Over 20 years of experience in Virginia family law A Steady Hand in Life’s Most Uncertain Moments
With more than two decades of experience, Emily Sitzler is known for her calm strength, thoughtful communication, and relentless preparation. She provides unwavering support to clients navigating divorce, custody disputes, adoption, and guardianship matters—earning trust through her measured, consistent approach.
Emily’s work is deeply aligned with the firm’s mission:
Helping people regain control over their lives, reclaim their power, and lay a foundation for success during family crises.
Clients routinely describe her as the voice of reason in the storm. Her methodical preparation and focused demeanor offer a grounding presence in emotionally turbulent cases. She listens closely, plans carefully, and maintains strategic clarity—especially when dealing with sensitive issues involving children, vulnerable parents, or contested custody.
”Thanks to her work, I was granted custody of my 23-month-old daughter and permission to move to NY to be with my family... She was compassionate, strategic, and always professional.
Client testimonial, July 2025
While Emily is deeply analytical, she also brings a well-developed instinct for human dynamics. She’s known internally for identifying risks or patterns early, and for flagging emotional cues in difficult family interactions. That allows her to gently guide clients through tough choices, while keeping the legal strategy aligned with long-term goals.
Her instinct shows up most clearly in:
Emily’s background in sociology—combined with her legal training—gives her a unique perspective on family systems, communication barriers, and child development. Her senior thesis explored access to childcare and family stability, themes that remain central to her practice today.
She also served as a Guardian ad litem for children and incapacitated adults in Bedford County, and was appointed to the Court Improvement Team in 2009, 2011, and 2013 to help improve outcomes in family court.
Emily is often praised for her calm presence and deep preparation. Clients trust her because she doesn’t just react—she anticipates. She offers clarity when clients are overwhelmed and helps them feel secure at every step.
