Best Divorce Lawyers Roanoke va
Samantha Smith
Divorce Lawyers
The field of law is one of the only careers that truly allows you to make a direct difference in people’s lives.
I was drawn to the practice of family law, specifically, because I knew I wanted to help people through these difficult times.
I have a driven, competitive nature and a passion for public speaking, which also prepares me to take on courtroom appearances that are sometimes required in family law cases.
When I work with my clients, I want to ensure they understand all of their options and are prepared to make decisions that they feel comfortable with throughout every step of this process.
If they want to stay out of court and attempt a settlement, I will fight for that decision. If they do not feel comfortable with a presented settlement, I won’t push them into one.
J. Emmette Pilgreen IV
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Emmette Pilgreen is a litigator who represents clients in divorce and criminal defense cases. Emmette graduated with a degree in business and accounting from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia in 1990. He earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in Columbia, South Carolina in 1993.
While attending law school, Emmette was the Associate Editor-In-Chief of the South Carolina Law Review and taught Legal Writing at the University of South Carolina.
Emmette has over 20 years of experience handling cases in all courts in Virginia. He provides aggressive and intelligent representation to all of his clients. He has represented his clients in multi million dollar divorce cases and defended other clients against murder and rape charges. Emmette seeks the best results for his clients and is always ready to go to trial when the opposition is unwilling to give his clients everything they deserve.
Areas Of Practice
- Family Law 60%
- Criminal Law 25%
- Personal Injury 5%
- Estate Planning 5%
- General Litigation 5%
Bar Admissions
- Virginia, 1993
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia, 1994
- U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia, 1994
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 1993
- U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit, 1994
Education
- University of South Carolina School of Law, Columbia, South Carolina
- J.D. – 1993
- Washington & Lee University, Lexington, Virginia
- B.S.
- Major: Business Administration and Accounting
David W. Steidle
Divorce Lawyers
David W. Steidle is one of the most respected and recognized trial lawyers in Southwest Virginia. In fact, he was voted “Best Lawyer” in Roanoke according to Roanoker Magazine in 2014. The Steidle & Gordon Attorneys at Law was also nominated for Small Business of the Year in 2012, 2013, and 2014 by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.
He has more than 15 years of experience in both civil and criminal trial work. He regularly undertakes complex cases that are about to go to trial. He has tried, to conclusion, thousands of cases. These cases have ranged from divorce, custody and criminal to traffic, DUI, and personal injury.
In 2003, he was inducted into the Commonwealth of Virginia Bar Association. He’s worked as both a public defender and prosecutor, giving him a strong perspective for “how to win.”
Mr. Steidle has a lovely wife, Samantha and an adorable daughter, Olivia, both of whom he loves with his whole heart.
Eric Spencer
Divorce Lawyers
Practice Areas
- Domestic Law – Divorce & Child Custody
- Criminal Law – Expungement & Juvenile Crime
- Family Law
- Estate Planning – Wills & Trusts
- Matrimonial Law
- Separation
- Traffic Law – Reckless Driving & DUI/DWI
Current Employment Positions
- Attorney
Bar Admissions
- Virginia, 1977
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia, 1977
- U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia, 1977
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court Western District of Virginia, 1977
Professional Associations
- American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member, 1993 to 1996
- American Bar Association, Committee on Paternity, Member, 1993 to 1996
- American Bar Association, Committee on Bankruptcy, Member, 1993 to 1996
- American Bar Association, Committee on Divorce Laws and Procedures, Member, 1993 to 1996
- Virginia State Bar
- Roanoke Bar Association, Bankruptcy and Divorce Laws and Procedures, Member, 1993 to 1996
- Virginia State Bar, Special Committee on Lawyer Referral, Member, 1994-2003, 2007
- Virginia State Bar, Special Committee on Lawyer Referrals, Co-Chairman, 1997 to 2001
- Virginia State Bar, Special Committee on Lawyer Referrals, Chairman, 2002 to 2003
- CLLA
Education
- The College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law, Williamsburg, Virginia
- J.D. – 1977
- University of Virginia, Virginia
- B.A. – 1974
Pro-Bono Activities
- Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership Steering Committee, City Council Appointed Member, 1987 to 1991
Classes / Seminars
- Adjunct Professor, Real Estate Law, Family Law, Legal Ethics, Trial Preparation and Corporations, Paralegal Program, Virginia Western Community College, 1986 to Present
- Internship Program Head, 1986 to 1990
Nanda Davis
Divorce Lawyers
I opened Davis Law Practice in Roanoke, Virginia, in 2014. Since then, I have built a firm that specializes in taking on a limited number of clients to ensure they all get the attention their cases deserve. I love my work, both inside and outside of the courtroom, and I am continually inspired by the resilience and strength of my clients.
