Best Family Lawyer in Washington, DC
Carlos Lopez
Family Lawyer
As a family lawyer serving Washington DC, I am here to ensure that your best interests are fully represented through effective, affordable and compassionate legal representation.
With every consultation we will provide you with our assessment on the weaknesses and strengths of your case, what to expect moving forward and an estimate of legal fees; so you can better budget the expected legal cost.
I obtained a B.S Chemical Engineering with Magna Cum Laude from Florida International University.
Eventually, I attended the Columbus School of Law evening program which has consistently been ranked as one of the top 30 evening programs in the nation.
The American Intellectual Property Law Association has also recognized my high quality of work in the field of intellectual property law.
As part of my pro-bono work, I am the legal counsel for Assisting Children in Need (ACN). ACN is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that envisions a world where all children not only have a home, but also access to education, medical care, counseling, and the independent living skills and vocational training necessary for them to grow into self-reliant adults.
David Stein
Family Lawyer
Helping families resolve difficult life issues is the mainstay of work provided at the Barkat Law Firm, in Washington, D.C. People in relationships often have disputes that may escalate, causing extreme stress, emotional turmoil and financial difficulties. Attorney Sheraz Barkat helps his clients develop creative and productive solutions.
Attorney Sheraz Barkat is an experienced DC divorce attorney who provides complete legal services in the area of law practice regulated by Family Law. He has been licensed to practice law for 10 years, and offers a free phone consultation to discuss your concerns about family law issues or general law practice matters.
Sheraz has extensive experience helping people work thorough problems including Divorce, Separation, Child Custody & Support, Alimony and other matters that may arise during a relationship.
Sheraz Barkat attended the West Virginia University College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor Law Degree there, in 2008. Before entering his law career, he worked for several years as a Congressional Staffer for Senator John D. Rockefeller IV in the United States Senate. Sheraz also studied International Law and Comparative Family Law in Sydney, Australia. He appears frequently before the D.C. Superior Court’s Domestic Relations Branch.
Sheraz opened his law firm in 2013, shortly after he was licensed to practice law in D.C., in 2012. He was honored as the DC Young Entrepreneur of the Week, by DC Young Entrepreneurs, in 2013. Sheraz was also honored as a Rising Star, by Super Lawyers, every year since 2017. Attorney Barkat belongs to the American Bar Association, the District of Columbia Bar Association and the South Asian Bar Association. He has volunteered with the District of Columbia Volunteer Lawyers Project and the Veterans Pro Bono Consortium. Sheraz has also lectured with Divorce Mediation Training, a national mediation certification program.
Jenna J Moheyer
Family Lawyer
Jennifer “Jenna” Moheyer, is a nationally-known, 5-star Family Lawyer based in the Washington D.C. area. Clients and colleagues consider her a fierce fathers’ rights advocate and legal strategist, affectionately nicknaming her “The Heart-Core Lawyer” for her evolutionary and heart-centered approach to guiding clients through Divorce.
Committed to improving legal access for families nationwide, she founded 501c3 charitable non-profit “The National Divorce Support Alliance” (DivorceSupport.org), where she teaches the Transformative Divorce ™ practice model, and hosts a FREE dial-in Strategy & Support group on Tuesday nights for over 16 years, to help anyone who cannot afford an attorney.
What you’ll find when working with Jenna is a fierce-ally, a compassionate Counsellor, and an outside-the-box thinker with a “CAN DO” mentality that finds ways to save you time, money, energy (and sanity) during your legal journey.
Sebastian Krop
Family Lawyer
Mr. Krop has significant experience in PERM labor certifications and employment-based adjustments as well as nonimmigrant petitions for specialized knowledge employees, treaty investors, individuals of extraordinary ability, skilled workers and other professional employees with or without advanced degrees. He advises clients with regard to the intricacies of nonimmigrant visa petitions, and the preparation of immigrant based petitions and naturalization cases. Mr. Krop has broad experience drafting appeals, waivers, court motions and briefs, and represents clients at USCIS interviews and in immigration court proceedings.
Mr. Krop represents clients in all aspects of family law including custody and visitation, divorce, division of marital property, spousal and child support and domestic violence matters. He is trained in collaborative law, mediation and arbitration. Mr. Krop works together with his clients to resolve their family law matters through negotiation, mediation, collaborative law and, when necessary, litigation.
Education:
David A. Clarke School of Law, Washington, District of Columbia, J.D. 2006
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, B.A. Philosophy 2000
Bar and Court Admissions:
District of Columbia Court of Appeals
Maryland Court of Appeals
Professional, Business and Civic Affiliations:
American Bar Association, Member
Montgomery County Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member
Pro Bono Activities:
District of Columbia Pro Bono Guardian Ad Litem Program
District of Columbia Superior Court, Self-Help Clinic
Montgomery Country Circuit Court, Family Law Self-Help Clinic
Pawnee A. Davis
Family Lawyer
Pawnee A. Davis is the Principal Attorney and Owner of the firm, providing leadership and guidance to her team. She is a tenacious advocate for her clients as well as a naturally analytic problem solver. While empathetic and compassionate with clients, she fights hard to achieve the objectives for each matter and guides her team to do the same.
