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Matthew Joseph Yao

Estate planning Attorney at Fairfax, VA

5.0   10 reviews
  • Licensed for 12 years
    State VA
    Acquired 2010
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Matthew

Learn Matthew’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Estate planning
    40%

  2. Family
    20%

  3. Guardianship
    20%
    I regularly represent petitioners and serve as guardian ad litem in guardianship and conservatorship cases. I have also represented respondents and have experience in highly contested cases. I am experienced in dealing with elder abuse.

  4. Immigration
    20%
    I handle all aspects of immigration, including obtaining a visa, lawful permanent resident status, and citizenship. I also handle Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases from juvenile court through obtaining lawful permanent resident status. I am experienced in proving abuse, neglect, and abandonment in order to obtain the SIJS predicate order.

My philosophy as a lawyer is to establish a strong attorney-client relationship.  My goal is to connect with each client and deliver quality work, personalized service, and exceptional value.  As your counselor and representative, you can be confident that everything possible will be done to protect your rights.

You will receive individual attention through every part of the legal process in order to achieve your goals quickly and efficiently.  Please contact me to discuss your legal issues, strategies, and solutions in a straightforward and collaborative manner.

I am currently located in Fairfax, Virginia and serve the Northern Virginia area.  My practice focuses primarily on Juvenile and Family Law, Elder Law and Estate Planning, and Immigration Law matters.

Contact me today to get the legal representation you deserve!

Photos and videos

American Society of Legal Advocates, Top 40 Lawyer Under 40 in Virginia, Family Law, 2015
National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (NAFLA) Top 10 Family Law Attorney Under 40 in Virginia
ARAG Group Legal Insurance Network Attorney
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Contact Matthew

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Woehrle Dahlberg Jones Yao, PLLC
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  10 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
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Posted by anonymous | December 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I have green card and I applied my wife so how can you help me and how long time needed
I have green card i apply my wife how can help me and how long time needed
Posted by Kimberly | October 30, 2014
Consultation
Oh my, an attorney that returned his call within minutes!!!! Doesn't get any better than that! Although he does not handle the type of case I inquired about, he delivered the most information than any of the departments or other attorneys I spoke with. He immediately referred me to another attorney who he contacted himself. THANK YOU MATTHEW JOSEPH YAO!!!! We will definitely be contacting you if the need arises in the future!
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Posted by Gladys | January 28, 2014
I'm happy
Mr . Matthew a devoted lawyer, He helped me and my family with our I immigration papers and I'm soo glad to say he was really on point my niece have a green card and we are soo happy I soo will recommend him to anyone that help with immigration
Posted by Larry | January 9, 2014
guardianship case job well done
Mr. Yao is very familiar with the domain knowledge and explains clear to us about the case. He has well defined plan on how to work on the case and very responsive in communication. I have no hesitation to recommend him to any of my friends.
Posted by Charlene | November 1, 2013
Matthew Yao is an Outstanding Lawyer
Our family can only speak of Mr. Yao in superlatives. Mr. Yao demonstrated the utmost professionalism, integrity, and compassion representing my eighteen-year-old son with Asperger's in a very difficult guardianship case brought against him by his father. Mr. Yao is personable, enthusiastic, and encouraging, and worked extremely well with my son, taking the time to carefully explain the intricate legal proceedings. He listened intently to our concerns, and allayed our fears and anxiety. We always felt we were in good hands with Mr. Yao; he worried so we didn't have to. Mr. Yao helped my son gain his independence, and my son is now free to make a wonderful new life for himself. Our family would most definitely seek out Mr. Yao again if needed, and highly recommend him to anyone.
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Posted by Carolyn | October 23, 2013
Professional and compassionate
Mr Yao was so professional and compassionate while working with my 17 year old nephew and myself on an immigration matter. His guidance and advice was priceless. He always replied promptly to my calls or emails. I would absolutely have no hesitation recommending Mr Yao to family and friends.
Posted by Luis | September 30, 2013
Excellent
Mr. Yao is an extremely great attorney to work with. He has been helping us with a case for about a year now and he has always been prompt, follows up with us and makes us feel like we're in good hands. He's gone above and beyond our expectations and he has proven to be very reliable. We truly appreciate everything he has done for us.
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Posted by Diane | September 28, 2013
Matthew Yao, children's advocate.
Matthew Yao was excellent. A six out of five. His demeanor with my son, (seventeen with Asperger's) was wonderful. He won him over in the first ten minutes. HE explained everything to my son and to us in language we understood, and always answered my emails, texts, and phone calls in a timely manner. We are so grateful for all his help and his compassion.
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Posted by anonymous | September 27, 2013
Would hire again - provided both family and immigration consultation
Mr. Yao was our lawyer for a legal guardianship case and took good notes during the visits and was relatively responsive through both email and phone. He also provided additional insight to our case which had some immigration implications, and ensured all the details were satisfied in order to present the case. He offered his candid opinion and made sure facts were straight so as not to sacrifice his own integrity for the sake of a client's success. We would certainly hire him again for any future immigration related cases. Contrary to a previous reviewer's opinion, my family and I felt that Mr. Yao did in fact show concern and care for our case, as well as for our family's well being.
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Posted by Kimberly Hallums (I am not anonymously Proud of Mr. Yao) | September 27, 2013
The Best Lawyer who believed in me a "ward of the state"
Mr. Yao is a amazing person first and a marvelous lawyer not only to me but every member of my family, when I wanted contact with my family he was the the man that said this girl deserves it and he made the call I had not contacted my family in eight years and M. Yao made it happen even now not as my lawyer we still have a positive relationship. He has also given me a chance to explore my dream career law with his help. Mr. Yao is more than a lawyer he is family saver to me and a blessing to anyone else he helped or helps
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Woehrle Dahlberg Jones Yao, PLLC
  • 2015 - Present
  • Managing Attorney
  • Yao Law Firm, P.C.
  • 2014 - 2015
  • Attorney
  • Matthew J. Yao, Attorney at Law
  • 2010 - 2014

