LGN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Member of the Family Law Section of the Vermont Bar Association
Amber provides comprehensive advice about the fairness and equity of proposed settlement agreements and has considerable litigation experience. When children are involved, Amber's goal is to help her clients obtain a resolution that is in the children's best interests and to secure a fair and equitable resolution with regard to their financial situation.
Amber includes mediation in her practice whenever appropriate and also serves as mediator for divorce and family law matters to assist parties in reaching an amicable resolution in a cost-effective way. Amber often serves as a mediator for parties who are either represented by attorneys or who represent themselves.
Professional Activities
Amber is past-president of the Vermont Bar Association, and a former member of the VBA Board of Managers. She previously served on the board as a representative of VBA's Young Lawyers Division and is a past-president of that group. She is a member of the Chittenden County Bar Association.
Amber is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. AAML applicants must have practiced primarily in the area of family law for at least ten years and must pass written and oral examinations, receive recognition as first-rate matrimonial lawyers by judges and peers, aspire to high ethical standards and demonstrate involvement in activities that elevate the standards and improve the practice of matrimonial law. AAML fellows are widely recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent family law practitioners with a high level of knowledge, skill and integrity.
Amber serves on the Vermont Bar Foundation Board which is a non-profit fundraising organization dedicated to equal access to justice.
Amber is also a Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, a select group of top family law trial lawyers from across the United States who practice complex family and matrimonial law in matters ranging from the simple, amicable divorce to the highly complicated, high-asset divorce as well as separation, custody, child support, alimony, post-divorce modifications, prenuptial agreements and other matrimonial matters.
Amber is an active member of the Family Law Section of the Vermont Bar Association and served as Section Chair from 2007 to 2008.
As a participant in the Military Family Law Pro Bono project in 2009, Amber helped to train lawyers on how to file and modify parental rights orders for deploying service members, what to include in proposed orders to provide for long-distance parenting and parent-child contact, how to consider military benefits in child-support calculations and other military-specific family law topics.
Amber also helped to draft the state's Military Parental Rights Act and testified before the Vermont legislature about the protections the bill offers to children when a divorced parent is deployed. The comprehensive bill, which Governor Douglas called "a model" for the rest of the nation, was signed into law in March 2010.
Job Titles:
- Owner in the Law Firm of Mattis Law
Amelia J. Mattis is an owner in the law firm of Mattis Law, A.P.C.
Ms. Mattis has represented clients in a variety of complex family law issues and has successfully litigated multi-day trials on behalf of the firm. She has prevailed in court regarding child custody move-away and relocation issues, defeated unwarranted requests for restraining orders, obtained court-ordered domestic violence restraining orders (DVROS) for clients who needed protection, prevailed in a variety of child custody requests and in opposition to child custody order modifications.
She is adept at the DissoMaster™ program the family courts use to calculate support and is able to work with clients to give them a projection of what support orders they can expect to receive or pay, as well as how to successfully apply for a reduction or increase in support. She has prevailed in evidence hearings involving issues to terminate spousal support. Amelia is skilled in "discovery" issues (such as interrogatories and depositions), which has successfully allowed significant evidence to be received by the Court.
Attorney Mattis enjoys working closely with clients to help them communicate effectively to the Court the issues that are important to them. She understands the process can be overwhelming and confusing and ensures clients understand their rights and options. She is sensitive to the delicate nature of client concerns and has experience with cases where domestic violence or child abuse is alleged, as well as obtaining child welfare services (CWS) and police reports.
Amelia graduated law school cum laude and was a staff member and editor on her school's law review. She was awarded several scholastic honors from her law school. Prior to that, Amelia graduated summa cum laude from the University of San Diego. She was a member of the Communications Studies Honor Roll.
Education
J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law
B.A., University of San Diego
Andrew B. Howie is a shareholder with the firm of Shindler, Anderson, Goplerud & Weese P.C. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1993, and his J.D. with distinction from the University of Iowa in 1996. He is licensed to practice in Iowa (1996), the Northern and Southern Districts of the U.S. District Court of Iowa (1996), Eighth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals (1996), and the U.S. Supreme Court (1999). After graduating from law school in 1996, he served as a clerk for the Iowa District Court in Burlington for a year. Mr. Howie has practiced in Polk County since 1997.
He primarily practices in appellate law, having appeared in over 200 rulings from Federal and Iowa's appellate courts, and hundreds of family law cases in trial court. He has been a member of the Iowa State Bar Association's Family and Juvenile Law Section since 2002, having served as its Chair (2009-10), Vice-chair (2008-09), and chair of its Forms and Practice subcommittee (2004-08, 2010-present). He has been a member of Iowa State Bar Association's Appellate Practice Committee since 2004 and served as its Chair from 2012 to 2013.
He was inducted into the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers as a Fellow in 2019. He also became a Fellow with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in 2015. In 2019, the National Board of Trial Advocacy board-certified him as a Trial Advocate in Family Law.
He authored the Iowa State Bar Association's "Family Law Manual", published in 2008, 2012, and 2018, which is primary tool for judges and attorneys throughout Iowa.