With over 16 years of experience as a practicing attorney, Ms. Davis provides expertise in moderate to high-net-worth contested divorces, high-conflict divorces, uncontested divorces, contempt and modification matters, child custody and child support, visitation, jurisdictional (UCCJEA) issues, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. For some time, she also handled civil domestic violence matters, and never lost a domestic violence trial.
Prior Experience: On top of her legal experience, Ms. Davis had a successful investigative and audit career in financial and non-financial matters with the nation’s leading professional services organization, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), in Washington, D.C. Ms. Davis served as a Senior Analyst for the GAO, and she helped the agency provide fact-based, non-partisan information, analysis, and recommendations to Congress and the public for a decade.
Education: Ms. Davis holds a J.D. in Law; M.A. in Public Administration (which she earned summa cum laude and with Distinction); and B.A. in Government. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law where she served as an Editor for 2 years on the Journal of Technology, Law, and Policy after earning the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for her excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
R Sullivan
Family Lawyer
Since 2010, Attorney Sullivan has focused her practice on issues related to domestic relations, including divorce, custody, relocation, child support, spousal support, premarital agreements, cohabitation agreements, LGBTQ domestic relations, and domestic violence. Attorney Sullivan also is trained and available to serve as a neutral facilitator / mediator.
Before opening her own law firm, Attorney Sullivan worked as a partner in a premier domestic relations law firm in the District of Columbia, practicing domestic relations law in the District of Columbia and Maryland. Attorney Sullivan has litigated complicated matters in District of Columbia and Maryland Courts, and is comfortable presenting and arguing complex legal or factual issues.
- Attorney Sullivan began her legal career working with survivors of domestic violence in a legal services office in northeastern Ohio, and maintains a commitment to advocating against domestic abuse. She understands the complex nature of abusive relationships, and the dynamic effect domestic violence has on domestic relations legal issues.
Attorney Sullivan frequently works with other professionals to further client goals. Such professionals may include real estate agents, parenting coordinators, child therapists, custody evaluators, tax professionals, certified public accountants, or lawyers with expertise in related areas of law such as tax, trusts and estates, or immigration law. Attorney Sullivan also works with other domestic relations attorneys as co-counsel or local counsel, particularly in cases involving allegations of domestic violence.
Attorney Sullivan maintains an office in the District of Columbia and her practice includes the District of Columbia and surrounding counties in Maryland. In addition to the District of Columbia, Attorney Sullivan has litigated matters in Montgomery County, Howard County, Harford County, Prince George’s County, and Anne Arundel County.
Sogand Zamani, Esq.
Family Lawyer
Sogand Zamani represents individuals for many years in all aspects of family and domestic relations law since the inception of the firm. She advocates for individuals seeking to form families through adoption or assisted reproductive technology (ART) and helps individuals separate and divorce from their partners in a dignified, practical manner that protects their future.
Sogand strives to provide all of her clients with superior service, no matter the complexity of the case. Her practice regularly includes complex divorce involving high value assets, domestic and international custody disputes, mediated, Collaborative and litigated divorce, adoption, and assisted reproductive technology. Sogand is known for her personal approach to clients, ability to gain her clients trust, her focus on the welfare of children during representation, and her skilled representation of clients to protect their financial security. Sogand practices Collaborative law because she believes in finding solutions to legal issues with dignity, civility, and in a less costly and effective manner than litigation.
Sogand received her Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School. There, she was Executive Articles Editor of the American Intellectual Property Law Association Quarterly Journal, a member of the Moot Court Board and Mock Trial Board, Champion of the Cohen & Cohen Mock Trial Competition and intern with the Honorable Judge Peter J. Messitte at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Maryland.
She received a Master of Arts from Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and a Bachelor of Science cum laude from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. Sogand is also proficient in French and Persian.
Jesse A. Gadson
Family Lawyer
Firm founder Jesse A. Gadson is an aggressive and strong litigator but he is also compassionate. He is known as a ‘fighter’ in the most positive sense of the word. At the Law Offices of Jesse A. Gadson, we understand that divorce and family law issues are very difficult emotionally. We get to know our clients personally. It is our goal to alleviate some of the stress that you are feeling by handling the legal aspects with experience and knowledge. If you have a legal issue, you need an attorney who listens and who will help you get to the other side of your problem.
Education
National Adoption Day
National Adoption Day is a special annual event celebrated across the United States to raise awareness about the thousands of children in foster care awaiting permanent, loving families. It is an opportunity to recognize the importance of adoption, support adoptive families, and highlight the need for finding homes for children who need stability, care, and support. National Adoption Day is typically observed on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, a time of year symbolizing family and togetherness, making it the perfect occasion to celebrate adoption.
