Sarah Novak Nesbitt

PRO

Sarah Novak Nesbitt

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 16 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Columbia, MD
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody ... +2 more

9256 Bendix Rd., Suite 307, Columbia, MD

About Sarah

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 30%

30%
Child Custody 20%

20%
Family 20%

Includes modification and contempt proceedings and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

20%
Adoption 15%

15%
Education 15%

15%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 3 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2022

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 16 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2009

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Family Legal Advocacy Group

9256 Bendix Rd., Suite 307, Columbia, MD, 21045

flagfamilylaw.com

Sarah Novak Nesbitt's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (9) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | June 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Intelligence, Professionalism & Commitment

The system is fractured, the process a labyrinth. However, Sarah Novak Nesbitt helped me to navigate a challenging support dispute and get the best possible arrangement for my children and myself. She understood the issues and could distill them to a logical, winnable argument. Well-prepared, we ente...red court on separate occasions and Sarah's organizational skills and thought processes delivered convincing arguments that rose above the lies and negative commentary from a much-less professional opponent. I am proud of the way we kept our heads high and did not waver in our approach. My bottom line was always about protecting my time with the children and lessening the impact of a high conflict divorce, and far less about monetary considerations. Sarah fought for all elements to ensure that we would not end up back in court in twelve or eighteen months time, again. I have cycled through several attorneys in this incredibly difficult journey, and Sarah is the ONLY one who I can honestly say really cared about me, my children and our future. Thank you Sarah!

Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Perhaps among the best in her field in this area

I hired Ms. Sarah Novak Nesbitt recently to represent me in my separation and child custody case. I did not end up going to the court hence cannot evaluate her performance in front of a judge. I strongly recommend Ms. Novak Nesbitt especially if one intends to settle her/his case rather than contest ...it. In negotiating my case with the opposing parties she "spoke softly and carried a big stick.” She was detailed oriented when discussing issues, reviewing documents/letters, and communicating with the client and the other lawyers. Ms. Novak Nesbitt did not return my calls or respond to my emails in a timely manner. However, she just expanded her office staff and hired another lawyer to assist her. Sarah’s legal fees were very reasonable and compatible. Considering different factors such as quality of deliverables, legal knowledge, cost, and negotiation skills, perhaps Ms. Novak Nesbitt is among the best in her field in this area.

Posted by Jack | May 01, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Godsend

I was referred to Sarah by a friend of a friend because I really had no idea what I was doing in looking for a divorce lawyer (I had initially tried to do everything myself). I must say that the one bright spot out of my divorce was the work of Sarah. She not only looked after my needs but also of ...what was best for my two young boys. While I'm sure she has tried hundreds if not thousands of divorce cases, however, she truly made it feel like my case was important to her and that she was working exclusively on mine. I know that isn't true because of how professional, compassionate and organized she was she must get referrals from previous clients all the time. While I don't wish a divorce on anyone as it is an extremely stressful and sad time, Sarah was the one constant that I could depend on throughout the whole process. Anytime I called she either answered my call then or if she was with another client or in court she would get back to me within the hour. I cannot stress enough how happy I am with her work. My case was "ripe" on March 31st and I was divorced on April 1st. Every step along the way she kept me informed of what was going on and where I needed to be and at what time. I would recommend Sarah without any reservations to my best friend, relative, colleague, or anyone with whom I had respect for and cared about. She was a Godsend

Posted by Tom | February 12, 2013 | Family

Sarah Novak Nesbitt: Distinguishing Characteristics

Sarah Novak Nesbitt: Distinguishing Characteristics : . Exceptional professionalism and knowledge of Family Law. Experienced. . Genuine interest and practice of keeping client fees contained. . Provide a realistic picture of what you need to know versus what you want to hear ( asset versus i...ncome issue) . Ability to quickly and accurately assess your situation and provide a best case, worst case and most likely case scenario ( in my case they preformed better than their most likely case scenario). . Will willingly & actively pursue an issue on you behalf even though Sarah may assess it has a high risk of succeeding . . Personable & Engaging. Emotionally Intelligent. Ability to work with a wide variety of people & personalities. . I wouldn't think twice about engaging Sarah again, if needed. I would highly recommend her to anyone. .Given my considerable experience with family law professionals Sara has a distinct competitive advantage to many family law practitioners.

Posted by Julie | January 04, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

Sara Nesbitt, highly recommended.