Andrew Leinoff is the founding and managing partner of the law firm of Leinoff & Lemos, P.A. He is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law (J.D., 1974) and an alumnus of The Ohio State University (B.A., 1971). Mr. Leinoff is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Mr. Leinoff has been recognized for years in national publications, including Robb Report Worth Magazine's Top 100 Lawyers In The US. He has also repeatedly been selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers magazine, The Best Lawyers in America, South Florida Legal Guide - Top Lawyers magazine and has been recognized by Florida Trend Legal Elite magazine. Mr. Leinoff is past president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and also a certified arbitrator.
Job Titles:
- Shareholder
- Head of Our Marital & Family Law Practice Group
Barry M. Wayne is a Shareholder and the Head of the Marital & Family Law Department. His experience spans over 34 years representing clients in virtually all facets of marital and family law matters, including complex divorces, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, paternity claims, and disputes that cross state and international borders. Barry's background enables him to guide his clients through the family law process of income and net worth analysis, business and other valuation matters, asset structure and debt analysis, division of complex marital estates, as well as all other issues unique to persons of financial means. His practice also includes protecting the rights of parents and their children, working proactively to conclude matters recognizing the paramount objective of their children's best interests. Barry has built a reputation for problem solving and affording clients the privacy and discretion required for successful completion of the issues facing their family.
Barry's clients have included corporate officers from a variety of endeavors, business owners, physicians, attorneys, financial and other professionals, professional athletes, investors, and their spouses.
Barry has been Florida Bar Board Certified in Marital and Family Law* since 1994. He has achieved Board Certification as a Family Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, which certifies attorneys based upon demonstrated substantial trial experience, submission of judicial and peer references, continuing education and quality of legal writing. Best Lawyers in America® has named Barry as the 2020 "Lawyer of the Year" for Family Law in Miami, a recognition awarded to one lawyer per year with the highest overall peer-feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region. Barry has also been AV® Preeminent™ Rated by Martindale Hubbell for over 25 years.
Barry M. Wayne, the head of our Marital & Family Law Practice Group, has been practicing marital and family law for more than 33 years. He has been Florida Bar Board Certified in Marital and Family Law since 1994. He has achieved Board Certification as a Family Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, which certifies attorneys based upon demonstrated substantial trial experience, submission of judicial and peer references, continuing education, and quality of legal writing. Best Lawyers in America® has named Barry as the 2020 "Lawyer of the Year" for Family Law in Miami, a recognition awarded to one lawyer per year with the highest overall peer-feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region.
Brian A. Ramey was born and raised in Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tennessee. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the spring of 1996 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemistry. Later, he attended the Florida State University where in the fall of 1998 he obtained a Master's of Science degree in Biochemistry. From 1999-2000 he was a doctoral student in Biochemistry at the University of Miami, Florida. During this time he discovered that his true passion and goal in life did not lie in the physical sciences, and he made the decision to attend the Florida State University College of Law, where he graduated in May of 2003.
Brian passed the state bar of Alabama and Georgia, and subsequently worked as a Guardian ad Litem and appointed counsel in the Juvenile Court of Russell County, Alabama; as well as, appointed criminal defense counsel in the Circuit Court of Russell County, Alabama.
In October of 2005, Brian established the law firm known as Brian A. Ramey, Attorney at Law. Since that time, he has worked in numerous areas of law with an emphasis on divorce, custody, child support and other family law related issues. Brian is committed to using his experience and extensive community contacts to fully represent the best interests of his clients.
Brian Ramey is committed to providing clients with quality legal services. Through responsible action, our firm represents clients in family law matters including divorce, separation, child custody, child support, visitation, equitable distribution of assets and debts, adoption, alimony, and modification cases.
Brian Ramey Attorney At Law focuses primarily on family law, specializing in divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and general family law cases in Georgia and Alabama, particularly Muscogee, Harris, Chattahoochee, Marion, Talbot, Lee and Russell counties. Mr. Ramey is committed to providing his clients with quality, cost-effective representation reflecting the highest diligence and integrity he has to offer. Mr. Ramey understands the unique challenges of family law cases and is ready to give you the help and support you need.
Carolyn Grimes is a partner in the firm, practicing in all areas of family law including divorce, spousal support, child custody, child support, equitable distribution, retirement issues, and prenuptial agreements, among other areas. She practices in all of the Circuit and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts in Northern Virginia and has argued before the Court of Appeals. She has lectured on family law topics ranging from custody to retirement issues, including military, federal, civilian and Foreign Service retirement issues, for various organizations in the Commonwealth. In addition to traditional litigation, Ms. Grimes practices law in the collaborative law model. She is also a mediator herself.
Consistently named a ‘Best Lawyer' (from 2014-2023), Ms. Grimes has also been honored as an AV Preeminent (2001-2022) and Gold Client Champion (2019-2021) by Martindale-Hubbell. In addition, she's been named a Top Lawyer by Northern Virginia Magazine Magazine (2011, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021), a Top Attorney by Arlington Magazine (2019-2021), and a Top Attorney by Washingtonian Magazine (2015) as well as many other top attorney designations- see full list below. Ms. Grimes actively serves the community as well. She was the 2009 and 2006 President of the Board of Directors for Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV), has served on its Board for many years and has performed many hours of pro bono work for the organization. She is a Past President of the Alexandria Bar Association, for which she has co-chaired the Pro Bono and Community Service Committee and chaired the "Beat the Odds" Program, a scholarship program for youths who have overcome adversity. She also participated in the American Bar Association program offering legal assistance to victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks.
