Top 5 Qualities to Look for in a Richmond Family Law Attorney

By David Noll, Managing Attorney, Cravens & Noll, P.C.

When you’re facing a divorce, custody battle, or any family law matter, choosing the right attorney can feel overwhelming. You’re already dealing with one of the most stressful situations of your life. I’ve practiced family law in Richmond for decades, and I’ve seen how the right attorney makes all the difference in both your case outcome and emotional wellbeing.

Most people don’t have a family law attorney on speed dial. When you need one, you’re often in crisis mode. Maybe your spouse just said they want a divorce. Maybe you’re worried about losing time with your children. Maybe you’re trying to protect assets you worked years to build.

Here are the five most important qualities to look for when choosing a family law attorney in Richmond, based on what I’ve learned from handling thousands of divorce, custody, and family law cases across Virginia.

1. Deep Experience with Virginia Family Law

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth stating clearly: Virginia family law has its own unique rules, procedures, and nuances. An attorney who practices in multiple states or is new to family law in Virginia may not have the depth of knowledge you need.

Why Virginia Specific Experience Matters

Virginia has unique divorce requirements. For uncontested divorce, you must be separated for at least one year – or six months if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement. Virginia doesn’t recognize legal separation like some states, and proving separation while living under the same roof becomes complicated.

Virginia follows equitable distribution for dividing marital property, but “equitable” doesn’t necessarily mean “equal.” Courts consider multiple factors including each spouse’s contributions, earning capacity, and circumstances leading to divorce. A Richmond family law attorney who knows how local judges tend to rule has a significant advantage.

For custody, Virginia courts focus on the best interests of the child. Richmond judges in Henrico Circuit Court, Chesterfield Circuit Court, and Richmond City Circuit Court each have their own tendencies. Local experience matters.

What to Ask About Experience

Don’t be shy about asking direct questions:

• How many years have you practiced family law in Virginia?
• How many cases like mine have you handled in Richmond area courts?
• Are you familiar with the judges who might hear my case?

A confident, experienced attorney will answer these questions directly and help you understand what realistic outcomes look like based on their experience with similar cases.

2. Strong Communication Skills and Accessibility

Family law cases can drag on for months or even years. During that time, you’ll have questions. You’ll need updates. You’ll want to understand what’s happening and why. An attorney who doesn’t communicate well or who’s impossible to reach will leave you feeling anxious and in the dark.

What Good Communication Looks Like

At Cravens & Noll, we believe you deserve to speak directly with your attorney, not just a paralegal or assistant. When you call with questions about your divorce or custody case, you should get answers from the person who knows your case intimately.

Good communication also means explaining things as simply as possible. Family law has its own vocabulary – terms like “pendente lite,” “equitable distribution,” and “material change in circumstances.” Your attorney should translate this legal jargon into language you actually understand.

Since I have been practicing family law for almost 30 years, the process and terminology is second hand to me at this point.  However, I am always aware and explain the process to my clients in a way that is understandable to someone who has no experience in these types of matters.  Communication is also about managing expectations honestly. I don’t tell clients what they want to hear – I tell them the truth about their case, even when it’s difficult. If your spouse has a strong custody argument, you need to know that upfront so we can address it strategically. If your proposed settlement isn’t realistic given Virginia law, I’ll be honest about that too.

Red Flags in Communication

Watch out for attorneys who:

• Take days or weeks to return phone calls or emails
• Only communicate through staff
• Use legal jargon without explaining what it means
• Make promises that sound too good to be true
• Rush you off the phone or seem annoyed by questions

During your initial consultation, pay attention to how the attorney communicates. Do they listen to your concerns? Do they answer your questions directly? Do you feel heard and understood? These first impressions are important.

3. Genuine Empathy and Understanding

Family law isn’t like other areas of law. I’m walking with people through some of the most painful moments of their lives – the end of a marriage, fighting for time with children, navigating grief, anger, and fear that come with major family transitions.

You’re not just a case number. You’re a person going through an incredibly difficult time. I’ve sat across from clients who could barely speak through tears. I’ve had clients so angry they were shaking. I’ve talked with parents terrified they’ll lose their relationship with their children.

Empathy doesn’t mean I won’t be direct or that I’ll let emotions drive bad decisions. It means I recognize that behind every family law case is a human story involving children, broken trust, financial anxiety, and an uncertain future.

