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Best Family Lawyers in Virginia Beach

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2023
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Blessing Legal, PLC logo

Blessing Legal, PLC

908 Mediterranean Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
  • Alimony
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

Business Description

Blessing Legal, PLC, has offered its expertise in the area of family law to Virginia Beach since it opened its doors in 2010. Founder and principal attorney Kelly J. Blessing focuses her practice on dealing with uncontested divorce cases and reconciliation agreements. Blessing helps clients undergoing the process of separation by evaluating their circumstances, delivering legal options, and drafting agreements. She also aids individuals in matters relating to child custody, visitation, child and spousal support, and asset distribution.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Detail
Bob Jeffries & Associates, PC logo

Bob Jeffries & Associates, PC

1060 Laskin Rd Ste 22B, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Business Description

Bob Jeffries and Associates PC is a Virginia Beach lawyer who takes family law and divorce cases. Mr. Jeffries is an experienced litigator with more than 25 years of active practice. As state law disqualifies spouses who are guilty of adultery from receiving spousal support, he is well-versed in helping clients preserve their wealth. He also handles adoption, child custody, and domestic relations appeals. Mr. Jeffries speaks Russian and Spanish fluently.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Detail
Chaing Anders Attorneys at Law logo

Chaing Anders Attorneys at Law

1333 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

Business Description

Chaing Anders Attorneys at Law offers counsel and representation to clients in the Virginia Beach community. It provides legal assistance in various family law cases, including divorce, child and spousal support, custody, adoption, and pre-marital and post-marital agreements. Its lawyers utilize an analytical approach for collaborative agreements and complex litigations. They have more than 56 years of combined experience in family law practice. Founding attorney Cynthia Chaing serves as chairperson of the Virginia Beach Bar Association's CLASS Program.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
3.9 / 5 (30)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (5)
FindLaw
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Detail
Cheryl Eddy Benn, P.C. logo
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Cheryl Eddy Benn, P.C.

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700 Independence Blvd., Suite 102, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Cheryl Eddy Benn, P.C., handles family law matters in Virginia Beach and the neighboring areas. With over three decades of industry experience, it assists clients facing family issues involving child custody or support, divorce, legal separation, protective orders, and visitation rights. It also helps in preparing prenuptial and marital separation agreements. The woman-owned firm takes on other legal claims about criminal law and traffic violations. Founding attorney Benn has experience practicing law in New York State.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)
Yelp
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Detail
Frugal Legal Services logo
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Frugal Legal Services

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4445 Corporation Lane, Suite 142, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
  • Divorce

Business Description

Frugal Legal Services offers representation to Virginia Beach residents who have family law concerns. The firm handles divorces, adoptions, separation agreements, and property settlements. The team delivers online consultations and takes care of litigation and non-suit matters. Frugal Legal Services is a dba of Burroughs Law Office, which was founded in 2006. Managing lawyer Lawren D. Burroughs advocates for members of the LGBTQ+ community. She is a member of the LGBT Family Law Institute.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (17)
Google
5.0 / 5 (6)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Detail
Hadley Law PLC logo
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Hadley Law PLC

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128 S. Lynnhaven Road, St 202, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

Business Description

Hadley Law PLC is a multi-practice firm that represents individuals in Virginia Beach in matters involving family law, immigration, business, and misdemeanor criminal defense. Founder and managing attorney Cherish Hadley draws from over a decade of diverse litigation experience to bring case-specific solutions to her clients. Her family law practice also covers various issues related to divorce, custody, child support, and premarital and separation agreements. She handles custody issues by considering the child's best interests.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.7 / 5 (60)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (50)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (7)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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Harding, Harding & Harding Attorneys at Law logo
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Harding, Harding & Harding Attorneys at Law

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5366 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Business Description

Harding, Harding, & Harding, Attorneys at Law, is a law firm with offices in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk. It represents clients in divorce, including military divorce. Clients also hire the firm for help with adoption, separation agreements, and child custody, as well as spousal and child support. The firm was named as one of the 10 best law firms for client satisfaction by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Darrell Harding - Founding Partneractive yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Google
4.1 / 5 (58)
Avvo
2.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Jennifer D. Oram-Smith, P.C. logo

Jennifer D. Oram-Smith, P.C.

291 Independence Blvd Ste 241, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Business Description

Oram-Smith Family Law has provided legal services in Virginia Beach for more than 33 years. Principal attorney Jennifer D. Oram-Smith PC assists clients with all aspects of family law with a focus on military divorces and the division of military, civil service, and civilian pension plans. The firm also works in defense of victims of domestic violence. Ms. Oram-Smith is a member of the Virginia Beach and Virginia State Bar Associations as well as the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Jennifer Oram-Smith - Principalactive yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.7 / 5 (7)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Law Office of Simon J. Marle, PC logo

Law Office of Simon J. Marle, PC

2697 International Pkwy Ste 106, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Business Description

The Law Office of Simon J. Marle PC has provided legal representation in Virginia Beach for more than 21 years. The attorney works with clients involved with adoptions, name changes, and paternity actions. He has also served as guardian ad litem for children whose legal rights are threatened. Mr. Marle assists clients with managing all aspects of divorce with a focus on the unique circumstances surrounding military families. The firm's other practice areas include traffic violations and criminal defense.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Simon Marle - Principalactive yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Google
4.3 / 5 (41)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (12)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (6)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Melone Hatley, P.C. logo

Melone Hatley, P.C.