In addition to traditional settlement and litigation practices, Ms. Grimes also practices in the area of collaborative law. Collaborative law is a process of alternative dispute resolution designed to keep the parties out of court. Counsel who have been trained in the collaborative law process and other professionals, such as financial professionals and custody experts, engage in a series of meetings with the clients designed to develop creative solutions to the issues in a divorce and agree on peaceful, practical solutions. Ms. Grimes has been trained in the collaborative model since 2006 and practices in this model as well as more traditional settlement or litigation models. She is also a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).
Ms. Grimes is also a mediator and can act as the neutral mediator for both parties. Mediation is also an alternative dispute resolution process designed to have parties agree outside of court proceedings. If you are interested in using Ms. Grimes as a mediator, please contact our office. One party may initiate the contact to set up the appointment but as a mediator, she needs to meet with both parties together for the mediation process.
HONORS AND AWARDS
2021-2022 AV Judicial Edition Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
2001-2022 AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
2022 Best Divorce Lawyer in Alexandria, VA by ThreeBestRated
2021 Woman Leader in The Law
2019-2022 Client Champion by Martindale-Hubbell
2018, 2021 Client Champion Silver Award by Martindale-Hubbell
2019-2021 Top Attorney by Arlington Magazine
2019 Gold Member by the Rule 6.1 Society for the Legal Services of Northern Virginia
2014-2023 Best Lawyers in America, U.S News & World Report
2019 Top-Rated Lawyer by Avvo
2016-2017 Top Rated Lawyers in Virginia, Richmond Magazine, Washington Post Magazine
2017 Best Women Lawyers in Virginia by Virginia Living magazine
2015 Top Attorney Washingtonian Magazine
2016 Top Rated Family Law Lawyer
2014-2019 Avvo.com Rating of 10.0
2011 Virginia's Leaders in the Law for 2011
2007-2022 Super Lawyers for Northern Virginia and Washington D.C.
2017-2022 Super Lawyers Top 100 in Virginia
2017-2022 Super Lawyers Top 50 Women in Virginia
2019, 2008, 2013-14 Legal Elite by Virginia Business Magazine
2011 - 2022 Top Lawyer by Northern Virginia Magazine
2018 Top Lawyer by Virginia Living magazine
2006 Local Bar Leader of the Year, Conference of Local Bar Associations, VSB
2001 Northern Virginia Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award, LSNV
2011-17 Virginia State Bar Council, Elected
Job Titles:
- Fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Attorney Cynthia P. Gilman, originally from Texas, has been a resident of New Hampshire for many years. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree, cum laude, from The University of New Hampshire and her Juris Doctor from The Massachusetts School of Law.
Job Titles:
- Board Certified Family Law Specialist
Mr. Stanford is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. A graduate of LSU's Paul M. Hebert Law Center, he has been practicing law since 1993. The majority of his practice is in the area of divorce and family law and he is experienced in all matters pertaining thereto, at both the trial and appellate court level. In addition, Mr. Stanford maintains a general litigation practice as well. He has represented clients in matters involving liquidations, contract disputes, employments disputes, oilfield litigation, contractor and construction disputes, redhibition and warranty disputes, property disputes and partitions, successions and various damage claims, both on the plaintiffs' and defendants' sides. Mr. Stanford has extensive litigation experience.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Levine Smith Snider & Wilson in 2014 As an of Counsel
David A. Garfinkel joined Levine Smith Snider & Wilson in 2014 as an of counsel attorney. He brings more than 30 years of family law experience to the firm and specializes in complex divorces, paternity, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, high-asset property division, custody, alimony, visitation and child-support issues.
Board certified by the Florida Bar Association as an expert in marital and family law, David is a leader both in the legal profession and in the community and has served as a chairman on multiple boards. He is recognized as a Martindale-Hubbell "AV Preeminent" lawyer, Best Lawyer in America, Super Lawyer, a Top 100 Family Law Attorney in Florida and also has been recognized by Florida Legal Elite and Georgia Legal Elite. While on the board of the Florida Family Law Equitable Distribution Committee, David co-drafted a proposed statute to submit to the state legislature. He has lectured frequently to attorneys and law students on various marital and family law topics. He is admitted to the bars of Georgia, Alabama and Florida.
David is married to Judy Mendel Garfinkel, whom he met while they were students in law school. They relocated to Atlanta in 2014 after living in Jacksonville, Fla. to join their three adult children and granddaughters who reside in Atlanta.
In and out of the courtroom, Diana L. Skaggs is on the forefront of new developments in the practice of family law and is recognized for her innovation in the field as well as her continued dedication to families, children and public service. She received the Louisville Bar Association's 2006 Revell Family Law Award in honor of these commitments. Past President of the Kentucky Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys, where she also served on the national Board of Governors, Skaggs takes an active role in professional organizations and frequently teaches other family law attorneys and judges at continuing legal education courses. She is A.V. rated by Martindale-Hubbell, listed in Best Lawyers in America in the field of family law (Copyright 2014 Woodward/White,Inc. of Aiken S.C.) and selected for inclusion in 2007 through 2014 Super Lawyers as being among the top 5% of family lawyers and one of the top 25 women lawyers in Kentucky across all fields of practice.
