Best Divorce Lawyers Richmond va
Edward D. Barnes
Divorce Lawyers
Edward D. Barnes is Founder of Barnes & Diehl, P.C., with a tradition of experience and devotion to Family Law. In 2008, he received the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section, Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Chicago). He is listed in Best Lawyers in America, and has been included, since inception as a Virginia Legal Elite as published by Virginia Business Magazine. He is in the top 10 of Lawyers in Virginia as published and named by Super Lawyers. Richmond Business Magazine named him “Top Family Lawyer in the City of Richmond and the Region” in 2001.
Education
- University of Richmond, School of Law, Richmond, Virginia
- J.D. – 1972
- Dean’s Advisory Council
- 1870 Society
- The Robins Society
- The Charter Associates – The Founders Society
- The Gothic Society
- The Rectors Club
- The Spider Club
- The Judiciary Gift Society
- East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- B.A. – 1966
- Honors: Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Officer, Fort Belvoir
- 1967
- Honors: Leadership, Academic and Honor Graduate
Bar Admissions
- Virginia, 1971
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia, 1972
- U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit, 1972
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1974
- Virginia Supreme Court, 1971
Rebecca Melone
Divorce Lawyers
Rebecca Melone established Melone Hatley P.C. in 2014 with the goal of helping families with a range of legal services from estate and family law to traffic tickets and misdemeanor criminal matters. Over the past five years the firm has grown and expanded its services to include a wide range of estate and elder law services. Rebecca has been awarded Super Lawyers Rising Stars for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and has been named one of the top family and estate attorneys under 40 in Virginia.
A native of Northern Virginia, Rebecca and her husband decided to return to the area after attending law school in Toledo, Ohio. They welcomed their first daughter, Dallas, in July of 2016.
Rebecca currently volunteers with Wills on Wheels, providing important estate planning presentations and services for nursing home residents. She is a member of the Virginia Bar Association and participates on the Board of the Society of Virginia as the Chairman for the Young Virginians.
Chris Macturk
Divorce Lawyers
An accomplished Richmond divorce and family lawyer, Chris Macturk wanted to change how he priced his services in a way that offered a closer, transparent, and unfettered working relationship with his clients. Often hearing complaints about the uncertainties and anxieties presented by hourly billing, he decided to change his business model and open a firm offering Pre-Agreed Pricing. Evolution was born. Chris has guided hundreds of individuals through separations, divorces and disputes over children and support. A Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Chris is also past President of both the Henrico County Bar Association and the Metro Richmond Family Law Bar Association.
He is an active member of the Virginia Bar Association, having served as the Chair of its Domestic Relations Section (2021-2022) and the City of Richmond Bar Association, having served as the chairperson of its Pro Bono Committee and a member of the Judicial Committee and the Administration of Justice Committee. Chris has also participated in many seminars and written a number of articles about family law. Chris met his wife, Cynthia, while they both attended the University of Richmond. Cynthia currently works as a Chief Financial Officer for a management consulting company in Richmond. Chris and Cynthia have three sons. Their two oldest are in college – with one attending Virginia Tech and the other attending the University of Virginia. Their youngest attends high school in Short Pump.
Nicole Gram
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Nicole Gram practices in Smith Strong’s Estate Planning (including Wills & Trusts), Elder Law, Family Law (including Divorce and Custody), Estate/Fiduciary Litigation, Probate, Estate Administration, and Criminal divisions working efficiently to guide you through every step of the processs.
Following law school, Nicole was a law clerk for Stafford Circuit Court, serving all three main Circuit Court Judges with distinction. This pragmatic and practical experience gave Nicole insight and a rare “insiders” perspective into the decision making processes of Virginia’s state courts, allowing her to truly understand how to efficiently and effectively present cases in family law, divorce, custody, criminal law, and estate/fiduciary litigation trials. She undoubtedly brings this critical learning experience to bear for her clients when court and litigation is necessary.
While attending law school, Nicole worked in the Family Law Clinic, was on the Journal of Law and Technology, and held various legal internships that allowed her to gain litigation experience, being in the courtroom regularly.
Nicole was born in upstate New York and moved to Glen Allen, Virginia with her family while in grade school, attending Deep Run High School. She has always aspired to become an attorney and work with the community. Nicole pursued her undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech, where she received her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science: Legal Studies, with a minor in Sociology. After graduation, Nicole went straight into law school, attending University of Richmond School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor.
Nicole lives in Richmond, Virginia and can be found spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, and watching Hokie football when she is not in the office.
Nicole is licensed to practice law in Virginia and is a member of the Virginia State Bar and Richmond Bar Association.
Veronica L. Allen
Divorce Lawyers
Veronica L. Allen is an attorney with the office of Coates, Battle & Tyree. Her practice focuses on estate planning, divorce and family law, and residential and commercial real estate matters. Veronica is also a SCOVA certified Guardian Ad Litem for incapacitated adults and is passionate about helping families navigate the guardianship/conservatorship process.
Veronica began her legal career as an associate in Fairfax, VA, before moving back to settle in Richmond. Upon relocating, she worked as a Closing Attorney and Title Counsel for a local mortgage lender, focusing on residential refinance and purchase closings. She then transitioned into the banking sector to handle commercial loan closings in an auto-dealer specialty hub.
Veronica attended the University of Maryland for undergraduate studies, where she double majored in Psychology and Criminology, with departmental honors. While there, she was a member of the Primannum Honor Society and Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society. She was also a member of the UMD Treblemakers, an all-female acappella group, and Zeta Tau Alpha fraternity. Veronica completed her J.D. studies at the University of Richmond School of Law, where she served as senior member of the Richmond Journal of Law and the Public Interest, as well as the Community Service Chair of the Animal Law Society.
