Alexandra "Sandra" D. Bowen, Attorney

Sandy Bowen has maintained an active general practice of law in Richmond for the past 28 years.  While per practice has embraced many areas including real estate transactions, wills and small estate planning, business organizations and general litigation, her practice has emphasized the representation of families during separation and divorce since 1988.  She represented the prevailing party in Richardson v. Richardson 12 Va. App 18 a 1991 landmark case directing courts on the application of the child support guidelines.  In 2006 she represented the prevailing party in Harrell v. Harrell 272 Va. 652 decided by the Virginia State Supreme Court denying spousal support to a spouse who failed to properly ask for it in their divorce pleadings.

Sandy's personal experience with divorce when her daughter was 4 years old provides her with an added level of sensitivity to her family law clients needs.  Family law litigation can be a frustrating experience for the client.  The litigation often takes a long time to conclude.  Settlement negotiations require discretion and a careful approach.  She has a special appreciation for just how personal the divorce experience is for her clients.

A well prepared client is critical to assure a good outcome whether the issue for the court to decide is equitable distribution, spousal support, custody or all of the foregoing.  Sandy informs her clients about the process, educates the client about the law and assists the client to identify the factual evidence that is necessary to put the client's best case before the court for determination.

Coates & Davenport is committed to the highest standards of legal service.  We are dedicated to working hard for our clients to achieve the best possible outcome for them.  The addition of Sandy Bowen to the team of attorneys furthers the mission of the firm.

Sandy is proudest of her family.  She has two children, Peter, who is 16, and Katherine, who is 24.  Sandy lives with her son in Chesterfield County.  Sandy has been active in school and community organizations often serving on the Board of Directors.  Sandy has been a long time volunteer to the Virginia Bar Association program that staffs Central Virginia Legal Aid with volunteer attorneys on its Hot Line.  She provides training to new volunteer attorneys and assists Legal Aid clients with custody, support and divorce issues.

Sandy was a founding partner at Bowen Champlin Carr Foreman & Rockecharlie in Chesterfield County, Virginia and managed that firm from 1997 to 2006.  Sandy brings to her practice of law years of financial and business management experience.  This experience supports her practice advising business clients and representing parties in complex divorce litigation.

Prior to establishing her private practice, Sandy worked for eight years as an attorney in the title insurance industry.  She served as senior title attorney at the Richmond Office of Lawyer's Title Insurance Corporation.  Her responsibilities included managing and training the title examiners and underwriters.  Sandy was responsible for coordinating the closing numerous commercial real estate transactions for national customers of Lawyer's Title.  In addition, she was often "at the closing table" on financially complex transactions.

In 1986, with a partner, Sandy established Lawyer's Title Agency of the Capital Region to handle complex commercial real estate transactions as an agent for Lawyer's Title.  Sandy was responsible for the day to day management of this company.  The agency closed in 1988.

Sandy is from Arlington County.  She graduated from the University of Virginia in 1978, and received her law degree from the TC Williams School and Law at the University of Richmond in 1978.  She is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the Chesterfield County Bar Association, the Henrico County Bar Association, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and the Metropolitan Richmond Women's Bar Association having served as Secretary and Treasurer in the past and the Metro Richmond Family Law Bar Association.