At Cravens and Noll, it is baked into our DNA to provide both emotional support and objective legal guidance. Yes, I understand you’re angry at your spouse. But I also need to help you make rational decisions about custody and finances rather than letting anger drive choices you’ll regret later. A good family divorce lawyer Richmond families trust acknowledges your emotions while helping you focus on achieving the best possible outcome for your future.

4. Willingness to Fight When Necessary (But Also to Negotiate)

Not all family law cases need to be contentious courtroom battles. The best outcomes often come through negotiation and settlement. But you also need an attorney who isn’t afraid to go to trial when necessary.

Many divorces can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. This approach is usually faster, less expensive, less emotionally draining, better for children, and gives you more control over the outcome. We always explore settlement options first.

But sometimes, negotiation won’t produce a fair result. If your spouse is hiding assets, trying to unfairly limit your custody time, or making unreasonable demands, then you need an attorney prepared to fight in court. I’ve tried numerous family law cases in Richmond area courts and I’m ready when clients need me to fight. Opposing counsel knows it – which helps during negotiations.

Ask potential attorneys about their settlement rate versus trial rate, how they decide when trial is necessary, and their track record. You want an attorney who can negotiate skillfully when possible and litigate effectively when necessary.

5. A Multi-Practice Firm That Sees the Bigger Picture

This is something people often overlook when choosing a divorce attorney Richmond, but it can make a huge difference: does your attorney practice only family law, or do they work with a firm that handles multiple practice areas?

Why Multi-Practice Matters

Real life is messy. Family law issues rarely exist in isolation. Consider these common scenarios:

Divorce and Financial Stress – Going through a divorce is expensive. You might suddenly be facing debt you can’t manage on one income. If your divorce attorney works with bankruptcy attorneys, they can identify these issues early and help you plan strategically. At Cravens & Noll, our family law attorneys collaborate with our bankruptcy team to give clients a complete picture of their options.

Custody and Estate Planning – If you’re going through a custody battle, you should also be updating your will, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations. Having access to estate planning attorneys within the same firm makes this seamless.

Divorce and Criminal Charges – Unfortunately, some divorces escalate to protective orders or criminal charges. If your firm also handles criminal defense, you have immediate access to that expertise without starting over with a new attorney.

Property Division and Real Estate – Complex property division might require real estate transactions, business valuations, or understanding of tax implications. A multi-practice firm has resources to consult across specialties.

Your Lawyers for Life

At Cravens & Noll, we’ve built our practice around the philosophy of being “Your Lawyers for Life.” We don’t want to just handle your divorce – we want to be the firm you call when any legal issue arises, now or in the future.

Maybe today you need a divorce lawyer. Three years from now, you might need help with a custody modification because your ex wants to relocate. Five years down the road, you’re remarrying and need a prenuptial agreement. Ten years from now, you’re ready to buy a new home or start a business. We’re here for all of it.

This continuity matters because we already know you, your history, and your goals. You’re not explaining your situation to a stranger every time you have a legal need. We’ve been serving Richmond families for over three decades with this comprehensive approach, and our clients tell us it makes a real difference.

Making Your Decision

Choosing a family law attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your divorce or custody case. Take time to meet with a few attorneys before deciding. Use that opportunity to evaluate whether they have these five essential qualities.

Pay attention to whether you feel heard, they explain things clearly, have specific experience with cases like yours, are honest about challenges, and whether you feel confident in their representation.

Trust your instincts, but also do your homework. Check reviews, verify credentials, and ask direct questions about experience and approach.

Why Clients Choose Cravens & Noll

I’m proud to be part of a firm that embodies all five qualities. Our family law team has decades of combined experience in Virginia courts. We’re accessible. We approach every case with empathy while providing objective legal strategy. We negotiate skillfully but aren’t afraid to fight when necessary. And our multi-practice approach means we see the complete picture of your legal needs.

We’ve helped thousands of families navigate divorce, custody, support disputes, and other family law matters across Richmond and Central Virginia. Our clients come back years later for other legal needs and refer friends and family because they know we care.

If you’re facing a family law issue, call us for a consultation. Let’s talk about your situation and goals. I’ll give you an honest assessment with no obligation or pressure.

At Cravens & Noll, we’re your lawyers for life.