If you need Estate Planning, you need this firm. I spoke with 3 different firms and received 3…read moredifferent answers. I decided to go with this firm because they not only took their time explaining, (as I know nothing about this), they were not after the green. Seriously guys, this is a trustworthy family establishment, who cares more about getting what you need, than their bottom line. Lawyers who actually care about you... I didn't think that existed anymore. We are getting the whole family outfitted here now. If you want honest, helpful and just what you need (not what you don't) try them!! You won't be sorry.

DO NOT USE THEM. RUN! It would appear the lawyer they retained for family law (Mrs. Barclay) should…read morenot be in practice or be retired. You can see the burnout or lack of caring (she self admitted that she no longer cared about complaints while at the same time, receiving many of them). In essence, the only thing they may have excelled at are uncontested matters, maybe a criminal one. Apparently, they only have one lawyer to work on family cases. When I determined that I was the recipient of ineffective counsel or ethical wrong by Mrs. Barclay, I tried working with the attorney directly in the course of the proceedings, and then ultimately addressed these concerns of ineffective counsel to the law firm owner. I expected that there would be a concern given, but there was not. I was advised by the law firm owner (Mrs. Ranney) that she could not help, considering her and her husband's background in family law was limited. Given that I tried to rehabilitate our relationship with clear expectations, I was further denied service by Mrs. Ranney due to my complaints or concerns that were credible enough to be reported to the Virginia Bar. I sought return of my retainer at the least (realizing they must be paid for some effort even if it were unscrupulous) However, this was never answered. Counsel in this matter was critical, due to a wife who absconded with my children over a decade ago and denied custodial or visitation. The issues I faced are not limited to: 1) Last minute discovery and poor communication. Whether about admissibility, facts or case direction and intentions. 2) No use of subpoena duces tecum to corroborate findings. 3) Allowing unsupervised interrogatories by GAL or court appointed staff. 4) Failure to make disclosures of evidence or submit interrogatories. No evidence was reported by judge! 5) Failure to proceed on the wishes of client during trial, threatening to leave the case and ultimately causing a show cause to be vacated. 6) Threatening abandonment numerous times over minor disagreements. 7) Fails to immediately recognize and object to inadmissible evidence. 8) Allows opposition to run all over the case. Rolling over at any concern raised by GAL or opposing party. Hesitant to make any push for justice, or seek recompense. During retainment, it was pitched about the enjoyment of such cases, determination to follow through, and aggressive stance. This could be further from the truth. We were treated as another manila folder in the stack. The only thing we expected were emails detailing what "couldn't be accomplished", and lowering the bar on the "aggressive" representation promised from the outset. When contacting other law firms to represent in the appeal, it was clear they were "known" as having difficulties in family related cases, particularly Mrs. Barclay's counsel. You cannot win a case when all you do is waste time putting out the fires... VSB case been opened based on this representation.

M. Vanzile represents. No nonsense. No drama. Excellent attorney. My soon to be ex wife is not in a…read moreposition to screw me. M. Houyong is a true professional. He knows the judicial system, and everything and everyone throughout Richmond. Barnes and Deihle are not cheap, but their expertise and experience pays off in spades. I have spent at least $20k over the past 2 years in a knock-down drag- out divorce, and have not gone to jail, gone bankrupt, or had to pay my wife for anything. Divorce sucks... But, B&D will take you to the other side without losing anything you're not willing to forsake. Best family law firm in central VA.

My sister passed away and her husband decided to take their only child together away from our…read morefamily for two years. We needed a top notch law firm to represent our family law case. We knew this was going to be a tough case and our chances of winning was not good at all. Parents have more rights than aunts, grandparents etc.. Just because you are a grandmother or aunt is not good enough in the eye's of the court. You have to prove a lot in court and it is not easy at all. We started at ground zero and we were devastated. We searched for a law firm that could represent this special type of case that we were up against. We researched and contacted Barnes & Diehl in Chesterfield VA. We were represented by Mr. John Karanian who put together a magnificent case. He worked diligently and as a result...We won!!! Mr. Karanian is outstanding as an individual. Mr. Karanian is very professional, works very hard for his clients, keeps clients updated, and he never disappointed us. We now have visitation and it would not have been possible without Mr. Karanian. If you feel like you are up against the odds, we can assure you that there is hope at Barnes & Diehl with John Karanian.

Mr. O'Donnell was very professional and pleasant. He assisted us with setting up our Trust Account…read more He was patient and explained all the details in layman's terms so we could understand. The office staff as well was a joy to work with. They communicated with us via emails every step of the way. This Firm comes highly recommended.

From the owner: Herndon Law, P.C. safeguards your future and legacy. Established in 2017, our Glen Allen, VA…read morepractice focuses on Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney), Estate Administration, Elder Law, Long-Term Care and Disability Planning, Guardianships and Conservatorships, and Veterans' Benefits. Our experienced and caring team will guide you through advance planning and crisis management to ensure a smooth transition for loved ones.

