Virginia Family Law Attorneys | Divorce, Custody & Estate Planning
When Your Family, Your Finances, and Your Future Are On the Line, Strategy Matters.
Hundreds of families across Virginia have trusted Melone Hatley to handle high-conflict divorces, custody battles, and estate plans. We don't run a process. We build a strategy around what you actually need.
Why Hundreds of Virginia Families Have Chosen Melone Hatley, P.C.
Family law hits when life already feels overwhelming. You're worried about your children, your finances, and your future all at once. The wrong attorney makes that worse.
Most firms run a process. We build a strategy. Other firms move fast and bill faster. They use the same playbook on every client because volume is their business model. We do the opposite. Every case starts with a full review of your situation before we file a single document.
That's why experience matters. Melone Hatley, P.C. has guided hundreds of families across Virginia through high-conflict divorces, complex custody battles, and sensitive financial disputes. You'll never wonder where your case stands.
One conversation can change how you see your entire situation. Let's start there.
CEO Charles Hatley, Esq. & Managing Partner Rebecca Melone, Esq.
Melone Hatley, P.C.
Charles Hatley, Esq. & Rebecca Melone, Esq.
What We Help You With
Find your situation below. Every case starts with a clear plan built around your goals.
Not All Family Law Firms Work the Same Way
Most firms move fast and bill faster. We do it differently.
Other Family Law Firms
Most family law firms treat your case like a number. They run a process, not a strategy.
Rush to file before fully understanding what's actually going on with your case
Little review of the big picture on day one, just paperwork pushed forward
Same playbook for every client, every case, no matter the situation
Problems get dealt with only after they blow up into bigger issues
You're left guessing what's happening with your case. No updates. No clarity.
Melone Hatley, P.C.
We slow down to get it right. Before we take a single legal step, we understand your full situation.
Full review of your full situation before any filing or strategic move
Every decision focused on your long-term outcome, not the next billable hour
Strategy built around your family, your judges, your jurisdiction
We anticipate problems before they escalate, often weeks ahead
You always know where your case stands. No silence. No guessing.
Your family's future depends on how your case is handled today. Choose the firm that treats it that way.
How Your Case Works: 3 Simple Steps
No surprises. No guesswork. Here's exactly what happens from day one.
01
We Listen, Then Build Your Plan
In your consultation, we review your full situation: finances, children, goals, and concerns. You leave with a clear picture of your options and a recommended path forward. No pressure, no obligations.
02
We Execute Your Legal Strategy
Your attorney handles filings, negotiations, and court preparation while keeping you informed at every stage. You'll never wonder what's happening with your case or what comes next.
03
We Guide You to Resolution
As things develop, we adapt your strategy and handle new issues as they come. Our goal is the best possible outcome for your family, with as little conflict and cost as necessary.
The Record Speaks for Itself
Hear from families who've been exactly where you are right now.
"Melone Hatley has been phenomenal in representing our family in family law matters. Professionally, they are hands down the most dedicated and invaluable team to have in your arsenal. They're responsive, dedicated, and take the time to educate."
– Jennifer C.
"This review is for Melone Hatley. They are amazing family lawyers who listen to understand what I am going through. They answer questions to the best of their ability. I would highly recommend them to others."
– Chanda P.
"I had the privilege of working with Melone Hatley on my family law case, and I couldn't be more impressed with their professionalism and dedication. From the very beginning, they made sure I felt heard, understood, and supported throughout the process."
– Megan R.
“I had the pleasure of working with Melone Hatley, and I couldn't be more satisfied with their professionalism, dedication and expertise in family law. They provided very clear guidance, showed genuine compassion, and fought for the best outcome.”
– Keri P.
"Having Melone Hatley in your corner for any of your family law needs is a game changer. They are compassionate and empathetic, making you feel comfortable in one of the most intimate and difficult aspects of one's life."
– Sarah J. S.
"I went for a consultation today. I was a nervous wreck and needed some help. I met with Melone Hatley and they were incredible. They gave me the guidance I needed without the pressure to buy more services than needed. They seemed to really care about my situation."
– Josh K.
"I am thoroughly impressed with the legal services provided by Melone Hatley. Their exceptional professionalism and expert care were invaluable in guiding me through a challenging family matter. I wholeheartedly recommend this team."
