Virginia Jackson Yeoman

That won't happen to me, I said. I am not of that race, nationality, or ethnicity, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, I don’t practice that religion, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, I’m not of that sexual orientation, and so I did not speak out. ...That won’t happen to me, I said, I’m not part of that income bracket, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, I don’t have that disability, and so I did not speak out. That won’t happen to me, I said, until it was physically in my face, had me backed into a corner, and was spewing utter vitriol at me. That won't happen to me, I said, he'd never lay a hand on me, until one day the physical aggression caused me physical pain and injury. That won’t happen to me, I said, until thirteen months ago, when I found myself on the phone with a domestic violence hotline. That won’t happen to me, I said, until thirteen months ago, when I found myself hurriedly packing a bag and fleeing my home, and boarding an aircraft out of state, because I feared for my life and safety. Fifty years ago, when my mother and her family escaped their war-torn country with nothing but the clothes on their backs and one bag per person due to religious persecution, I never imagined that one day, fifty years into the future, that I too would one day find myself following in her footsteps, quite literally. I never imagined that I would one day find myself fleeing my home with nothing but the clothes on my back and one small carry-on bag, and boarding a same-day aircraft bound for 1,000+ miles away, because I too feared for my life and safety. Thirteen months ago, when I found myself on the phone with a local domestic violence agency in my state, I never imagined that the proverbial door would get slammed in my face, on the basis that I earned too much money to qualify for any help or support. Since I was born and raised abroad, and with my own family still living halfway around the world, it was in that moment that I truly realized, and that it genuinely sunk in, that I was going to be completely and entirely alone in the process of escaping the cycle of violence. In 1848, divorce was practically unheard of. Most states had fault-based divorce laws outlining the requirements and criteria permitting divorce: lunacy, adultery, desertion, or cruelty. This meant that couples could only pursue divorce IF they could prove, in a court of law, that one or the other had committed one of these offenses. However, given the laws (or lack thereof) governing women's rights and freedoms at the time, divorce was far more complex for women, as they remained at risk of being unable to regain their last names, unable to retain property acquired prior to their marriage, or unable to obtain custody of their children. These fault-based grounds are in stark contrast to the no-fault system that exists across most states today. Today, after decades of tireless advocacy, and thanks to incredible attorneys like Laurie Wasserman and Virginia Yeoman, people are no longer required to remain shackled to their spouses, and have the freedom to escape the cycle of violence. Thanks to the fabulous support of Laurie and Virginia, I've not only been able to survive, but I am slowly on my way to thriving again. The words "happiness" and "divorce" are the last two words you'd expect to see in the same sentence, but that is exactly what Virginia and Laurie have facilitated for me. For anyone considering engaging the services of Laurie Wasserman, Virginia Yeoman, and their team, from the bottom of my heart, I wholeheartedly recommend them and their entire office. They'll not only save your life, but they will also help re-unlock your door to freedom, health, independence, and joy again.

I had a great experience with Virginia. I first contacted her in regards to a divorce when I was at my wits- end. I had attempted to divorce my abusive (NOW!) ex husband twice before on my own and both times I failed. It was just two much while I was juggling caring for my four kids. Hiring Virginia... was truly the best thing I could have ever done. The conversations were open and I felt heard when I shared my situation and what I hoped the outcome to be. What I appreciated most was that she’d give me advice but made it clear the choice was ultimately my decision- I wasn’t just along for the ride. She explained the processes and kept me informed throughout the entire process and we ended up with the justice and judgment I deserved. Thank you, Virginia!

Ms. Yeoman was kind, understanding, and helpful at navigating my difficult process. She was always very quick to answer e-mails. She put in extra time in some instances. She was honest about her opinions and recommendations, not being too pessimistic nor too optimistic, and did not pressure me to mak...e certain decisions. I especially appreciate that she wanted to take the high road and not play legal games to drag things out or to demonize the other party. Legal fees for anyone are extremely expensive, but Ms. Yeoman was very fair in her charges, and all charges were clearly recorded.

Virginia was a wonderful lawyer who helped my divorce go through as smoothly as possible. Her professionalism and experience was clear from the very first day she started working on my case. I cannot express enough how happy I was with her service. Since I am in the military, I had a very difficult ...schedule to work with but she accommodated my every need. I would recommend her to anyone in the military, or not, who needs a good lawyer that always has your back and will get results.