Reviews

I was going through a separation when I obtained Matthew Smith, at Livesay & Myers, as my legal representative. It was truly a difficult time for me. Matt was patient, understanding, and helpful with my case. I am proud and thankful that he was on my side. I had never seen so much dedication, great rapport, impeccable work, and professionalism. Also, his paralegal assistant, Kim, was always there with kindness and a helping hand whenever I needed it during my case. I can’t thank Matt and Kim at Livesay & Myers enough. I would definitely recommend Matthew Smith and Livesay & Myers to anyone in need of legal assistance in a divorce.

– Vicki R.

I cannot praise Livesay and Myers, P.C. enough. I engaged the firm to handle my separation and divorce. (This was after parting ways with another law firm because I did not feel satisfied with their service.) Jamel Rowe, Esq. and Brenda Moreno, Paralegal, both of whom I worked with for several months, are the consummate professionals. Drafts of documents and filings were flawless. Communication was always not only timely, but also very pleasant, even in tense situations with tight timeframes. I could tell that Ms. Rowe put a major effort into reviewing a mountain of case data because she had immediate recall of specific facts and their relevance. Most impressive was Ms. Rowe’s handling of the case during the trial: she had command of the facts and used them effectively; she presented a clear case, emphasizing precisely what I had suggested; and the judge openly praised her ‘accurate and appropriate’ use of the property distribution forms. My recommendation: definitely talk to them about your needs.

– Robert

I need a sixth star here. I was honestly thinking long before writing this review how, out of all the professionals I have worked with in my fifty-seven years…all the doctors, lawyers, accountants…my experience with Amanda Kimble was probably the most positive I have ever had. I found her when my spouse, who is himself an attorney, went out and hired not one but two sets of lawyers. I realized I needed representation. Amanda Kimble was MY advocate. All through the process she was on MY side. That feeling is amazing. All the stuff you have to go through in divorcing she explained clearly and patiently (and never condescendingly). My spouse and I are LGBTQ which brought up a whole set of legal issues. She was 100% confident and knowledgeable, and never wavered. She let me have my time in the process while gently keeping things moving along. Her ‘desk side’ manner whenever we met set the perfect tone of lightness and heaviness. It made what could have been a much worse process actually not so bad. From the start to the finish, I felt taken care of, and I am so grateful Amanda represented me. In the end, my spouse, apparently socked with huge bills from his own attorney, asked us to file the papers and finish up. The way Amanda did it (actually showing up in court) was so professional and competent that I think I may have gone up a little in my ex’s estimation for having hired a better attorney than his! Six stars for sure.

– Alan B.

Michael Poe was my divorce attorney for a contested divorce with a very uncooperative spouse and two young children. He is a consummate professional. Throughout the 18-month process, which was quite stressful for me, he provided measured advice based on his analysis, experience and, of course, the law. When my spouse would respond in highly emotional ways, he would not escalate the matter. He was always looking for the path of least resistance while protecting my interests, which is a difficult balance to maintain, and he did a great job. At the beginning my case appeared destined for an expensive court battle. But we eventually settled all aspects of the case in a 50/50 split of custody and a very fair split of assets, and I never saw the inside of a courtroom. I was also able to live in my house the entire time and I still live there post-divorce. The result of the case was, quite frankly, unbelievable considering the point from which we were forced to start the process and how uncooperative my spouse was determined to be. Mike was also sensitive to my desire to keep costs under control, for which I am grateful. While I am an educated, intelligent person with a strong understanding of negotiation strategy, I never, ever would have achieved the final result without Mike. I can’t thank Mike enough for his help.

– Eric M.

I have been so pleased with the services provided by my attorney Sarah Haight and my paralegal Tatyana Spurgeon during a difficult time. Working together they made my experience clean and effective. Meeting Tatyana was always a pleasure, she has the right spirit for her job, helps you to feel special and important during a time when you need it most. Sarah made sure my process kept moving without unnecessary delays. I would recommend them in a heartbeat!

– Vala W.

