Stephen Allen Gold | Vienna Divorce & Family Law Lawyer

I handled a divorce case two years ago for an Argentinian woman with a small baby. She had been abandoned by her husband. I agreed to defer part of my fee, got her child and spousal support, both temporary and permanent, and this allowed her to move into very comfortable subsidized housing.

I built it primarily through word of mouth referrals, which are the best kind.

Clients should look for competence and the ability to relate to people, answer questions. The client and lawyer have to be very comfortable with each other, especially in family matters.

Local knowledge is not very important as long as the lawyer practices in nearby counties.

In a free phone consultation I cannot give advice, but I can give some general information about the process and what the choices are.

If it is a divorce matter, I need to know the basic elements: how long married, when separated, children if any, and the general nature of the marital estate. In a will or trust matter, I can explain options with a very limited amount of information.

What differentiates me from many other lawyers is that I care more about the client than the amount of fees generated. I frequently see lawyers who will litigate and charge high fees, when the amount in question would not justify that type of action.

The most rewarding aspect is receiving thanks from a satisfied client.

I am an avid tennis player and duplicate bridge player. I also sing in my church chorale.

I am quite active in community affairs. I serve on the Board of Directors for my home owners association, and am very active in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax. I do a fair amount of social justice advocacy and service.

• Member | Virginia Bar Association
  Member | District of Columbia Bar
  Member | Fairfax Bar Association