The Kentucky Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers honored her with its "Raising the Bar Award." Her most recent honor was being elected a Diplomate of The American College of Family Trial Lawyers, a national organization limited to 100 divorce litigators. Skaggs, who received her Juris Doctor degree from the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville in 1982, maintains professional memberships and has held offices in several regional and national organizations. She formed Diana L. Skaggs + Associates in 1999, although she has devoted her practice to family law for more than twenty-five years. In 2014, the firm name was changed to Diana L. Skaggs + Partners PLLC and Michelle Eisenmenger Mapes became a partner. Though the firm focuses on all aspects of divorce and family law, Skaggs concentrates her practice in complex financial divorce, including business valuation, trusts, tax, tracing of non-marital funds and integrated solutions for wealth management and preservation. "While most matters are settled privately, my extensive trial experience and our staffing allow us to handle complex litigation where necessary or appropriate," says Skaggs.
When it's time to talk, rely on Diana L. Skaggs + Partners, PLLC. Our firm is committed to assisting clients with divorce law and family law matters. We know your family is the most important part of your life, and you want only qualified advocates to assist you during times of difficulty. These personal matters can be emotionally trying for all parties involved, and we're here to help guide and counsel you through the legal process to find the best possible solution for you and your family.
Attorney Ed Dombroski similarly established himself as a leader in the practice of Family Law through zealous advocacy, including experience in international custody litigation under the Hague Convention, before the U.S. Federal District Court (First Circuit) and before the U.S. Court of Appeals.
In 2002, Margaret and Ed joined forces and soon thereafter established Travers | Dombroski, through a shared passion for the law and zealous advocacy for our clients' interests.
While Margaret has since retired, Ed and the Travers | Dombroski team continue the proud tradition of excellence and unwavering commitment to our clients. The Firm highly regards its place as a top Family Law firm in Massachusetts and has a passion for delivering unmatched representation to the clients we serve today and into the future.
Frances is not your typical attorney. She was inspired to become a lawyer by the struggles of her parents and numerous friends for whom the divorce process was especially challenging. Having studied psychology and social science in college, divorce law provided the perfect marriage of her educational experiences with the opportunity to make a personal difference in the lives of others.
Raised in Birmingham most of her life, Frances is the daughter of an Episcopal priest and a theological educator. The youngest of four children whose parents divorced after 25 years of marriage, Frances has personal insight about the experience of divorce from a child's perspective. The law is a second career for Frances; she went back to law school after more than twenty years of working in sales and management, and after spending several years as a full-time mom. Divorce law provided the perfect marriage of her personal experiences, her educational background, and her longing to help people through challenging times. Frances brings new meaning to the term, "counselor at law."
After practicing family law at The Crittenden Firm, PC for eight years, she and colleague Leigh Byers co-founded Nolan Byers, PC. Together, they designed a boutique family law firm that is dedicated to empowering clients who face the stress inherent to divorce and other matrimonial law matters.
Frances works to understand each client's goals and concerns and to educate them about options for achieving their desired outcomes. For some, the traditional court process provides the structure and security required. For others, private, out-of-court methods may be preferred.
Frances was instrumental in bringing Collaborative Divorce to Alabama. As a certified Collaborative lawyer, Frances co-founded and served as the inaugural President of Alabama's first Collaborative Practice Group, Birmingham Collaborative Alliance (BCA).
Helen Sfikas Rogers has practiced in Middle Tennessee for more than 30 years. Her efforts and results achieved in high-profile, high-asset and high-conflict divorce cases have made Rogers, Kamm & Shea a first-call resource for many successful business owners, executives, musicians, licensed professionals and their spouses when they need family law guidance and advocacy. Ms. Rogers heads a firm with 6 other experienced attorneys and 6 paralegals all trained to give quality help to clients in need
Helen Sfikas Rogers has been recognized by professional peers with an AV Preeminent peer-review rating* through Martindale-Hubbell and inclusion in Mid South Super Lawyers each year from 2009 through 2018, among numerous other honors. In addition to arguing dozens of cases before Tennessee and U.S. appellate courts, she has lectured and published widely on a range of family law, estate law and other legal topics. Ms. Rogers is a Rule 31 Certified Mediator and is also trained in collaborative law.
Chris Lombardo is a leading family lawyer and named partner at Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A., and is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law. Additional practice areas include Personal Injury, Civil and Commercial Litigation, and Appellate Practice.
Chris was a Member, Florida State University Law Review, 1981-1983. Member: Collier County and American Bar Associations. The Florida Bar, former Member Board of Governors and Board of Governors of the Young Lawyers Division.
Job Titles:
- Board Certified Specialist
- Member of Dunnam & Dunnam
Jim Dunnam is a Board Certified Specialist in both Civil Trial Law and Family Law. Jim was born and has spent his entire life in Waco. He graduated from Baylor University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and from Baylor Law School in 1987 with a Juris Doctor degree.
Since being licensed to practice law in 1988, Jim has worked as a member of Dunnam & Dunnam, where he is a partner. A considerable portion of Jim's time outside the office is spent working with his Labrador Retrievers, Daisy and Willow - frisbee being the preferred game of choice. Daisy and Willow are also weekly fixtures in Jim's office as the Dunnam & Dunnam unofficial mascots. Jim has been married to his wife, Michelle, for more 35 years, and the have three children and two grandchildren.