I began working with Sarah Nesbitt's firm when she was a paralegal, waiting for her bar results. She handled much of the "behind the scenes" of my my complicated divorce case that involved property settlement, child support, and child access schedules. Upon passing the bar exam, she took over the m...ajority of my case and I always felt comfortable, well informed, well represented and safe that my best interests (and more so, my children's) were her primary focus. I never felt that it was about her billable hours and often, she would discuss with me the approach that would be less expensive. While going to court was an option in a couple of circumstances, Sarah helped me weigh the pros and cons and avoid what would have been additional expenses. Due to complications and my ex changing lawyers, my case continued with Sarah's firm on and off for about 2 1/2 years. I would highly recommend her to anyone going through a separation and/or divorce in need of legal representation.

See All Client Reviews

Sarah Novak Nesbitt's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Sarah
Andrea Marie Solan headshot
Andrea Solan

Family lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Sarah served as a best interest attorney for our client. From the beginning and throughout the difficult case she was thorough, responsive, and always kept the best interests of the children at the forefront. I have also referred several clients to Sarah for post-divorce retirement orders. It is always a pleasure to work with Sarah."

Michael Jonathan Bramnick headshot
Michael Bramnick

Family lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sarah is an experienced, knowledgeable and thoughtful family law attorney. I recommend her for anyone in need of legal counsel."

Tracey Levin Perrick headshot
Tracey Perrick

Unknown lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Sarah is one of those family law attorneys that has the rare ability to immediately see right to the heart of the matter and assist her clients reach a resolution that is best for the client and the children. Sarah is a tough litigator when she has to be, but simultaneously reasonable and family-focused. Sarah is an excellent representative of children, with experience and background in child development that not all family attorneys have. I highly recommend Sarah for all types of family law cases, but especially mediation/settlement/collaborative and Best Interest Attorney work."

Jessica E. Zadjura headshot
Jessica Zadjura

Family lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah on a number of cases. She is always polite and respectful of myself and my client, while remaining a zealous advocate for her client."

Evan Michael Koslow headshot
Evan Koslow

Family lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Sarah is an extremely hardworking attorney who will advocate for her client's best interest without forgetting to uphold the integrity of the legal profession. It is always a pleasure to know that she is representing opposing party in a case."

Gregg Greenberg headshot
Gregg Greenberg

Family lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sarah Nesbitt is among the most knowledgeable and talented family law attorneys I know. She is a caring and zealous advocate on behalf of her clients. I highly recommend this attorney."

Colby S. Hall headshot
Colby Hall

Family lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I am pleased to endorse Sarah. Sarah is an excellent attorney. Her advocacy, attention to detail, and comprehensive approach makes her an outstanding advocate for her clients."

View All Endorsements
Emily Patricia Koning headshot
Emily Koning

Family lawyer

Shannon Leigh Hammond headshot
Shannon Hammond

Elder law lawyer

Sara L Schwartzman headshot
Sara Schwartzman

Family lawyer

Andrea Marie Solan headshot
Andrea Solan

Family lawyer

Cary Caroline Jacobson headshot
Cary Jacobson

Family lawyer

Tracey Levin Perrick headshot
Tracey Perrick

Unknown lawyer

Michael Jonathan Bramnick headshot
Michael Bramnick

Construction and development lawyer

Jessica E. Zadjura headshot
Jessica Zadjura

Family lawyer

Darcy A Shoop headshot
Darcy Shoop

Family lawyer

Colby S. Hall headshot
Colby Hall

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Baltimore Finest 2014, Baltimore City Paper

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2008

Pro Bono Student of the Year, Maryland Public Interest Law Project

2006

Leadership Scholar, University of Maryland School of Law

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Adjunct Professor of Children and Divorce, University Of Maryland School Of Law

2014 - Present

Managing Attorney of Family Law, Family Legal Advocacy Group, L.L.C.

2009 - 2014

Associate Attorney, Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C.

2008 - 2009

Law Clerk, Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C.

Associations

2014 - Present

Divorce Roundtable of Montgomery County

Secretary

Howard County Women's Bar Association

Vice President

Howard County Collaborative Practice

Member

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Member

Howard County Bar Association

Member

Women's Bar Association of Maryland

Member

Education

2009

University of Maryland School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2004

University of Notre Dame

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2010

Alternative Dispute Resolution Presentation

Collaborative Law

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution