Abby McNelis

Abby McNelis

3.4
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 7 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Fairfax, VA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody

3975 University Drive #325, Fairfax, VA

About Abby

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-250 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Virginia for 7 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 2018

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Abby McNelis

3975 University Drive #325, Fairfax, VA, 22030

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Abby McNelis's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.4 /5.0

5 Client Reviews

5 star (3)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by Mike | August 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Pinch hitter but performed like the professional she is

Did an google review of her but it was on the firms reviews and I felt she deserved a solid review on here as an individual rating so I'm copying my google review here: Abby McNelis is an absolute beast. Going thru a contentious high conflict custody battle and my primary atty Callie Gibson (who... has been with me for a few years of this roller coaster process - I'll write a separate review for her) was unavailable for a surprise protective order on my case. Abby sub'd in for Callie and I'm so glad she was there for me as my representative. The case was without merit and Abby worked with the GAL and opposing party's atty to squash it and ensure the child was returned to me safe and even made sure that we have access all the counseling services necessary to get past this traumatic custody case. I'll admit I was worried that Abby wouldn't be prepared since there was SOOOOOO much history that she wasn't involved with but she did her homework and was fully up to speed on all the critical details and even some of the more mundane details. If you find yourself in need of a family law atty you can be confident in the selection of Abby McNelis

Posted by Nina | June 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Negligent and sloppy

Abby review Sloppy work, her poor attention to detail and dismissal of my concerns in my written settlement (concerns that I expressed early on regarding child custody and child support) have now resulted in the worst possible outcome where I now have little say in my sons life despite asking, plea...ding for her to make sure my divorce decree explicitly stated that my custody be shared. Issues such as requiring payments to come directly from me—rather than allowing my family to pay my ex-spouse directly—were never clearly explained to me, which led to a great deal of confusion and ambiguity. The paperwork written up was so haphazardly put together- I want to be clear that I am not an attorney, but I did notice early on that the phrasing in the settlement seemed questionable. When I raised my concern, it was quickly dismissed with, ‘Oh, that’s something you can easily amend later.’ Unfortunately, that hasn’t turned out to be the case. As it stands, I can’t make the necessary changes without hiring another attorney—at significant additional cost. As her client she should have guided me through this and explained non-conforming payments! Overall waste of time and 20k.

Posted by John | September 3, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly recommend

I cannot express how grateful I am to have had Abby McNelis and NOVA Legal Professionals represent me in my family law case. From the moment I first spoke to her on the phone, I knew I was in capable hands. Abby not only possesses an incredible depth of legal knowledge, but she also genuinely cares a...bout her clients. Her dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for her clients is unparalleled. Throughout the entire process, Abby provided me with unwavering support and guidance. She took the time to listen to my concerns, explained complex legal matters in a way I could understand, and always kept me informed about the progress of my case. Her attention to detail is remarkable, and her strategic approach to the law is nothing short of brilliant. What truly sets Abby apart is her unwavering commitment to winning cases. She fought tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned. Thanks to her expertise and dedication, we achieved a favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. It’s no surprise that Abby is a Super Lawyers Rising Star award recipient, as her legal prowess is truly exceptional. I can confidently say that Abby is not just an attorney, but also a true advocate for her clients. If you're facing any family law issues, I wholeheartedly recommend her services. Abby is not only a legal powerhouse but also a compassionate and caring professional who genuinely cares about her clients' well-being. I am eternally grateful for her support and the incredible results she achieved for me.

Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Unprepared and unprofessional !

Hire at your own risk. Hiring her was a complete waste of time. She was very unprofessional and unprepared for my case. She did not have the experience to handle my case, and I felt she was working for the other party and agreeing with anything they proposed. Furthermore, she did not 'advise' me on l...egal issues that could help my case and provided the standard cookie-cutter, run-of-mill lawyering. Everything I found out was through my research. Stay away!

Posted by Mr. Daniels | March 19, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Phenomenal Lawyer

Ms. McNelis is a phenomenal lawyer. She was very meticulous and tenacious when it came to my case - when she entered the courtroom it was evident that she meant business and always went the extra mile for my case. I was very fortunate to have her represent me, and if I ever have to go to court agai...n I definitely know who I'll be calling!