The Purpose of National Adoption Day
The primary purpose of National Adoption Day is to bring attention to the over 100,000 children in the U.S. foster care system who are waiting to be adopted. Many of these children have spent years in foster care and may have faced multiple placements, leading to a lack of stability. National Adoption Day provides a platform to advocate for these children, promote the adoption process, and help families navigate the journey of adoption.
The History of National Adoption Day
National Adoption Day was founded in 2000 through a collaboration of multiple organizations dedicated to child welfare and adoption, including the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, The Alliance for Children’s Rights, and the Freddie Mac Foundation. The event was created to promote the adoption of children from foster care and to encourage courts to finalize adoptions on a specific day, helping raise awareness of the need for adoptive families.
The first National Adoption Day saw courts across nine states come together to finalize adoptions and celebrate the importance of adoptive families. Since then, the event has grown significantly, with courts in all 50 states participating, finalizing the adoptions of thousands of children on this special day.
Celebrating National Adoption Day
Each year, courts, adoption agencies, child welfare advocates, and families come together to celebrate National Adoption Day. The day is marked by several key activities:
Finalizing Adoptions: One of the most significant aspects of National Adoption Day is that many courts across the country open their doors to finalize adoptions. On this day, hundreds of children officially become part of their adoptive families. The court proceedings are often celebratory, with balloons, toys, and family-oriented events to mark the occasion.
Raising Awareness: National Adoption Day is a critical time for raising public awareness about the need for adoptive families. Many organizations hold events, workshops, and informational sessions to educate the public about the adoption process and to encourage prospective parents to consider adopting a child from foster care.
Celebrating Families: Families who have already adopted children or are in the process of adopting are celebrated on National Adoption Day. Community events, family picnics, and parties are often organized to bring adoptive families together to share their stories, provide support, and celebrate the joy of adoption.
Advocating for Foster Children: National Adoption Day also serves as a platform for advocacy. Child welfare organizations use the event to highlight the ongoing need for permanent homes for foster children and to advocate for policy changes that make the adoption process smoother and more accessible to families.
The Importance of Adoption
Adoption provides children with a permanent and loving family, offering stability, emotional support, and the opportunity to thrive. For children in foster care, being adopted means no longer facing the uncertainty of moving between foster homes and instead having the security of a forever family.
Stability and Security: Many children in foster care have experienced instability, neglect, or trauma. Adoption gives them the chance to grow up in a supportive and nurturing environment where they can heal, develop, and achieve their full potential.
Opportunities for Growth: Adoptive families provide children with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, including access to education, healthcare, and emotional support.
Sense of Belonging: Adoption gives children a sense of belonging and identity. Being part of a family helps them build lasting relationships and develop a sense of security and self-worth.
Challenges and Opportunities in Adoption
While National Adoption Day is a time of celebration, it is also a reminder of the challenges that still exist in the adoption process. The adoption system can be complex, and for many prospective parents, the legal, financial, and emotional hurdles can be daunting.
Legal Complexities: The legal process of adoption can be lengthy and complicated, especially when dealing with the foster care system. Many families face delays or challenges in finalizing adoptions due to bureaucracy or legal roadblocks.
Financial Concerns: Adoption can be costly, with fees for legal services, home studies, and other expenses. While many adoptive families receive financial assistance through grants or subsidies, the cost remains a barrier for some.
Emotional Impact: Both children and adoptive parents may experience emotional challenges during and after the adoption process. Children from foster care may struggle with feelings of loss, trauma, or attachment issues, while adoptive parents may face challenges in meeting their child’s emotional needs.
Despite these challenges, the rewards of adoption are immense. National Adoption Day is an opportunity to remind prospective families that adoption is not only possible but also a profoundly meaningful way to build a family.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways individuals and communities can support National Adoption Day and help foster children find permanent homes:
Become an Adoptive Parent: If you’re considering adoption, National Adoption Day is a great time to start exploring the process. Reach out to local adoption agencies, attend informational events, and learn about the children in need of a forever family.
Volunteer: Many child welfare organizations rely on volunteers to support their efforts. You can volunteer your time to help organize events, assist families going through the adoption process, or raise awareness about the need for adoptive families.
Advocate: Use your voice to advocate for children in foster care. Whether it’s by sharing information on social media, contacting lawmakers to support child welfare legislation, or participating in awareness campaigns, advocacy can help improve the lives of children waiting for adoption.
Donate: Consider donating to organizations that support adoption, such as the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption or local foster care programs. Your donations can help provide resources for children and families and make the adoption process more accessible.
Conclusion
National Adoption Day is a celebration of the families who open their hearts and homes to children in need and a reminder of the thousands of children still waiting for their forever families. It highlights the transformative power of adoption and the importance of creating stable, loving homes for children in foster care. By raising awareness, supporting adoptive families, and encouraging others to get involved, National Adoption Day makes a lasting impact on the lives of children across the country.