– Anna F.
"I cannot recommend Melone Hatley highly enough for their mastery of family law. During an uneasy and sensitive transition for our family, their team provided a steady hand and expert guidance. They were pleasant, highly accessible, and effective."
– Danielle M.
"Melone Hatley is top-notch. They have taken care of my family's legal issues and have been kind, compassionate and understanding. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of support received from the firm."
– Marla P.
About Melone Hatley, P.C.
Melone Hatley, P.C. is a family law firm with offices across Virginia, Texas, Florida, and South Carolina. For over a decade, our attorneys have focused exclusively on divorce, custody, and complex family matters. We don't practice other areas of law. This is all we do.
Our team has represented hundreds of families through high-conflict cases, military divorces, and multi-state custody disputes.
Recognized by: Inc. 5000, Law Firm 500, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, Leaders in the Law.
Based in Virginia Beach
We know the local courts, the judges, and the process. That means fewer surprises and a stronger strategy for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions most people have when facing divorce, custody, or other family law matters in Virginia.
Will I lose custody of my children if my spouse files for divorce first?
14.99€
No. Filing first does not give your spouse an advantage in custody. Virginia courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, not who filed first. What matters is your involvement, your stability, and your relationship with your kids. The earlier you start documenting your role, the stronger your position.
Should I move out of the house before filing for divorce?
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This is one of the most common and most costly mistakes in Virginia family law. Moving out can affect custody arguments, financial obligations, and access to marital property. Never make this decision without speaking to an attorney first. We can walk you through what your specific situation looks like during your free consultation.
Can my spouse take everything in a Virginia divorce?
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No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly based on multiple factors, not automatically 50/50. Separate property like assets owned before the marriage or received as gifts and inheritance typically stays with the original owner. Hiding assets or transferring property before filing usually backfires in court.
What if my spouse already hired an attorney?
14.99€
Every day without representation is a day your spouse's attorney is building their case while you have no one building yours. Filings, evidence, and strategy decisions happen fast. The sooner you have an experienced family law attorney on your side, the better your position. We can usually meet with you within 24 to 48 hours.
How much does a divorce cost in Virginia?
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Costs depend on whether your case is contested, how much property is involved, and how cooperative your spouse is. Uncontested cases generally fall in the lower range. Contested cases involving custody, support, or significant assets run higher. We explain every cost upfront during your free consultation so there are no surprises.
How long does a divorce take in Virginia?
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An uncontested divorce in Virginia can be finalized in as little as 30 to 60 days after the separation requirement is met. Contested divorces involving custody, property, or support typically take 6 to 18 months depending on complexity. We focus on moving your case forward efficiently without rushing decisions that affect your future.
How is child custody decided in Virginia?
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Virginia courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Judges look at each parent's involvement, stability, living situation, the child's relationship with each parent, and the ability to meet the child's needs. There is no automatic preference for mothers or fathers. We help you build the strongest possible case around the factors that actually matter.
Can custody, support, or visitation orders be changed later?
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Yes. If there has been a significant change in circumstances such as a job change, relocation, remarriage, or safety concerns, custody and support orders can be modified. Virginia courts require evidence that the change is meaningful and that modification serves the best interests of the child. We help you evaluate whether your situation qualifies.
Will I have to go to court?
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Many family law cases settle through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative agreements without ever going to trial. But if your case requires court, we prepare thoroughly and advocate firmly on your behalf. Our goal is always the best outcome with the least conflict and cost necessary.
What makes military divorce different in Virginia?
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Military divorce involves rules civilian attorneys often get wrong. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA), pension division, BAH calculations, deployments, and security clearance concerns all change how a case is handled. Whether you are the service member or the spouse, you need an attorney who actually knows military family law.
The moment that changes everything
Right now, you are probably carrying more than you should.
Uncertainty about your future.
Worry about your children.
Stress about money, time, and what comes next.
Most people wait too long before asking for help.
They hope things somehow resolve themselves.
They don’t.
The truth is simple:
The longer you wait, the fewer options you usually have.
A clear plan changes everything.
Clarity replaces fear.
Action replaces uncertainty.
The first step is always the hardest. Everything after gets clearer.
One conversation can give you answers, direction, and peace of mind.