lawyer
Tom has practiced law in Vermont for over thirty-five years, representing clients in a wide variety of civil, criminal and family litigation. He brings a vast amount of experience and knowledge to every case. In addition to his legal work, Tom is active in the community and has served on the boards of the American Legion, Brattleboro Area Habitat for Humanity and the Morningside Emergency Shelter. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam conflict, earning a bronze star and a purple heart. Tom enjoys spending time with his two children and grandchild, following the RedSox, and reading.
Steven J Howard
Family Lawyer
Steven J Howard has been involved in the law for more than two decades. He started 30 years ago as a paralegal with a local firm, and eventually read for the law. In 2002, after passing the Bar examination on his first try, he began practicing in the fields of family law, DCF, and criminal law. With his over 20 years of experience, Mr. Howard brings a realistic and practical approach to his representation of his clients. He will stand by your case.
“Don’t face the courtroom alone. I am a hands-on attorney with more than 20 years of experience and can provide the objective and practical guidance your case needs. You can depend on my legal representation for all of your divorce, juvenile, and criminal attorney needs. I am a self-starting, dedicated, and an effective communicator, and have learned my trade from the ground up.”
Edward D. Fitzpatrick
Family Lawyer
Ed is a lifelong resident of Vermont. Prior to joining BP&F, Ed served as deputy state’s attorney for five years in Franklin County. He then was elected as State’s Attorney for Grand Isle County, a position he held for four years. Once in private practice, Ed drew upon his substantial prosecutorial experience in developing a busy criminal defense practice. Ed has since gained extensive experience in working with landowners and developers, as well as handling commercial real estate and business transactions. He frequently represents buyers, sellers, lenders and financiers in all transaction and regulatory matters. Ed currently resides in Colchester with his wife.
Primary Areas of Practice
- Commercial and Residential Real Estate (Transactions and Litigation)
- Corporate Counseling and Litigation
- Criminal Defense
- Land Use and Development Law
Education
- Suffolk University Law School
- University of Vermont
- Bar Admissions and Affiliations
- Vermont State and Federal Courts
- United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
- Vermont and Chittenden County Bar Association
Navigate Vermont’s Family Law Landscape with Confidence: Partner with a Top Lawyer
Facing a family law challenge in Vermont? Don’t navigate the legal terrain alone! Here’s how a Vermont family law champion empowers you:
Vermont Family Law Expertise by Your Side: Top Vermont family lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the state’s intricate family law landscape: statutes, regulations, and legal procedures. They leverage this expertise to provide accurate legal advice and craft effective strategies specifically tailored to Vermont’s legal landscape.
Skilled Representation: Your Fierce Advocate: Experienced Vermont family lawyers are your voice. Their strong negotiation, communication, and litigation skills ensure your position is persuasively articulated in negotiations, mediations, settlements, or court. Their advocacy can significantly impact your case’s outcome.
Comprehensive Case Assessment: Leaving No Stone Unturned: Top Vermont family lawyers conduct in-depth case assessments. They analyze strengths, weaknesses, gather evidence, and identify potential legal issues. This comprehensive approach forms the foundation for a strategic plan aligned with your goals and maximizes the chances of a favorable outcome.
Child Custody & Support: Guiding You Through Complexities: If your case involves child custody or support, the best Vermont family lawyers are invaluable. They understand Vermont’s court-considered factors for custody decisions and navigate the process with you. They advocate for your parental rights and work towards fair and appropriate child support arrangements.
Property Division: Ensuring a Fair Split: During a divorce, property division can be complex. Top Vermont family lawyers assist you in navigating Vermont’s laws regarding equitable distribution of assets and debts. They ensure your rights are protected and a fair division is achieved, considering factors like marriage length, each party’s contributions, and each spouse’s economic circumstances.
Local Court System: Your Knowledgeable Guide: Top Vermont family lawyers have extensive experience within the state’s court system. They understand local court rules, procedures, and key decision-makers. This knowledge ensures your case progresses smoothly, paperwork is filed correctly, and deadlines are met.
Beyond Court: Exploring Alternatives: Skilled Vermont family lawyers understand the benefits of alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation. They explore these options to help you reach amicable resolutions outside of court. Mediation can be cost-effective, less adversarial, and offer more control over the outcome. The best family lawyers guide you through the process and advocate for your best interests during negotiations.
Remember, the “best” lawyer depends on your specific circumstances. Research, read reviews, and consult with multiple attorneys to find the perfect fit for your Vermont family law needs.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge: Explore Vermont family law resources at the Vermont Bar Association website (Vermont Bar Association).