Background and Education
I grew up in Northern Virginia and I attended the University of Virginia as an undergrad. Before going to law school, I spent a year working towards my master’s in Clinical Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. However, prior to completing my master’s I decided to go to law school. I graduated magna cum laude from George Mason School of Law and passed the Virginia State Bar in 2012. While I have no regrets about my decision to go to law school, I frequently use my social work skills as I counsel my clients and guide them through emotionally turbulent divorces.
I am a mom to two wonderful boys. I have enjoyed coaching both of their soccer teams through the YMCA, and I enjoy swimming, hiking, baking, and reading with them. However, becoming a mom opened my eyes to the enormous demands placed on caregivers to children. I use that perspective to ensure my clients get a fair hearing by presenting these demands in a clear and persuasive manner.
For years I trained in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and I have competed in multiple grappling tournaments. My time with martial arts taught me discipline and fearlessness, and I’ve applied those lessons to my practice of law.
Involvement in Attorney Organizations
I was selected by the Virginia State Bar and Virginia Lawyers Weekly as a 2020 recipient of the Influential Women of Law award. I am currently a member and the past president of both the Salem Roanoke County Bar Association and the Roanoke Chapter of Virginia Women’s Attorney’s Association (VWAA). Additionally, I have been active on the boards for both the local and statewide VWAA. Because I believe that the achievements of women lawyers have not always been as visible as those of our male counterparts, I founded the Member Recognition Committee with the Roanoke VWAA.
Vicki L. Francois
Divorce Lawyers
Vicki was just named to the 2021 Influential Women of Law class by the Virginia Lawyers Weekly. This award honors women attorneys and judges for their “excellent work on behalf of the justice system and for their clients, their commitment to their communities and their service to the profession.” Vicki has also received the prestigious AV Preeminent rating by Martindale Hubbell, and this rating is only held by 10% of all attorneys. It is the highest rating awarded to lawyers for over 130 years which is based on solely on peer reviews, and it reflects Vicki’s strong legal abilities and high ethical standards.
In November 2021, Vicki was also named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. The American Bar Foundation limits membership to just 1% of lawyers practicing in each state. Fellows are distinguished attorneys whose public and private careers have demonstrated “outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and to the welfare of society.”
In 2022, Vicki was designated as a Qualified Master Counselor in Trial Practice and Litigation and she was also designated as a Qualified Master Counselor in Divorce and Family Law Practice by The Virginia Law Foundation (2022-2024). In fact, she is the very first lawyer (and currently, the only lawyer) in Virginia to earn a dual designation.
Vicki obtained a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. She then obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Oklahoma City School of Law, where she was awarded Order of the Barristers in recognition of excellence of courtroom advocacy.
As an experienced and assertive trial attorney, Vicki has successfully litigated in every level of the Virginia state courts. Her most recent victory was a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court of Virginia in 2020 (Larsen v. Stack, 298 Va. 683). In 2020, she was also selected to serve as the Subcommittee Chair of the Eighth District Disciplinary Committee reviewing complaints against area attorneys for the Virginia State Bar. In 2021, she was awarded the Platinum Client Champion award by Martindale-Hubbell in recognition of her commitment to providing the best client service.
Johnson, Neal S.
Divorce Lawyers
Neal S. Johnson received his undergraduate degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and a Masters Degree in Administration from George Washington University. He received his juris doctor degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 1981. He served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association from 1993 until 1998. He is a member of and active in numerous bar associations including the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the Virginia State Bar, and the Virginia Bar Association. Mr. Johnson has a peer rating with Martindale Hubbel of AV (preminent); has been selected as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in Virginia; and also selected as a SuperLawyer in Virginia.
Mr. Johnson has over 34 years of trial experience in civil and criminal litigation in both state and federal courts. Mr. Johnson has devoted most of his professional time in the representation of individuals who have sustained devastating personal injury whether it be caused by defective products, medical negligence or other forms of negligence; the representation of individuals or businesses involved in complex commercial litigation; the representation of individuals in divorce litigation; and the representation of individuals charged with serious criminal offenses including capital murder. In the personal injury area, representation includes individuals injured by medical negligence, serious automobile accidents, and products such as L-Trytophan, Propulsid, DPT vaccines, defective vehicles, defective food products, breast implants, fireworks, and other products. Mr. Johnson also has experience in employment litigation and federal civil rights litigation, including litigation under Title VII, § 1983, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA). He has successfully handled complex commercial litigation including disputes between limited partners and the general partner of a limited partnership, and claims of violation of the Virginia Trade Secrets Act. Other clients have included Washington and Lee University in employment litigation, Roanoke County in land-use litigation, and County Sheriffs in litigation involving claims of discrimination. In the past, Mr. Johnson has been designated as counsel for the handling of civil rights claims against State officials by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Division of Risk Management and also designated as counsel for the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner for condemnation cases in the Lexington, Rockbridge County, Bath County, Alleghany County, areas. He has served as a hearing officer for special education matters and state grievance matters.