Charles "Jody" Schumaker!!!!! on my way home i was saying Jody! Jody! Jody! lol He came off the…read moreelevator with this big box I was like what in the world. OMG he was so smooth with the trapping he got my ex lost in his lies. My ex eventually admitted to our agreement when his own attorney was questioning him. Me and Jody lol looked at each other like wtf. It got to a point I was embarrassed for him but then i thought nah. We each had less than an hour that was good for them because Charles was ready to mop the floor with him. Charles did his homework before the case he actually caught another lie while in court and went back up to question him about it. I am so so happy with the results. Put his name in Chatgpt lol. If you are looking for an attorney who is intelligent, organized, strategic, and truly prepared to fight for you in court, I would absolutely recommend Charles Shumaker.

Robert Miller was the worst. I wasted money and time with him representing me. I collected majority…read moreof the information and received outrageous charges to voth him and Owen. According to other reviews, Mr. Van Smith definitely knew before February of Mr. Miller's unsatisfactory representation. Why wasn't he addressed beforehand? Instead, money was adding up for services that weren't received. I blame the firm as well as Mr. Miller.February was when I reported Mr.Miller lack of interest and promptness of handling my case went unniticed in this firm. I will carry out my final decisions with Brian Fraser and hopefully this will be completed promptly.

Very disappointed with this firm. I was trying to settle my mother's estate and was trying to get…read moresome guidance in doing so. I had two appts with them but left both times with not totally understanding the procedure. My brother lives in another state and I had paid out over$20K in repairs to my mother and father's home. I kept all the receipts and had asked them to not settle with him until he agreed to reimburse me for half. When I called they said they had already paid him his half of the estate. Their lack of communication is appalling. No one could believe that the lawyer gave me no guidance how to work this process. I would not recommend this law firm to anyone. BJSB

My attorney was Lisa Brennan. I'm sure no one looks on Yelp for attorneys but I am a successful…read morebusiness person with 15 years in business. I cannot express how ineffective Ms Brennan was in representing me. Specifically she stated each week that we were on track. Meanwhile I learned from the other side that little to no action was being taken. She even took actions that were counter to my specific instructions. I'm a female entrepreneur and I'm very sad to express the lack of competence that I experienced.

Trey Parker is the best. So knowledgeable and easy to work with. Very professional and genuinely…read morecares about the interests of his clients. Highly recommended.

From the owner: Carrell Blanton Ferris & Associates, PLC, is composed of two principal roots, one of which may be…read moretraced to 1996; the other to 1993. In 1996, Dan Carrell, having withdrawn from the partnership of the international law firm of Hunton & Williams, formed with a former colleague a small suburban firm at what is now the location of the Richmond office of Carrell Blanton Ferris. Over the years the firm grew modestly and changed both its name and form. Then, in July 2009, Dan reformed the Firm with Jim Garrett and Jim Van Horn under the name Carrell Rice Garrett & Van Horn, P.C. Eldridge Blanton joined them the following year, when the Firm became Carrell Blanton Garrett and Van Horn, PLC. In September 2011 the Firm combined with Ferris & Associates, PC, a highly respected esteemed Williamsburg law firm focused on estate planning and administration. The Ferris firm had been founded in 1993 by Dick Ferris. In August 2013, the name of the expanded Firm was changed to its present form - Carrell Blanton Ferris & Associates, PLC. The Firm has experienced steady growth since the 2011 acquisition. It opened its Fredericksburg office in 2011 and its Virginia Beach office in 2012. Despite its growth, throughout its history the Firm has prided itself on its professionalism - rendering excellent legal services to clients, for reasonable fees, while maintaining an inviting camaraderie across the entire Firm - among both the lawyers and those in support of their legal practice.

Patrick helped us close on our house and made the process smooth, clear and painless. Couldn't have…read moreasked for a better firm to assist with our first home purchase. Will definitely be coming back for more estate related legal work or advice!

From the owner: Real Estate Law, Business Law, and Estate Planningread more

they provide poor service and then have the balls to charge you for their time for basic responses,…read morelistening to voicemails etc.

Sharon Ten was recommended as a lawyer who could help secure an appointment for me as my wife's…read moreguardian and conservator and also develop an estate plan. This had suddenly become very important because of my wife's illness and need for long-term care. I met with Susan and found her to be exceptionally knowledgeable, very transparent, and quite efficient in addressing my needs. The entire process for guardianship/conversator played out exactly as she predicted, and she was very attentive throughout the process. On my court date, Sharon made sure the judge had all the documents needed and my status as guardian and conservator was established on the same day of my hearing. Then she turned her attention to my needs for an estate plan and developed a strategy and plan that perfectly fits my family's needs. Sharon left no stone unturned and now I sleep very well at night, knowing that things are in place to prevent chaos if I pass away.