I highly recommend Livesay & Myers. Mariah Latimer and Rossimar Membreno provided exceptional assistance and representation, from beginning to end. They go above and beyond, are extremely knowledgeable and informative, and remove mounds of stress from a stressful situation. They represented me in a custody modification and child support case, and I couldn’t be happier.

– Kevin

I recently had the pleasure of working with Livesay & Myers, P.C. on a complex custody issue, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. From start to finish, the team provided exceptional service and support. The team, especially my attorney Christian Campbell and paralegal Tatyana Spurgeon, were phenomenal. They navigated the complexities of my case with expertise and care, ensuring that every detail was addressed, and my concerns were heard. Working with Christian Campbell was a great experience. He is incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and always took the time to explain the legal process in a way that I could understand. Tatyana Spurgeon provided excellent support, ensuring all documentation was handled efficiently and keeping me updated throughout the process. The entire team at Livesay & Myers made me feel confident and supported during a very stressful time. Compared to other attorneys I’ve worked with in the past, Livesay & Myers stands out for their professionalism, dedication, and personalized approach. They truly care about their clients and go above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome. There was one pivotal moment when I was ready to go to trial, but Christian advised giving it another week. His wisdom and strategic thinking were beyond his years, and it ultimately led to a favorable resolution for my son. I highly recommend Livesay & Myers, P.C. for anyone seeking legal assistance with custody issues or any other family law matters. Their expertise and client-focused approach make them a top choice in the field. If you’d like to speak with me directly for a reference, please contact Christian Campbell.

– Abe

Katie Anderson was great. She processed my no contest divorce very quickly and was prompt and professional with my questions. Thank you!

– Brian K.

This was my first time working with Livesay & Myers and couldn’t have had a better experience! Carl Chandler was extremely helpful and thorough. He was transparent from beginning to end and made sure I was completely confident in the process. Would recommend Livesay & Myers to anyone wanting a team of skilled lawyers who go the extra mile for their clients!

– Darian

Matthew Smith and the entire staff at Livesay & Myers were an exceptional team to work on my family law issue. Each provided sound advice and clearly laid out my options at each step in the process. Never looking to push me in any direction, Livesay and Myers was clear that their only goal was to get me through the legal process with both my child’s and my best interest in mind. If any future legal issues arise, I would not consider going to any other firm besides Livesay and Myers. Also I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal advice or action in child custody/support matters.

– Casey D.

It is difficult to explain how it feels having to go though the legal process to fight to see your kids. My husband and I were dealing with his high conflict ex who made every single day challenging and hard for us. You will never know how an attorney can impact your life. Every stressful step of the way Jamel Rowe led and guided us with our best interest at heart with such kindness and patience, never judging us. She maintained professionalism and though she did not judge anyone, you still knew for sure she was on our side. She was always available and that played such a huge part in making sure we went about everything the right way. Jamel went above and beyond what we ever expected the outcome would look like and we will be thanking her for a very long time. Our lives have changed drastically because of the successful outcome Jamel achieved for us. Jamel and her team will always be in our happy thoughts.

– Charlotte D.

I came across L&M when I googled best family law firm in Northern Virginia. I had a consultation with Amanda Kimble in May of 2020 when I was in the initial stages of a divorce with a minor child. Ms. Kimble explained the process in Virginia regarding time frame and required action. Fast forward several months when I was ready to move forward. Ms. Kimble and her paralegal, Evelyn Ezeta, helped me complete an agreement prior to filing that defined the custody, visitation, and child support costs. I always felt reassured by their exemplary level of professionalism and responsiveness. When there was a mishap with the opposing counsel who filed the paperwork with a local Post Office without addressee or postage, Ms. Kimble helped coordinate prompt pick up of the remaining copy needed for court. Ms. Ezeta kept me abreast of any changes or modifications needed during the process. This was not at all an easy journey but I knew I had the best attorney in my corner. Further, the agreement was drafted with long term changes in mind as my child grows up. I really felt that my best interest and that of my child was kept in mind. I hope not to need their services in the future but am prepared to contact them should the need arise. I would highly recommend Ms. Kimble and Ms. Ezeta to anyone needed legal expertise in family law.

– Cassie M.

