Melissa Suzanne Vanzile

Melissa Suzanne Vanzile

4.2
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 21 years

Marriage and prenuptials Lawyer at Richmond, VA
Practice Areas: Marriage & Prenuptials, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Child Support

Three Paragon, 6806 Paragon Place, Suite 110, Richmond, VA

About Melissa

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Virginia for 21 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 2004

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Barnes & Diehl, PC

Three Paragon, 6806 Paragon Place, Suite 110, Richmond, VA, 23230

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Melissa Suzanne Vanzile's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.2 /5.0

19 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (19) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 19 reviews

Posted by anonymous | March 03, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Mrs. VanZile is a fierce and steady advocate

I am incredibly grateful for Melissa VanZile's professionalism and dedication shown throughout my custody matter. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone in need of strong and strategic representation. I changed my representation from a different firm a few months before trial due to the ...prior attorney’s lack of responsiveness and forward movement in my case. I am extremely glad that I made that decision. From day one, Mrs. VanZile took my case seriously and invested the time to fully understand the facts and talk me through the perceived challenges I had as a father fighting to maintain 50/50 custody. In a high-conflict matter, her steady and professional approach made a significant difference. From start to finish, Mrs. VanZile was wonderful to work with and her expertise gave me confidence during a stressful time. I appreciate her commitment to ensuring that all of the details were handled thoroughly and with care. Mrs. VanZile is a fierce advocate. Working with her was absolutely the right move for me, and I remain deeply grateful for her dedication and skill that helped me walk away with what I wanted - maintaining 50/50 custody of my daughter.

Posted by anonymous | February 21, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Highly recommend!

Melissa helped me through a difficult divorce from a difficult man. She never wasted my money with frivolous emails & worked to save me money. Melissa was honest about the law & what I would win & what I wouldn’t. I wish she knew a little more about narcissists, but you will not regret hiring her!

Posted by anonymous | December 21, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

She Had My Back From The Initial Consultation

I was a father who had originally agreed to share custody with my ex. The arrangement was in place, but I had not signed. My ex had moved, had the kids in new schools, but was making decisions that I believed were not in the kids' best interests. I had retained one attorney at the cost of several tho...usand dollars but was dissatisfied with the progress. I met with Mrs. VanZile, and within minutes she had an understanding of my situation and the type of person (my ex) I was dealing with. I always felt like I had someone fighting in my corner. At trial, she was able to expose my ex's motives and ultimately I was awarded a change of custody. My coworkers, who came to the hearing for support, witnessed Mrs. VanZile's performance and a couple have reached out to me in the years that followed for her name and contact info. I gladly share. My kids are young adults now, and the conflicts have long since settled. Your experience may vary, but as for me, I am grateful for the help I received.

Posted by anonymous | July 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Definitely Recommend

Melissa did a great job representing me during my difficult divorce and took the steps necessary to avoid having to go to court. She was always very prompt in responding to me and laid out various options in a way I could understand so I could make an informed decision.

Posted by anonymous | May 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Highly Recommend

Melissa has represented me before, during, and after my complex and contentious divorce case from an abusive ex spouse. She is professional, prompt, organized, and detailed and always advises and explains options and possible outcomes. In numerous court hearings (including custody, property divisio...n, appeals, support) she has been a skilled, poised and effective litigator, fighting for the best possible outcome for me and my child despite the complexity of the situation and numerous changes in counsel for the opposing party. Compassionate, consistent, and professional, I highly recommend Melissa.

See All Client Reviews

Melissa Suzanne Vanzile's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melissa
Nupur Sidhu Bal headshot
Nupur Bal

Unknown lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Harris Wayne Leiner headshot
Harris Leiner

Unknown lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Hill Wilson Jr. headshot
James Wilson

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Melissa is a very thorough and knowledgeable divorce lawyer. She was well prepared and an effective advocate for her client as opposing counsel during a divorce trial we had."

Julie Marie Cillo headshot
Julie Cillo

Family lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Co-worker

"Melissa is a strong advocate for her clients in divorce, custody, support and property distribution matters. She possesses a vast knowledge of the law and issues plus tremendous skills as a litigator and negotiator. It is a privilege to practice with her at Hall and Hall."

View All Endorsements
Nupur Sidhu Bal headshot
Nupur Bal

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Influential Women in Law Award Recipient, Virginia Lawyer's Weekly

2023

Listed for Family Law, Best Lawyers in America

2023

Family Law Attorney, SuperLawyers

2018

Top 50 Women Attorneys in Virginia, SuperLawyers

2017

Listed in Best Lawyers in America for Family Law, Best Lawyers in America

2016

Leader in the Law, Virginia Lawyers Weekly

2016

Family Law Attorney, SuperLawyers Magazine

2015

Reader's Choice for Lawyers, Richmond Times-Dispatch

2015

Family Law Attorney, Super Lawyers Magazine

2014

Family Law Attorney, Super Lawyers

2014

Legal Elite-Family Law, Virginia Business Magazine

2013

Family Law Attorney, SuperLawyers

2012

Rising Star, Superlawyers

2011

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2010

Young Lawyer, Legal Elite

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Shareholder/Attorney, Barnes & Diehl, PC

2013 - Present

Attorney, Barnes & Diehl, PC

2011 - 2013

Partner/Family Law Attorney, Hall and Hall, PLC

2004 - 2010

Family Law Attorney, Hall and Hall, PLC

Associations

Virginia State Bar, Family Law Section

Member

Richmond Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

Henrico County Bar Association

Member

2016 - 2017

Metro Richmond Women's Bar Association

President

2012 - 2018

Innsbrook Rotary

Member

2011 - 2017

Metropolitan Richmond Women's Bar Association

Board Member

2009 - 2011

Metropolitan Women's Bar Association

Board Member, Co-Chair of Programs Committee

2009 - 2012

Metro Richmond Family Law Bar Association

Board Member, Chesterfield County Representative

2008 - 2010

St. Joseph's Villa Flagler Home

Board Member

2008 - 2010

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Education

2004

University of Richmond, The T. C. Williams School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

Mary Washington College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Richmond Legal Staff Association

Grandparent and Third Party Custody and Visitation

2014

Richmond Paralegal Association

Custody and Visitation

2014

Financial Planning Association of Central Virginia Chapter Meeting

Financial Planning in Divorce

2011

Virginia Trial Lawyer's Association, Seminar for Paralegals

Drafting Separation Agreements, The Who, What, Where, When and How

2011

Richmond Paralegal Association Spring Seminar

Child Custody and Visitation

2010

NBI Advanced Family Law Seminar

The Evolving Realm of Family Law-Non-Traditional Family Units

2009

National Business Institute Seminar

Child Custody and Visitation

Publications

2017

Virginia Lawyers Weekly Third Party Custody and Visitation

2010

NBI Advanced Family Law Seminar The Evolving Realm of Family Law-Non-Traditional Family Units

2009

NBI Child Custody and Visitation

2008

NBI Child Custody and Visitation

2007

Bench Bar Conference Relocation and Custody and Visitation

2006

Bench Bar Conference Changes to Child Support Deviation Factors

2005

Bench Bar Conference Cross Examination of Experts in Custody Cases

Languages

English

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