Education

  • University of Virginia School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2010
  • University of Virginia
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 2007

Legal Cases

  • Guardian ad litem in infant settlement
  • $1.6 million settlement approved

Associations

  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association (DC chapter)
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • ARAG Group Legal Insurance
  • Network Attorney
  • 2014 - Present
  • Fairfax Bar Association, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Committee
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Virginia
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Virginia State Bar, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Culpeper Best Practice Courts Team
  • Member
  • 2013 - 2015
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Mandarin
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Top 40 Under 40
  • The National Advocates
  • 2018
  • 10 Best Under 40
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2018
  • 10 Best Law Firms
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2018
  • Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Virginia
  • Attorney and Practice Magazine
  • 2018
  • Best Attorney, Lifetime Charter Member
  • Best Attorneys of America
  • 2018
  • Top 10 Attorneys Under 40
  • National Academy of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2018
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2018
  • Premier 100 Civil Attorney, Virginia
  • National Academy of Jurisprudence
  • 2017
  • Top 10 Attorneys Under 40
  • National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2017
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2017
  • Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Virginia
  • Attorney and Practice Magazine
  • 2017
  • Top 40 Lawyers Under 40
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2017
  • Top 40 Under 40
  • The National Advocates
  • 2017
  • 10 Best Law FIrms
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2017
  • 10 Best Under 40
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2017
  • 10 Best Law Firms
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2016
  • Top 40 Lawyers Under 40
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2016
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 10 Attorneys Under 40
  • National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2016
  • 10 Best Under 40
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2016
  • Top 10 Attorneys Under 40
  • National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2016
  • Premier 100 Civil Attorney, Virginia
  • National Academy of Jurisprudence
  • 2016
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 40 Under 40
  • The National Advocates
  • 2016
  • Top 40 Under 40
  • The National Advocates
  • 2015
  • Premier 100 Civil Attorney
  • American Academy of Trial Attorneys
  • 2015
  • Top 10 Attorneys Under 40
  • National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2015
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2015
  • 10 Best Under 40
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2015
  • Top 40 Lawyers Under 40
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2015
  • Top 10 Family Law Attorney Under 40 in Virginia
  • National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2014
  • 10 Best Under 40, Virginia
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2014
  • 10 Best Under 40
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2014
  • Clients' Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2013
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (14)
Given (14)
Endorse Matthew
Immigration Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I'm pleased to endorse Joseph. He is a top-notch immigration attorney and a zealous advocate for his clients. Highly recommended."
Immigration Attorney | Jul 21
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a dedicated and tireless advocate for his clients!"
Unknown Attorney | Jun 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matt is a very intelligent and approachable attorney. He is a passionate advocate, always willing to help and share his knowledge, and I highly endorse him."
Child custody Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Yao is extremely knowledgeable about all areas of family law. He is sensitive to particular needs that clients have. Any client of his knows he's going to work out the best resolution to problems that seemed impossible to solve. Highly recommended."
Child custody Attorney | Sep 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Mr. Yao since he began practicing as an attorney. He is known for his stellar reputation in the legal communication. He is a hard-working attorney, who is well-versed in many of the intricacies of family law."
Child abuse Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matt is a proficient, hardworking attorney. He is knowledgeable and cares deeply about his cases. I have enjoyed working with him on two separate cases as the GAL."
Family Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mr. Yao is a great advocate and very smart lawyer. He has a lot of experience in his field of practice and has a lot of knowledge with regards to juvenile and domestic relations. I endorse Mr. Yao and highly recommend him as a lawyer."
Guardianship Attorney | Mar 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matt has a great understanding of the law and works tirelessly for his clients. He is passionate in his advocacy and provides excellent service."
Child abuse Attorney | Nov 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is a very sharp and aggressive attorney whom I can tell has sincere passion for his work. He's very down to earth and a great communicator. As a graduate of the University of Virginia, he's also clearly a bright attorney. Anyone would be lucky to have him on their side."
Family Attorney | Nov 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matthew is a hard working, reliable and dedicated attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients."
Child abuse Attorney | Nov 04
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mr. Yao is a highly competent attorney who understands his clients' goals and strives to achieve them honestly and efficiently. I have the utmost confidence in his abilities and, as a result, he is the first person I call when I need co-counsel in a child abuse or guardianship matter."
Child custody Attorney | Nov 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I know Matt as a colleague of the bar, and I am familiar with his reputation among our colleagues. I'd definitely recommend him for folks who need a dedicated, effective attorney."
Child abuse Attorney | Nov 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mr. Yao is a conscientious attorney who always does his best to serve his clients."
Unknown Attorney | Nov 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked on a number of cases with Matthew pertaining to child abuse, child custody, and family law matters and found him to be a knowledgeable and dedicated advocate for his clients, whether they are an adult or a child. He is a valuable member of the Northern Virginia legal community and receives my full endorsement."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
Medicaid and medicare
Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Criminal defense
General practice
Speeding and traffic ticket

Avvo Contributions

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Fairfax Estate planning Lawyer Matthew Joseph Yao
Matthew Joseph Yao
Estate planning Attorney
Fairfax, VA
Licensed for 12 years