I went through a very drawn out, stressful divorce. I don’t know where I would be right now if it wasn’t for the professionalism of Michael Poe. He was always looking out for my best interests and I just knew I had nothing to worry about with him on my side. I am so grateful for all Michael did for me.

– Angie C.

I must say, though the circumstances were less then favorable, it was a privilege to work with Ms. Sarah Haight and Ms. Tatyana Spurgeon at the family law firm of Livesay & Myers. The professionalism, attention to detail and attentiveness was well beyond what I expected. They were kind and empathetic to the situation without sacrificing honesty and for lack of a better phrase “sure-footed” in their approach, which was comforting to say the least during something so unsettling as a divorce. Thank you, Ms. Haight, Ms. Spurgeon and Livesay & Myers, I dare say you’ve made a friend.

– Victor Y.

I highly recommend Livesay & Myers. Mariah Latimer and Rossimar Membreno provided exceptional assistance and representation, from beginning to end. They go above and beyond, are extremely knowledgeable and informative, and remove mounds of stress from a stressful situation. They represented me in a custody modification and child support case, and I couldn’t be happier.

– Kevin

I highly recommend Livesay & Myers to serve your custody agreement/divorce needs and work out your disputes, and more specifically recommend attorney Christian Campbell. I hired him a couple years after my divorce to work out some custody disputes. He is one of the best attorneys I have ever worked with and from the first meeting, he explained everything to me thoroughly but also really took the time to listen to my situation, which was very complicated and messy. Once I retained him, the level of communication didn’t stop throughout the months it took to finally settle my case. I think this was one of the biggest things that stuck out to me because I had not had the same level of communication with my previous divorce attorney from a different practice. He would even call me on the phone if needed to discuss matters, which was really great. So, it was not only refreshing, but his legal representation help restore my faith in the justice system. Christian is also extremely knowledgeable and took the time to explain the legal terms in a way I would understand, and give me advice to make the best possible choices that will further help benefit my child who was in the middle of the custody dispute. He was able to negotiate terms for my settlement that were fair and understand the limits I had, and on the other hand, I knew if I had to go to trial that it would be the same level of excellence. Tatyana Spurgeon, who helped on my case as well was also extremely communicative. Pretty much everyone I came across with at Livesay & Myers from the partner Matthew Smith to the billing ladies were friendly and courteous. This law firm stands above the rest. Thanks again Christian.

– Nathan B.

Katie Anderson was great. She processed my no contest divorce very quickly and was prompt and professional with my questions. Thank you!

– Brian K.

Andrew Tank is an outstanding attorney. His demeanor is calm, his intellect is razor sharp, and his grasp of not just legalities but human nature is amazing. He has compassion which cloaks a backbone of steel. He is understanding and generous and the best expert to have in a legal crisis or potential crisis. He promotes the return of sanity in an unsettled world and is simply the best attorney all around. Highly recommend him.

– Muffarah M.

Livesay & Myers has been a great law firm to work with. Everyone on the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. A special shout out to attorney Brianna Salerno, who I essentially offloaded the entire legal side of things to during this very long and stressful process. She laid everything out clearly from the very beginning and there were no surprises throughout. The results were favorable and I am very satisfied with how my case was handled.

– F. Zhang

I have used Andrew Tank thrice in dealing with my former spouse. He has the depth of insight and knowledge that will be of comfort when in the thick of litigation. He has successfully aided me in discovery motions, successfully defeated a protective order in 30 minutes, and has been a constant source of encouragement and sanity in the insanity of nuances within the family law. The outstanding thing that would stand out the most when I recommend him is he is thorough, organized, moral and ethical.

– Gretchen B.

Brianna Salerno and [paralegal] Caity Wilkinson were both FANTASTIC! They were always professional and very responsive to any questions or concerns that I had throughout the whole process. I would not hesitate to recommend them or the Livesay & Myers practice to anyone living in the NoVa area.

– Martin K.

When going through one of the most difficult times of my life, someone recommended Livesay and Myers to me. I met with Mrs. Ariel Baniowski and was immediately relieved to not be going through it alone! She was straight forward with me from the beginning, never gave me false hope but fought the fight with me every step of the way! I cannot recommend her enough and was more then pleased with the outcome. No one wants to go through divorce or custody battles but with her in your corner you know things will get done! Again, if you need an attorney who will fight the battle and be honest all through the process call Ms. Ariel!