Jim was named Young Lawyer of the Year by Baylor University in 2001. Voters have named Jim one of Waco's Best Trial Lawyers and Best Business Lawyers in Wacoan Magazine on multiple occasions.. He is AV Rated Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and regularly selected as Super Lawyer. Among other positions, Jim has served on the Texas Supreme Court Rules Advisory Committee and the Texas Sunset Advisory Committee. During that time, he oversaw the full evaluation and re-authorization of the State Bar of Texas and the State Board of Law Examiners. Jim is a member of numerous organizations, including the Masonic Lodge, York and Scottish Rites and the Karem Shrine. He is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).
In addition to being licensed to appear before the Texas Supreme Court and all other Texas Courts, he is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. He is also licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado.
During his 14 years as a Texas State Representative, Jim served on the House Select Committee on Judicial Interpretation of the Law and the House committee responsible for oversight of Family Law and the Texas Family Code. Jim has received numerous awards and recognitions, including:
2022 Best Trial Lawyer, Wacoan Magazine
2020 Best Trial Lawyer, Wacoan Magazine
2019 Best Trial Lawyer, Wacoan Magazine
2019 Best Business Lawyer, Wacoan Magazine
AV Rated Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2011 Star of Texas Award, Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom
Named one of "The Most Influential Lawmakers of 2009" by the Associated Press
Called "The Third Most Powerful Member of the Texas House in 2009" by Capitol Inside Online Magazine
Honored as one of the 2007 "Ten Best Legislators" by Capitol Inside Online Magazine
Designated as a 2007 "Honorable Mention" by Texas Monthly Magazine
Received the 2007 "Smart on Crime Award" from the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition
Named one of the 2005 "Ten Best Legislators" by Capitol Inside Online Magazine
Named one of the 2003 "Ten Best Legislators" by Capitol Inside Online Magazine
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Jon is a trial lawyer who limits his engagements to family law. His lengthy career has included not only work as a lawyer in the courtroom, but also six years as a judge on the family law bench in Oklahoma County. He taught for several years as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma and Rose State College. Jon founded the firm after leaving the bench in 1982.
Some of the highlights of his career include his work as the trial judge in the groundbreaking case of Carpenter v. Carpenter and trial counsel for the wife in Hamm v. Hamm, in which he was responsible for the examination of Mr. Hamm as well as many corporate officers and directors. He has 28 published cases to his credit. He was twice the chairman of the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section.
Jon has been a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) since 1985, serving as the Oklahoma chapter president for two terms as well as a stint on the national governing board. He appears frequently as a speaker on continuing education programs and heads the AAML Oklahoma chapter's continuing education, providing advanced material for practitioners. His career began in 1973 and shows no signs of slowing down, as he still enjoys the daily challenges of a trial practice.
Education
Alaska Methodist University, B.A. 1970
University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D. 1972
Job Titles:
- Member of the Minnesota State Bar Association
As founding shareholder of Mack & Santana Law Offices, P.C., Laurie Mack-Wagner has been practicing since 1994 in complex litigation primarily in family law and related causes of action. Named as a Minnesota Super Lawyer for seven consecutive years (2011-17), named on the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers List for Minnesota for four years (2013-2015, and 2017), and in 2017 named on the Top 100 Minnesota Super Lawyers List, Laurie focuses on developing creative and practical solutions for clients seeking assistance in family law matters and divorce cases. Laurie has efficiently managed multimillion dollar business and family law litigation including also family law litigation with modest estates. Laurie leverages her strong business background when faced with complex financial issues that often surround family law cases. With her practice based primarily in the Twin Cities area, Laurie frequently teaches at legal education seminars in Minnesota, and is the author or co-author of published articles nationally and statewide.
Most notably, Laurie is the co-author of the child support chapter in the Family Law Financial Deskbook, first edition, 2008, plus all the subsequent updates, from Minnesota CLE, and in addition, is the author of the Enforcement and Contempt chapter in the Minnesota Divorce Practice Deskbook, also from Minnesota CLE, new in 2015, plus the update in 2017. Laurie is the author of, "A Cup of Coffee with 10 Leading Attorneys in the United States."
Prior to being named as a Super Lawyer, Laurie was featured in Minnesota Law & Politics, Who's Who in Family Law. Laurie is also a Qualified Mediator under Rule 114, which a provides a cost-effective option for those parties looking for a neutral professional to assist them with resolving their legal disputes themselves through agreement.
After graduating with Highest Honors in the top 5% of her class from Florida State University's College of Law in 1994, Laurie served as an associate at Carlton Fields in Tampa, a leading Florida law firm. At Carlton Fields, Laurie began her career in the business litigation arena, focusing primarily on complex corporate litigation, employment law and appellate practice. She also provided pro bono services for Guardians Ad Litem in juvenile court, and gave presentations on sexual harassment at various law seminars across central Florida.
