Best Family Lawyer in Virginia
Faye Carroll
Family Lawyer
Areas of Practice:
- Administrative Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Contracts
- Estate Planning
- Family Law
- Child Support
- Custody & Visitation
- Divorce
- Probate & Estate Administration
Bar Admissions
- Virginia, 1986
- West Virginia, 1986
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. District Court Southern District of West Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit, 1986
Education
- University of Baltimore School of Law, Baltimore, Maryland
J.D. – 1985 - Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, Virginia
B.A. – 1982
Major: Political Science
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Fairfax County Bar Association, Member, Family Law and Juvenile Domestic Relations Court Sections
- American Bar Association, Member
- Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Member
- Virginia Women Attorneys Association
- Virginia State Bar
- West Virginia State Bar
- Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Board of Directors
- Virginia Women Attorneys Association, Northern Virginia Chapter, Board of Directors
Michelle N. Fremen
Family Lawyer
Michelle is a Florida native and came to Virginia for the Military, serving in the United States Navy as a naval helicopter mechanic. After her service, Michelle attended George Mason University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Studies with a Concentration in Legal Studies, as well as a double minor in Social Justice and Women and Gender Studies. During her time at GMU, she was selected to internship at the White House NEOB building and as the student speaker at her graduation ceremony. After college, Michelle attended the University of Richmond School of Law, pursuing her two passions, criminal and family law. She completed two internships and one post-grad fellowship with various Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Offices and one internship with the Children’s Defense Clinic. Michelle also graduated with a Certificate in Family Law.
After passing the Virginia Bar, Michelle accepted a position with the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Throughout her time there she handled a variety of cases including possession of narcotics, possession of firearms, DUI’s, sexual assault, murder, robbery, and domestic assault. Michelle moved to the Chesapeake Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office where she was the Lead Gang Prosecutor for the City of Chesapeake. While there, Michelle specialized in handling gang cases to include a wide variety of violent crime.
Donald R. Daugherty
Family Lawyer
Donald R. Daugherty is the firms lead Family Law Attorney. Donald entire practice is focused on family law and representing clients in family law and domestic relations matters. Donald has been successfully representing clients for 20 years and has a reputation in the legal community of being an aggressive litigator who will fight for his client’s interest.
- Lt. Col., U.S. Army Aviation, 1969-1992
- Over 400 combat hours flown in the Republic of Vietnam
- Patrolled East German Border during Cold War
- Commanded major unit in Korea
- Key participant in Operation Provide Comfort during Gulf War
- Awarded Air Medals, Service Medals, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit
Wayne E. Holcomb
Family Lawyer
Like many of you, I ain’t from around these parts…! I was stationed here as a Navy pilot, and when I retired, I became a Virginia resident. I think life is good in Hampton Roads. My own small hometown in Kansas has now grown to a bustling population of 331, but it was less urban in my youth! My Midwestern family has been farmers and blue collar workers for as far back as we know. I grew up in farm houses without indoor plumbing. Yep, so imagine where the “bathroom” was! (Winters were cold; that’s where I got my speed!) We had party line phones early on. No A/C. Then we moved to into a trailer house “in town.”
I grew up in farm houses without indoor plumbing. Yep, so imagine where the “bathroom” was! (Winters were cold; that’s where I got my speed!) We had party line phones early on. No A/C. Then we moved to into a trailer house “in town.” I see now that, as far as amenities go, I was about a generation behind the rest of America, but it was not until I went to college, and saw what others had, that I realized how rural and poor we were. I really didn’t care. Still don’t.
James D. Livesay
Family Lawyer
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 in 2003 and has guided it since that time.
Bar Admissions
- Virginia State Bar, 1998
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, 2003
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia, 2003
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, 2006
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2006
Honors and Awards
- Top Lawyers, Northern Virginia Magazine, 2018
- Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers, 2014–2020
- Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2013
- Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell, 2013
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in Lieu of Second Award), 2001
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2000
- Award for Trial Advocacy, The Association of the Bar of the City of New York, Committee on Military Affairs and Justice, 1998
K. Page Kistler
Family Lawyer
Page Kistler represents clients with legal matters in the courts of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and other Virginia communities.