– Debbie

Amanda Stone Swart was a world of help during the dissolution of my marriage. She was very compassionate and caring. I was able to rely on her to have accurate information and quick responses to my questions. She was highly knowledgeable of what I needed to think about in regards to my future financially and the future of my children. Her advice helped establish a custody arrangement that was agreeable to both parties. Amanda was so supportive of me during the most difficult time of my life. Her dependability made me comfortable with the decisions I was making. There is no question that she had my best intentions in mind. I highly recommend her services.

– Carrie

I scouted Ariel Baniowski several months before choosing her. She paired up with Isabella Baldanza who is a paralegal and a great teammate to Ariel. For over a year, they worked tirelessly for me and ALWAYS told me the truth, even if I didn’t want to hear it. Ariel doesn’t give you false hope and she doesn’t let you make mistakes as a client. I was very emotional at times, rightly so, but she always managed to keep me focused and she always had a solid response to what I needed. She is a bright and motivated attorney and I am so glad I chose her. She fought for me and stays professional at all times. I would NEVER want to be her opponent.

– A. Allen

I am extremely pleased with the entire firm of Livesay & Myers, P.C. and how they have handled my needs from the first consultation to the closure of my case. Throughout my legal situation, they handled my proceedings with the utmost professionalism. My needs and concerns were meet with a personal feel. Attorney Amanda Stone Swart was punctual in returning my emails, which put me at ease with my concerns. In addition, Senior Family Law Paralegal, Tatyana S. was very connected at communicating with me, and she provided great service, and let me know everything that was going on in the case. With living and working in Northern Virginia, customer service is hard to find, but I found it with Livesay and Myers. I would very highly recommend this firm and trust that they will meet your needs for proper representation.

– W. Smith

I went through an extremely difficult multi-year divorce and custody fight. Ariel Baniowski was extremely competent, and worked tirelessly to ensure we came out with the best outcome possible. I can’t speak highly enough about Ariel or the team at Livesay and Myers. Again, thank you for what you’ve done for my family.

– Derek

I had the pleasure of hiring a team of women that get the job done, Amanda Stone Swart and Jenny. By no means was my divorce the most complicated in the history of human matrimony, but to me it was the only one that mattered. My mother told me to hire an attorney who was a bulldog, so I needed a team who would not fold like a lawn chair when faced with manipulation. I was confident this is what I got. They never seemed to have any interest in mind, other than mine. From day one, I was comfortable communicating with them and had confidence that I made the right choice. I never had to wait for a response to any question I had. My divorce was complete in less than a year and they made every effort possible to keep the costs down wherever possible. I highly recommend the services of Amanda and Jenny. Thank you. 🙂

– Tony C.

I was blindsided by my wife when she asked for a divorce after 25 years and presented me with a separation agreement. I read reviews about Livesay & Myers and decided to contact them. The attorney assigned was Jonathan McHugh. From my first call with him, through the entire process, I constantly realized I could not have made a better choice. Jonathan was knowledgeable and able to answer all my questions. He provided excellent advice and guided me through the process of finalizing the agreement. He was remarkably responsive and returned work items very quickly, whereas my wife’s attorney would drag on for days for very simple matters. Ms. Stanley, Jonathan’s paralegal, was also exceptional. She set up calls between Jonathan and myself and helped with any information I needed. She too, was very responsive and timely, which is a huge bonus in the uncharted waters I found myself in. Sitting around waiting and wondering would have been near impossible to bear, but I never did. I’d also like to mention Ms. Ornelas, the Operations Specialist, who provided me with regular statements of my remaining retainer. All in all, the total cost was surprisingly low, but that’s to be expected with a firm that works as efficiently as Livesay & Myers. I’d like to say I’d use them again, but I don’t plan on ever being in this situation again.

– Powell B.

Kate Beurmann-O’Neill did a fantastic job representing me in what proved to be a messy, trying, and complicated divorce. The thing I appreciated most, aside from her sound counsel and legal expertise, was her genuine concern for my children and her commitment to doing what was right instead of what was convenient or expedient—a quality which truly makes her stand out against her peers. Thanks for everything Kate! And a big shout out to her paralegal, Tina, for all her behind-the-scenes work! Thanks for getting me through this, ladies.

– Daniel D.

Mr. Michael Brackman and Ms. Noble handled my matter extremely quickly. They were very responsive to all my questions and made themselves available consistently. Would highly recommend this firm for your legal needs. Best attorneys I’ve ever worked with.

– Craig S.

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this firm. I had the privilege of working with Lindsay Connolly and her paralegal Matthew Hall and words cannot describe how thankful I am for them and all of their dedication and hard work. I hired Lindsay for a difficult custody case. She was always upfront, professional, organized, punctual, and determined to do everything in her power to make sure I received custody of my children. Truthfully, it’s disappointing to know our time has come to an end (as thankful as I am that it is). However, I can confidently say I would trust and recommend Lindsay to take on any case involving child custody and/or child support. I can’t thank her and Matt enough for giving me the peace of mind I was so desperately searching and praying for. If you’re looking for an attorney that is willing to go above and beyond and genuinely cares for their client, this is your woman!

– Casey L.

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible team of attorney Sarah Patras and paralegal Sunny Reneau for their exceptional support throughout my divorce case. Facing the complexities of this situation was particularly challenging for me, considering my commitment to working and traveling for the military. From the onset in October, Sarah and Sunny demonstrated an unparalleled level of dedication. Despite my frequent unavailability due to my demanding schedule and travel obligations, they consistently went above and beyond the call of duty. Their commitment to helping me navigate the divorce process, along with handling the necessary paperwork, has been nothing short of remarkable. What truly sets Sarah and Sunny apart is their willingness to extend their working hours far beyond the conventional 9-5. Despite the challenges of different time zones, they even took late-night calls, guiding me through crucial aspects of the case. Without their tireless efforts, I am confident that completing the case, let alone avoiding a trial, would have been an insurmountable task with any other team. Their ability to keep me focused and their unwavering support played a pivotal role in successfully concluding the case in an astonishingly brief period and before the end of the year. This outcome is a testament to their expertise, dedication, and commitment to their clients. I wholeheartedly recommend Sarah and Sunny to anyone seeking legal representation. Beyond their professional prowess, they bring a level of personal care that makes you feel supported, akin to having a friend and family member by your side during one of life’s most stressful periods. I want to express my sincere thanks to Sarah and Sunny for their outstanding work. Livesay and Myers are fortunate to have such a remarkable team. As a client for life, I extend my deepest appreciation. Thank you once again.

– JR

This law firm is highly recommended. I always felt comfortable with everything they were doing, and they kept me aware of every little detail. The entire staff was always polite and attentive. Margaret Byers assisted me with a separation agreement and an uncontested divorce. Margaret and paralegal Ashley Constant were always punctual and met every deadline that needed to be met in order to expedite my divorce. If you want your separation agreement and uncontested divorce done the right way quickly, I recommend Livesay & Myers, P.C.

– Cedric H.

I can’t thank Lindsay Connolly enough for the hard work she put forth to get me child support. She was unable to be there at my court hearing but had matters resolved before I headed into court. If it weren’t for her I would still be fighting to get child support. I am thankful beyond words for her representing me.

– Candice L.

I had the pleasure of working with Sarah Patras and her exceptional paralegal Sunny Reneau at Livesay & Myers, P.C. on a child custody and visitation matter. From the very beginning, their professionalism and dedication were evident. After explaining everything to them at our initial meeting, they took the reins and managed every aspect of the case, which truly lifted a weight off my shoulders. The entire process was handled with meticulous attention to detail, and their clear and consistent communication kept me informed and reassured. Thanks to their expertise and commitment, my anxiety about the situation significantly diminished. Sarah and Sunny did a magnificent job, and I am incredibly grateful for their hard work and support. I highly recommend Sarah Patras and Livesay & Myers, P.C. to anyone in need of legal assistance. They are a fantastic team, and I couldn’t have asked for better representation.

– Karen S.