Laurie was recruited from Carlton Fields by the Miami-based firm of Barranco, Kircher, & Vogelsang, P.A., a boutique litigation firm litigating massive family law cases with marital estates averaging several million dollars. The ability to litigate successfully with a team of litigators on complex business and civil litigation matters combined with her desire to make a difference in individual lives were a good match for litigating large-asset, complex divorce cases. During her four years at Barranco, Kircher, & Vogelsang, P.A., Laurie supplemented her family law work by handling other civil litigation matters in both state and federal court. She defended several insurance companies and employers in class action litigation, ascending to the level of co-lead attorney. While in Florida, Laurie was highly involved with numerous community and legal organizations throughout Florida, and served on the social committee of the Miami-Dade County Bar Association.
In 2000, Laurie left Florida and traveled to Minnesota where she has since been practicing exclusively in family law and related civil litigation. Laurie was able to bring her knowledge of managing complex family law matters in Florida to Minnesota to enhance her litigation and settlement of cases with a variety of complexity. Laurie first practiced for several years with a firm in complex family law litigation in the Twin Cities area. In January 2004, Laurie co-founded Mack & Santana Law Offices, P.C., to start a family law firm which focuses on compassion, strength and planning in times of personal crisis. While Laurie's emphasis has been complex family law litigation, Laurie's goal is service and excellence regardless of the size of case or what other experts or types of lawyers may be needed.
In Minnesota, Laurie is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, the Hennepin County Bar Association, the First District Bar Association (past President), and the Eighth District Bar Association. With the Minnesota State Bar Association, Laurie serves as a judge in the MSBA High School Mock Trial Program. Laurie is also active in the Prior Lake Rotary Club and in the Junior Achievement Program. In her volunteer work with the Junior Achievement program, Laurie works with elementary school-aged children teaching them financial literacy skills and stressing the importance of having job skills and an education.
While at Florida State University College of Law, Laurie served as Associate Editor of the Florida State University Law Review, practiced before the United States Court of Appeals (11th Circuit) and worked as an extern clerk for Rosemary Barkett, former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court. The school also awarded Laurie membership in the Order of the Coif.
Prior to studying at Florida State, Laurie received her bachelor's degree in 1991 from Mankato State University (Minnesota State University - Mankato). There, she double majored in Spanish and Business Administration with a concentration in marketing and spent a semester taking classes in Mexico at the Universidad de Guadalajara and Centro de Idiomas. Laurie graduated at Mankato State University summa cum laude and first in her class of almost 4,000.
Laurie lives in Prior Lake, Minnesota, with her husband, her 16-year old daughter, 16-year old stepdaughter, and 14-year old stepson. She is an avid golfer and enjoys the lake lifestyle.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Family Law Practice Group at the Lynch Law Group
- Founding Member of "the Collaborative Law Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Liberty J. Weyandt is a Partner and Chair of the Family Law Practice Group at The Lynch Law Group. Liberty has more than 22 years of experience litigating divorce, equitable distribution, custody, and support matters throughout several Pennsylvania counties, including Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
Prior to joining The Lynch Law Group, Liberty worked for a large firm in downtown Pittsburgh. She earned her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, wherein she was inducted to the National Order of Barristers for High Honor in the Art of Courtroom Advocacy and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History/Political Science with a minor in music from Webster University, where she graduated cum laude.
Leading with a compassionate heart and practicable advice, Liberty concentrates her practice in all types of family matters, for all types of families, including those married, cohabitating, blended, single parent, co-parenting, childless, adoptive, lgbtqia+, grandparents, or other non-traditional family structures. She also handles protection from abuse matters, minor and adult name changes, and pre-nuptial, post-nuptial, separation, and cohabitation agreements.
In addition to extensive, traditional litigation experience, she is also a trained Collaborative Law attorney and Mediator with over fifteen years of experience in alternative dispute resolution techniques. When possible, she is passionate about helping families in transition resolve disputes respectfully, without going to Court, and with creative customization to each client's individual interests and goals.
In addition to family law, Liberty has significant experience assisting clients with estate planning and probate, as well as employment-related matters.
Liberty is a founding member of "The Collaborative Law Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania (CLASP)" and a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). She is also a member of the Allegheny County & Butler Bar Associations and frequently speaks on various family law and estate planning topics. Liberty has been repeatedly recognized for exceptional service and professional achievement by Best Lawyers in America, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell.
Liberty resides in Hampton Township with her family, where she is actively involved in the community. She is a current Board Member of the Hampton Band Association and is the President of the Hampton Band Alumni Association, which she created as a non-profit in 2017. She also contributes as a volunteer with various children and youth ministries at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, where she served for many years as a lay-leader and as Secretary of Church Council.
Mark handled his first divorce cases in the mid-1980s as a law clerk while in law school. After becoming a lawyer in 1987, Mark moved back to Seattle, where he worked on business, construction, tax, real estate, estate planning, and family law matters. Over time, divorce and family law became Mark's main focus and he earned an excellent reputation in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. Mark's experience includes most everything that arises in divorce and family law, including complex issues in parenting, business and real estate, and finance.
Colaborative Practice SeattleIn 2003, Mark found his way to Collaborative Divorce and mediation. He enrolled in classes and did the necessary work to build skills and gain experience assisting clients to reach agreements outside the legal system. In January 2007, Mark finished his last family law trial to become a full-time Collaborative Divorce lawyer and divorce mediator. He now works exclusively to help clients reach agreements without court intervention. Mark also added a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® certification to better help clients address important financial questions for their futures. With his experience, Mark understands the challenges of divorce, and can help clients achieve reality-based solutions that are supportive of their long-term goals and interests.