Ms. Kistler is a member of the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section, the Virginia Beach Bar Association, Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Tidewater (Founding Member and Board Member) and is a former Virginia Supreme Court certified guardian ad litem for children in the Hampton Roads area and is founding member and former board member of Virginia Collaborative Professionals. In September, 2004 she was admitted to practice law in Virginia and started the law firm K. Page Kistler, P.C. in Virginia Beach.
Jennifer Bradley
Family Lawyer
A skilled divorce attorney, Jennifer Bradley has extensive training in Collaborative Divorce. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and the Collaborative Professionals of Northern Virginia (CPNV). She has previously served as President of the Board of CPNV and currently serves on the board of The Collaborative Project of Washington DC which provides reduced-fee or free help to families to resolve family disputes without going to court using the Collaborative Process.
Jennifer has represented international clients with property division and custody issues at both the trial and appellate levels.
Jennifer taught high school biology in Middleburg, Virginia prior to attending law school. She served as a law clerk and then an Associate at the Law Offices of Betty A. Thompson before establishing MDMB in 2012. She currently resides in Alexandria.
Recognitions
- Arlington Magazine, Top Attorney, Family Law: 2022
- Best Lawyers in America™: “2021 Lawyer of the Year” for Collaborative Law: Family Law in Washington, D.C.
- Best Lawyers in America™: 2017 – 2022
- Washingtonian Magazine Top Lawyers: 2020 – 2021
- Super Lawyers®, Family Law: 2019 – 2022
- Virginia Business Legal Elite for Family Law/Domestic Relations: 2020 – 2021
- Arlington Magazine Best Lawyers, Family Law: 2019 – 2021
- Northern Virginia Magazine Best Lawyers, Family Law: 2021
- Super Lawyers® Rising Star: 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018
- AVVO Client’s Choice Award: 2017 and 2019
DAVID E. ROOP, JR
Family Lawyer
David is a cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame (B.A. 1985) and an honors graduate of the University of Maryland School of Law (J.D. 1991). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Mr. Roop’s practice has focused in the area of domestic relations and family law since 1996. He has tried countless equitable distribution, support and custody cases. From 1991 to 1996, he was a trial lawyer in Maryland, DC and Virginia in the areas of contract, tort, and malpractice defense. Before law school, he was a Peace Corps volunteer in Kongolo, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo). He has been happily married since 1992 to Anna-Marie Christello-Roop, a graduate of Yale Law School who now helps him run ROOPXANTTOPOULOS BABOUNAKIS PLLC. They have two children.
For more than 10 years, Mr. Roop has carried an AV-Preeminent rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register. In 2004-05, Mr. Roop served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Professionalism of the Virginia State Bar. For three years thereafter, he was appointed by the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of Virginia to serve as a Faculty member at professionalism courses conducted throughout the state. He currently serves on a Virginia State Bar disciplinary committee for evaluating lawyer misconduct. He has twice appeared on the cover of Virginia Lawyers Weekly for groundbreaking work in the areas of spousal support and domicile.
Washington’s Family Law Maze: Navigate with Confidence with a Top Lawyer
Facing a family law challenge in Washington State? Don’t wander the legal labyrinth alone! Here’s how a Washington family law champion empowers you:
Washington Expertise at Your Fingertips: Top Washington family lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the state’s intricate family law landscape: statutes, regulations, legal procedures. They leverage this expertise to provide accurate legal advice and craft effective strategies specifically for Washington’s legal landscape.
Skilled Representation: Your Fierce Advocate: Experienced Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington family lawyers are invaluable. They understand Washington’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 Washington family lawyers assist you in navigating Washington’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 Washington 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 Washington family lawyers understand the benefits of alternative dispute resolution, 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 Washington family law needs.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge: Explore Washington family law resources at the Washington State Bar Association website (Washington State Bar Association).