Sheila Moheb
Divorce Lawyers
Sheila Moheb is criminal litigation attorney serving the Commonwealth of Virginia, A graduate from the University of Richmond (B A English/Sociology) and the University of Richmond School of Law (J.D.), she is admitted to practice before the Virginia and Georgia Bars and has served as a criminal defense attorney in ten different judicial circuits. During law school, she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Richmond Journal of Law and the Public interest, and she clerked for the Court of Appeals of Virginia. While working at the Court of Appeals, she developed a passion for criminal defense and litigation.
Sheila Moheb is a member of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and American Inns of Court. She has provided legal counsel for criminal defendants in over twenty-five jurisdictions across the Commonwealth, and she has represented both In-state and out-of-state motorists charged with traffic offenses and criminal misdemeanors in Virginia.
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- Criminal Law
- DUI/DWI
- Drug Violations
- Sex Offenses
- Traffic Violations
- Reckless Driving
- Out of State Traffic Tickets
- BUI/BWI
- Underage Drinking
- College Student Crimes
- Family Law
- Divorce
- Custody & Visitation
- Child Support
- Domestic Violence & Neglect
- Internet Crimes
Bar Admissions
- Virginia
- Georgia
- U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia
Education
- University of Richmond, School of Law, Richmond, Virginia
- J.D.
- University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia
- Bachelor of Arts with Honors (Dean’s List)
- Major: English and Sociology
- Minor: Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Certainly! Let’s first discuss the benefits of having the best divorce lawyer in Roanoke, VA:
Expertise in Virginia Divorce Laws: The best divorce lawyer in Roanoke, VA will have a deep understanding of the specific divorce laws and regulations in Virginia. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring that your rights are protected and that the legal process is followed correctly.
Local Court Knowledge: Experienced divorce lawyers in Roanoke will be familiar with the local court system, judges, and procedures. This familiarity can be instrumental in predicting how a case might unfold and in crafting strategies tailored to the local legal environment.
Specialization in Family Law Matters: Top divorce lawyers are well-versed in various aspects of family law, including child custody, visitation rights, child support, spousal support, and property division. They can provide expert advice and representation in these critical areas.
Strong Negotiation Skills: A skilled divorce lawyer is an adept negotiator. They can advocate on your behalf to achieve favorable settlements, ensuring that your interests are protected and that you receive a fair share of marital assets.
Emotional Support and Objectivity: Divorce can be an emotionally trying process. A divorce lawyer can offer objective advice and support, helping you make rational decisions that are in your best interest, even when emotions are running high.
Preventing Costly Mistakes: Without legal representation, individuals may make costly errors in their divorce proceedings. A skilled lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls, potentially saving you money and stress in the long run.
Child Custody and Support Advocacy: If children are involved, a top divorce lawyer will work tirelessly to protect your rights as a parent. They’ll aim to establish custody arrangements that are in the best interests of the children and ensure that child support is determined accurately.
Asset and Property Division: Dividing assets and property can be a complex process. A skilled divorce lawyer will work to ensure that this is done fairly and that you receive an equitable share of the marital assets.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: A top divorce lawyer can facilitate mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods, which can lead to a more amicable and cost-effective resolution, especially in cases where a trial may be avoided.
Post-Divorce Support: Even after the divorce is finalized, a good lawyer can provide guidance and support, especially in situations where modifications or enforcement of court orders may be necessary.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Going through a divorce is inherently stressful. Having a skilled lawyer can alleviate some of that stress by handling the legal aspects, allowing you to focus on your emotional well-being and other important matters.
Now, let’s discuss the difference between divorce and separation:
Divorce:
- Legal Status: Divorce is the legal dissolution or termination of a marriage. It ends the legal relationship between spouses.
- Finality: Once a divorce is granted, both parties are legally free to remarry.
- Property Division: In a divorce, assets and liabilities are typically divided between the spouses, either through agreement or court order.
- Child Custody and Support: Child custody, visitation, and support arrangements are determined as part of the divorce proceedings.
Separation:
- Legal Status: Separation is not a legal status, but rather a period during which spouses live apart. They are still legally married.
- Remarriage: While legally separated, spouses cannot remarry because they are still legally married.
- Property Division: In some cases, couples may establish agreements for how property and finances will be managed during the separation, but it’s not a legal requirement.
- Child Custody and Support: Similar to divorce, couples may establish arrangements for child custody, visitation, and support, but these are not legally binding until approved by a court.
It’s worth noting that legal separation is not recognized in all states, including Virginia. In Virginia, couples typically go through a process known as “separate maintenance” or “divorce from bed and board” which allows them to live separately but does not legally dissolve the marriage. If they later decide to divorce, they will need to go through formal divorce proceedings. It’s advisable to consult with a family law attorney for guidance specific to your situation and location.