Mark Weiss - Divorce AttorneyMark is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, which reflects recognition in the area of family law and meeting exacting standards. Mark was rated among the "Top 25" Family Law attorneys in Washington by Washington Law & Politics Magazine in 2009. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2018 "President's Award" from Collaborative Professionals of Washington, the 2005 "Attorney of the Year" award from the Family Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association, the "Super Lawyer" designation from Washington Law and Politics magazine every year since 2007, the highest possible rating by the website Avvo, recognition by Best Lawyers in America, and an "AV" (preeminent) peer-review rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
Mark has taught and written extensively about divorce and about dispute resolution, including as a contributor to journals and books. He trains other professionals in the Collaborative Divorce process, and is a co-founder of the Seattle Collaborative Law Training Group. Mark lives in Seattle with his wife and loves to ride his bicycle.
Finding a good fit for a divorce mediator or Collaborative lawyer is an individualized decision, and the personal fit with your lawyer or mediator is an important criterion. It's easy to learn whether Mark's services and fit are right for you.
Michael Busby has tried over 200 family law and divorce cases over the last 11 years.
He has tried cases in every family law and divorce court in Harris, Montgomery, Galveston, Brazoria, and Ft. Bend County.
Michelle May O'Neil has 25 years' experience representing small business owners, professionals, and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. Described by one lawyer as "a lethal combination of sweet-and-salty", Ms. O'Neil exudes genuine compassion for her client's difficulties, yet she can be relentless when in pursuit of a client's goals. One judge said of Ms. O'Neil, "She cannot be out-gunned, out-briefed, or out-lawyered!"
The founder of Sullivan Law Firm, APC, Michelle Sullivan obtained her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1980, and her law degree from the University of Santa Clara in 1983. Ms. Sullivan became a member of the California Bar in 1984, and a Certified Family Law Specialist in 1985. She served as the Assistant District Attorney for San Benito County, Hollister, California from 1984-85, and has been a successful family law attorney in her own private practice since 1988.
Ms. Sullivan's experience includes divorce litigation, mediation and collaborative law. She has been a mediator since 1994, and a founding member of the Collaborative Family Law Group of San Diego and North County Collaborative Practice. She has practiced collaborative law since 2001. Ms. Sullivan's expertise can guide her clients through any range of family law issues - from pre-nuptial agreements to marital settlement agreements to post-judgment issues.
The Law Offices of Nugent Zborowski assist Palm Beach County families get through the challenging issues related to family law matters. Whether you and your spouse are contemplating a divorce, or you are interested in discussing a prenuptial agreement, our team of legal professionals guides you through any family law matter with compassion and experienced legal counsel.
At O'Neil Wysocki P.C., our Dallas divorce and family lawyers have more than 65 years of combined experience representing individuals and families throughout Texas. Our boutique firm is dedicated to providing clients with knowledgeable, professional, and effective legal counsel for all types of family law cases.
Regardless of whether you need assistance with a divorce, paternity action, child custody dispute, post-decree modification, or another family law case, you can be confident that we will use our extensive legal knowledge and resources to pursue your ideal outcome for your case. Our team and staff understand the stress and difficulties our clients face during their family law cases, which is why we tirelessly strive to provide the outstanding counsel and advocacy they deserve.
Senior and Founding Partner of Richard S. Victor, PLLC, Richard S. Victor, has practiced law since 1975. He has authored many nationally published articles on Family Law, as well as co-authoring two books: Michigan Family Law and Practice, a three volume treatise on family law; and You and Me Make Three, a children's book regarding divorce, which was the recipient of several national book awards. He has been a faculty member or guest lecturer at Colleges, Universities, Symposiums, Law Schools, and Bar Associations around the United States and Canada.
Richard is listed as a Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers and listed in Best Lawyers in America; and has been named a Super Lawyer by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine every year, since its inception and was featured on the cover of Super Lawyers publication with a special feature story in 2008. He has served as President of the Michigan chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and was elected to the National Board of Governors of the Academy, receiving its coveted National Fellow of the Year award in 2006. He was elected Chairperson of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and received its highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2000 upon his 25th anniversary from graduating Michigan State University College of Law he was honored with the National Alumni of the Year Award. In 2004 the State Bar of Michigan presented him with one of its most prestigious awards, the Champion Of Justice Award, honoring him for his work on behalf of families and children. He was named as one of the top ten lawyers in Michigan by Michigan Lawyers Weekly and was awarded the Meritorious Service to the Children of America Award by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
Richard is the national founder and has served, pro bono as the Executive Director of the national nonprofit Grandparents Rights Organization, since 1982. He also founded the national nonprofit Victor Smile Foundation, providing benefits to children of divorce. He, along with Judge Edward Sosnick of the Oakland County Family Court, created the SMILE (Start Making It Livable for Everyone) program (an educational program for divorcing parents) for both the state of Michigan and around the United States, as well as for the country of Australia.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Family Law Practice at Cooper Levenson
A Partner and Chair of the Family Law Practice at Cooper Levenson, Ronald Lieberman is a highly experienced attorney who understands the intricacies of matrimonial and family law. He appears regularly before the Family Court in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties and also practices before the Superior Court - Appellate Division. He has litigated on virtually all aspects of family law including property settlement agreements, equitable distribution, alimony, child support, custody, college expenses, and counsel fees. Ron is one of only 3% of attorneys in the state to be certified as a Matrimonial Law Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Ron successfully completed the requirements for certification in matrimonial law as set forth by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. He also has been admitted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Family Law Trial Lawyer. In order to receive these designations, an attorney must demonstrate a substantial level of experience in matrimonial law, be favorably reviewed by other attorneys and judges, and pass rigorous examinations in matrimonial law covering a multitude of complex family law issues.