448 Viking Dr., Suite 170, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
  • Divorce

Business Description

Established in 2014, Melone Hatley, P.C., is a family law firm serving clients in Virginia Beach. Its lawyers take on cases related to separation, prenuptial agreements, child support, alimony, and divorce with special needs children. Rebecca Melone, its managing partner, received recognition as one of the Top 10 Under 40 Lawyers in 2016 by the NAFLA. She serves as a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. The firm also has offices in Fairfax and Loudoun.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (104)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
The Law Office of Elizabeth K. Barnes logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

The Law Office of Elizabeth K. Barnes

Visit WebsiteWebsite
303 34th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
  • Adoption
  • Child Custody

Business Description

The Law Office of Elizabeth K. Barnes assists Virginia Beach clients with their family legal matters. It uses a hands-on approach to resolving issues such as divorce, alimony, child support and custody, visitation, and parental relocation. The firm’s principal lawyer, Elizabeth K. Barnes, serves as a court-appointed guardian ad litem in abuse and neglect cases involving the Child Protective Services. She also represents juvenile offenders facing felony and misdemeanor charges. Barnes is a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)
The Law Office of Shantell S. Nashatka PLLC logo

The Law Office of Shantell S. Nashatka PLLC

2876 Guardian Ln, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
  • Divorce

Business Description

The Law Office of Shantell S. Nashatka, PLLC, is a private practice that serves residents in Virginia Beach and its surrounding areas. The firm represents clients in family law-related cases, covering contested, uncontested, and military divorce. It also handles matters concerning child support and non-parent rights. Its principal lawyer, Shantell Nashatka, offers counsel for same-sex couples. She also helps clients resolve issues on separation, pre-marital, and custody arrangements. Shantell received her Juris Doctor in 2003.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.5 / 5 (8)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Weaver Law Services logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Weaver Law Services

Visit WebsiteWebsite
600 One Columbus Center, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
  • Child Custody

Business Description

Weaver Law Services serves clients in Virginia Beach with family law issues. Its legal team primarily focuses on handling cases related to child custody and visitation, child support, domestic violence, foster care, truancy, and child in need of supervision petitions. It also assists clients in the preparation, drafting, and execution of estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, and durable powers of attorney. Lawyer Margaret Weaver has been in practice for more than 17 years and is a member of the Concerned Lawyers Advocating for Spousal Safety.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Avvo
4.1 / 5 (7)
Google
4.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kinds of cases do family lawyers handle?

    Family lawyers handle all types of family-related issues, including divorce, child support and spousal support, custody, adoption, paternity and guardianship. Family attorneys can also handle prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and divide marital assets based on the policies outlined in these documents. Domestic violence cases are also within the purview of family law attorneys.

  • Is family court different from district court?

    In most states, family court is a division of the district court rather than a separate court system. Family law judges primarily preside over family disputes, such as divorce and custody hearings. Most states require family law judges to receive special training on how to best address family law matters.

  • How long do custody cases last in family court?

    The duration of custody cases can differ based on the circumstances surrounding the claim. A case in which parents agree to split custody can be quick, while lawsuits in which both parents or guardians are fighting for full custody can take much longer. Most child custody cases last three to 10 days, but this can vary under more challenging circumstances.

  • Why is there no jury in family court?

    There are no juries in family court cases because the concept of innocence or guilt does not apply. While there may be some cases in which additional opinions could be helpful, most cases are based on the letter of the law versus individual circumstances. Some states, including Texas, permit jury trials for family court cases, but this is uncommon.

  • What are the most common cases in family court?

    Family law covers a variety of different cases pertaining to familial relations. The most common cases in family court include:

    • Divorce cases, including settling issues of alimony, property distribution, and child care
    • Child custody and the determination of paternity
    • Domestic violence protection orders
    • Name changes, including modifications due to adoption or personal preference
    • Guardianship, including who will handle the care of a child or adult should current caretakers be unable to do so
    • Adoptions and the termination of parental rights
    • Juvenile matters, including child abuse and neglect, foster placements, and criminal conduct
    • Emancipation, which is the process of declaring a minor as independent from their parents
    • Approval of underage marriages

  • Do family lawyers handle mediation?

    Mediation can be a valuable part of a divorce case, counseling spouses to work through areas of disagreement in a fair, calm, and unbiased manner. Most, but not all, family lawyers handle mediation. Anyone who believes they may need intervention services is encouraged to ask about an attorney’s experience with resolving disputes, to ensure that support is available if necessary.