In her free time, Veronica enjoys spending time with her family, friends and two fur babies, Winston and Champ. She also enjoys traveling, anything music related, and tackling DIY home improvement projects with her husband.
JOSEPH R. AMONETT
Divorce Lawyers
Joseph R. Amonett is an experienced criminal defense and family law attorney at Dominion Law. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University and graduated at the top of his class. He continued his success in law school and developed a passion for helping people during the most critical times of their lives. When your future is at stake, Joseph will ensure that your rights are protected and that your story is heard.
Bar Admissions:
Commonwealth of Virginia
State of Arizona (Inactive Status)
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia
Professional Organizations:
Virginia State Bar
Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
State Bar of Arizona
Mary A. Napier
Divorce Lawyers
Mary A. Napier, Esquire grew up in Hanover County, and is currently residing in Richmond, Virginia. She graduated with majors in psychology and justice studies from James Madison University before obtaining her juris doctor from Charleston School of Law in South Carolina.
Following law school, she began her career at the law firm of Cravens & Noll, P.C.—a general practice firm with offices in Chesterfield, Henrico and Colonial Heights, Virginia. Mary’s practice is devoted to family law and domestic relations (divorce, adoptions, custody and support).
Mary is an active member of the Virginia State Bar, and maintains an active role with the Chesterfield County Bar Association. Mary has successfully represented clients in all manner of divorce and family law cases, including custody and visitation disputes, adoptions, and support matters. Mary has also successfully represented clients in a variety of complex personal injury matters.
Mary Napier prides herself on maintaining close client relationships, allowing her to truly know her clients—knowledge which she then uses to excel in the courtroom. In her free time, Mary enjoys the company of her rescue dog, Yeller.
Richard W. Ferris
Divorce Lawyers
Richard Ferris attended Hampden-Sydney College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Richard then attended the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond, graduating with a J.D. Richard is a Member of the Virginia State Bar and is a Member of the United States Federal Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He began his legal career as a Legal Aid lawyer at Peninsula Legal Aid for four years where he represented hundreds of clients in civil matters before the Courts of Williamsburg, Matthews, Middlesex and Gloucester Counties as well as the Social Security Administration and the Virginia Employment Commission and other administrative bodies. He later became Associate Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, where he lobbied the Virginia General Assembly on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Issues. He practiced Civil and Constitutional Rights law, conducting litigation in the Federal and State Courts throughout Virginia including the Virginia Court of Appeals and Virginia Supreme Court.
Areas of Practice
Uncontested Divorce
Bankruptcy
Estate Planning
Real Estate Document Drafting
Social Security Disability
Bar Admissions
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia
Education
University of Richmond, The T.C. Williams School of Law, Richmond, Virginia
J.D.
Hampden-Sydney College
B.A., Bachelor of Arts
Major: Political Science
Professional Associations and Memberships
Virginia State Bar, Member
Past Employment Positions
Peninsula Legal Aid, Legal Aid lawyer
American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, Associate Director
Having the best divorce lawyer in Richmond, VA, can provide several benefits when going through a divorce in Virginia. Here are some of the advantages:
Knowledge of Virginia Laws: The divorce process and laws governing divorce vary from state to state. A top divorce lawyer in Richmond will have a deep understanding of Virginia’s divorce laws, ensuring that your case is handled in compliance with state regulations.
Legal Expertise: A skilled divorce attorney will provide expert guidance on issues such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected.
Objective Advice: Divorce can be emotionally charged, making it challenging to make rational decisions. A divorce lawyer can offer you objective advice and help you make informed choices during this difficult time.
Negotiation Skills: Many divorce cases are resolved through negotiation rather than going to court. A knowledgeable lawyer can negotiate effectively on your behalf, striving to achieve a fair settlement and potentially saving you time and money.
Legal Documentation: Divorce involves a substantial amount of paperwork, including legal documents and court filings. A top divorce lawyer will handle all the necessary paperwork accurately and ensure it is submitted on time.
Court Representation: If your divorce case does proceed to court, a skilled attorney will represent your interests effectively before a judge, presenting your case, cross-examining witnesses, and advocating for your rights.
Asset Protection: If you have substantial assets or complex financial holdings, a divorce lawyer can help protect your financial interests and ensure a fair division of property.
Child Custody and Support: If you have children, a top divorce lawyer will work to secure a fair and appropriate child custody arrangement and child support agreement that is in the best interests of your children.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Some divorces can be resolved through mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods. A knowledgeable attorney can represent you during these processes and help you reach a mutually acceptable agreement with your spouse.
Post-Divorce Issues: After the divorce is finalized, there may be post-divorce issues such as modification of custody or support orders. A trusted attorney can assist you in addressing these ongoing legal matters.
Now, let’s clarify the difference between divorce and separation:
Divorce: Divorce is a legal process that officially ends a marriage. In a divorce, the court issues a judgment that dissolves the marital relationship, allowing both parties to remarry if they wish. It involves the division of assets, determination of alimony (if applicable), and decisions about child custody and support. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are no longer legally married.
Separation: Separation, on the other hand, is a legal status where a married couple lives apart but remains legally married. During a separation, couples may address issues such as property division, child custody, and support arrangements. Separation can be a step toward divorce, but it does not officially end the marriage. In some cases, couples choose to reconcile after a period of separation, while others proceed with divorce.
In Virginia, there are two types of separation: living separate and apart with the intent to divorce (which can be grounds for a no-fault divorce) or having a legal separation agreement in place, which outlines the terms of separation, including property division, spousal support, and child custody and support arrangements. It’s important to note that legal separation in Virginia does not automatically lead to divorce; it’s a separate legal process from divorce.