He is involved in many positions of leadership in the Camden County and New Jersey State Bar Associations. Ron serves as the Executive Editor of the New Jersey Family Lawyer and serves as a Member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Family Practice Committee. He serves regularly as a Matrimonial Early Settlement Panelist in Burlington and Camden Counties.
Extensively published in family law, Ron also is a sought-after lecturer. He has presented on family law topics for the New Jersey State Bar Association, Burlington County Bar Association, Camden County Bar Association, New Jersey Association for Justice, Sterling Business Enterprise, and the National Business Institute.
Ronald R. Petroff was born in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated high school from the University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio. He attended Vanderbilt University as an undergraduate where he earned a bachelor's degree and double majored in Political Science and American History. He graduated cum laude and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Mr. Petroff then attended The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law where he earned a certificate in Alternate Dispute Resolution and was a member of the National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Team. Mr. Petroff also was a member of the National Trial Competition Team. Mr. Petroff earned a CALI Excellence for the Future Award for his perfect score in the class, Criminal Law in the Boardroom.
In 2017, Mr. Petroff was named as a Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 Honoree, an honor bestowed upon members of the business community who have achieved great professional and personal milestones.
Mr. Petroff has been voted by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys as one of the 10 best family law lawyers under the age of 40 in the state of Ohio for 2014 and 2015. He won a similar award from the American Society of Legal Advocates in 2014. In 2015, Mr. Petroff was voted as being one of the nation's top 1% of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Finally, in 2015, Mr. Petroff was rated by Super Lawyers as a rising star in the field of Family Law. Mr. Petroff has consistently held the highest 10/10 rating on the attorney directory site AVVO and recently won, for the second time, AVVO's "Client's Choice" award.
In September of 2008, Mr. Petroff was invited to be the Vanderbilt University Alumni Speaker at Upper Arlington High School's College Fair.
In January of 2008, Mr. Petroff was invited to be the key note speaker at The Ohio State University's Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity quarterly meeting. Mr. Petroff spoke about the Law School Admissions Process, Law School Curriculum, and an introduction into the field of Family Law.
Stefan Otterson has lived and practiced law in Anchorage since 1988.
Stefan lived and worked in Europe for three years before attending the University of Utah, graduating suma cum laude in 1984. He received both an MBA and Law Degree from the University of Utah schools of Business and Law in 1988. Stefan started out in private commercial legal practice, but joined the Attorney General's Office in 1990. There he was a child protection and juvenile delinquency prosecutor, and also represented the Divisions of Public Safety, Mental Health, and Medicaid. Since 2000 Stefan has practiced family law in courts all over Southcentral, Southwest and Northwest Alaska.
Stefan is also trained in mediation and collaborative law, and has been a mediator for the court system, and a child advocate (guardian ad litem).
Our focus is on families. Anchorage family law attorney Stefan Otterson can help you manage any family situation, no matter how complex or delicate, and we will make sure you get the right kind of assistance.
If you have to go to court, everyone should be able to have a good Anchorage family law attorney on their side. Even the smartest, most capable people will have difficulty navigating the many technicalities and risks present in litigation. We do our best to make full representation affordable through wise use of highly educated and skilled staff. What happens to those that can't afford an attorney? We offer advice and services to those who represent themselves. Be sure to visit our Family Resource Center for links to information related to self-representation. Our trial preparation services include consultations with an attorney and/or paralegal, document preparation, editing, and letter writing.
Very few law firms have the skills to provide the wide range of services we offer. Mediation and Collaborative Law require training most attorneys do not have. Collaborative Law offers a team approach which gives maximum support in the most efficient, productive way. Be sure to visit our pages dedicated to those approaches for more information.
No one else offers the personal touch that Anchorage family law lawyer Stefan Otterson provides.
Mr. Blaylock is a past chairman of the Wichita Association Domestic Relations Committee, and a former chairman and member of the Kansas Bar Association's Family Law Executive Committee. Mr. Blaylock has been and continues to be involved in Kansas legislative changes pertaining to divorce. He has also argued pivotal appellate cases that have reshaped Kansas divorce law. Mr. Blaylock is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, past chairman of both its National Tax Committee and Alimony Committee. Mr. Blaylock sat on The American Academy's Board of Governors from 2006 through 2008. He is listed in the Best Lawyers in America in the Domestic Law Section and has served as a reviewing editor for the American Bar Association's Family Law Quarterly. Mr. Blaylock has and continues to be named by the Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine as a "Super Lawyer" in the area of Family Law.