See All Client Reviews

Abby McNelis's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Abby
Nicole O'Neal headshot
Nicole O'Neal

Family lawyer | Aug 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Abby is a strong and no-nonsense advocate for her clients. She works tirelessly for her clients and her diligent and thoughtful approach to her cases bodes well at trial. I would recommend Abby to anybody looking for a family law attorney."

Alisa Chunephisal headshot
Alisa Chunephisal

Family lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Co-worker

"Abby is a smart and discerning attorney. She is an effective advocate for her clients. I endorse her wholeheartedly."

Andrew Robert Tank headshot
Andrew Tank

Family lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Co-worker

"Abby has great judgment and knowledge of the law, which allows her to understand complex legal issues and act decisively. Above all, Abby never loses sight of her clients' objectives and vigorously pursues their interests. I'd recommend her to anyone."

Cambridge Baker headshot
Cambridge Baker

Family lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ms. McNelis has a strong knowledge of the law and is a dedicated family law attorney. Her focus on the needs and interests of her clients is unwavering. She receives my highest endorsement."

Melannie H. Dino headshot
Melannie Dino

Family lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"I highly endorse Abby McNelis. Ms. McNelis brings a healthy balance of compassion and zealous advocacy to the practice of law."

Shirin Afsous headshot
Shirin Afsous

Family lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ms. McNelis is a detail-oriented attorney who zealously advocates on behalf of her clients. I highly endorse her."

Christopher Doyle headshot
Christopher Doyle

Family lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ms. McNelis is a zealous advocate for her clients both in and out of the courtroom, and uses her strong knowledge of all aspects of family law to obtain positive outcomes for her clients. Ms. McNelis knows that each client's situation is unique, and tailors her strategy in each case accordingly. I highly recommend her for anyone seeking representation in a family law matter."

Brianna Denise Salerno headshot
Brianna Salerno

Family lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ms. McNelis is a skilled and dedicated family law attorney. I highly recommend Ms. McNelis to anyone seeking an attorney to represent them in any divorce, custody, and support matter in Fairfax County or Northern Virginia."

Anneshia Miller Grant headshot
Anneshia Miller Grant

Family lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ms. McNelis brings a wide range of experience with her to the courtroom. She is well-prepared and a zealous advocate for her clients."

Jamel Rowe headshot
Jamel Rowe

Family lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"As a former judicial law clerk, Abby is detail oriented and understands the ins-and-outs of family law. She is passionate about this field of law and would be an asset to any client."

Jonathan Patrick McHugh headshot
Jonathan McHugh

Family lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ms. McNeils is an energetic and zealous advocate for her clients. I give her my highest endorsement."

Matthew Howard Smith headshot
Matthew Smith

Family lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I give Abby my highest endorsement. She has a strong knowledge of the law and excellent communication skills."

Kevin Randall Myers headshot
Kevin Myers

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"An outstanding family law attorney, Ms. McNelis receives my highest possible endorsement."

James D. Livesay Jr. headshot
James Livesay

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Abby McNelis is a skilled and dedicated family law attorney. I highly recommend Abby to anyone facing a divorce or custody battle in Fairfax County or Northern Virginia."

View All Endorsements
Maria Zamayar headshot
Maria Zamayar

Family lawyer

Andrew Robert Tank headshot
Andrew Tank

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Top 10 Family Law Attorneys Under 40 in Virginia, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys

2019

Top Contributor Award, Avvo

2018

Trial Advocacy Award, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

Work Experience

2019 - Present

Associate Attorney, Livesay & Myers, P.C.

2018 - 2019

Judicial Law Clerk, The Honorable Michael F. Devine, Fairfax County Circuit Court

Associations

2020 - Present

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia

Admitted to Practice

2019 - Present

Fairfax Bar Association

Member

2019 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Admitted to Practice

2019 - Present

Virginia Women Attorneys Association

Member

2018 - Present

Virginia State Bar

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Represented Wife Against Former Husband Who Failed to Pay Support

Former Husband Found in Contempt, Ordered to Pay Arrearages and Attorney's Fees

Represented Wife in Pendente Lite Support Hearing

Husband Ordered to Pay Pendente Lite Child and Spousal Support

See More Legal Cases

Education

2018

George Mason University School of Law

J.D.

2015

The Pennsylvania State University

B.S.

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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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