“Karen did a terrific job in guiding me through the divorce process. She was caring, supportive, brought up many key points that I never would have thought of myself, gave rock-solid advice, and helped me reach a fair resolution of a sizable marital estate with no rancor. I would highly recommend her.” Representation in negotiating divorce settlement and uncontested divorce, Special Master, married 25 years, father of 3 children
“Karen was very patient with my husband and me. She guided us through the difficult process of divorce making sure that each of us was fully informed of the decisions being reached and the alternatives to solve each problem we faced. She was fair and encouraged full expression of our inner thoughts during mediation so the compromise reached would be fully understood by both.” Divorce Mediation client, mother/caretaker of adult child with disability, age 67, married 44 years
“I was grateful for the advice and steady guidance Karen provided me during a difficult and challenging time. The expert attention to the particular details of my situation resulted in a very gratifying outcome.” Representation in negotiating divorce settlement and uncontested divorce, Retired U.S. Government Employee, age 66, length of marriage 29 years, mother of one adult child
“From the first time I met her, I could see that for Karen, “collaborative divorce” is not simply a set of legal techniques or an additional set of professional skills but a philosophy, a way of practicing law, and an understanding of human relationships. As I came to work with her on my divorce, I saw that while she knew how to make adversarial procedures and litigation much less likely, that did not mean leaving behind the virtues one needs in an attorney: knowledge of the law, attention to client interests, eagle eye for detail, and a steady and patient focus on the best possible outcome.” Collaborative Divorce client, College Professor, age 56, father of two grown children
“Karen was a caring, calm presence who helped me think through each aspect of the divorce. I also appreciated her acknowledgement of and belief in the contributions I made to the family’s wealth through being a “housewife.” Collaborative Divorce client, Genealogist, age 45, married 15 years, mother of two school-aged girls
“Karen came recommended by a friend as one of the top collaborative divorce lawyers in Northern Virginia. Throughout the collaborative process, I benefited from both her skills and experience and those of the excellent team that she brought together. Karen was at the same time reassuring and realistic and helped me to navigate a difficult time and process. I have since recommended Karen myself and would do so again.” Collaborative Divorce client, Attorney, married 4 years, mother of one adopted young child
“I engaged Karen as my attorney when my husband and I determined to end our marriage in a collaborative and mutually respectful manner. Karen’s demeanor throughout the process was a real asset: She was calm, thoughtful, balanced, patient, and supportive. Karen’s preparation, attention to details, and work was thorough. My ex-husband and I successfully concluded our divorce without dissecting our many years together. For that, I am very grateful.” Collaborative Divorce client, Corporate Executive, Female, age 54, married 18 years
“Karen was invaluable in assisting me through a difficult separation and divorce. Her wealth of knowledge and experience in mediation and divorce law was reassuring to me, as I did not know what to expect. Karen answered my questions, no matter how trivial. She walked me through the steps of divorce and guided me in making sound decisions that were best for both my daughters and myself. Karen showed me a tremendous amount of compassion which helped ease my mind during a most daunting and stressful situation. I will always be grateful to Karen for her professional, personal care and highly recommend her.” Representation in negotiating divorce settlement and uncontested divorce, Educational Administrative Coordinator, separated after 18 years of marriage, at age 41, and as mother of two girls who were 7 and 14 at the time
“When I decided to divorce my husband of 20 years I was looking for an attorney who understood the complexities of being in the Foreign Service. My former husband and I were both diplomats at the time. I was living in Northern Virginia while he was assigned abroad. I consulted with the ladies in my book club and one woman highly recommended Karen, who had handled the divorce for another Foreign Service couple. Karen and I clicked at the first meeting when I shared with her the separation agreement that my former husband had drafted. It was a mess and was totally biased in favor of him. Karen quickly got to work explaining to me my rights under Virginia law and how the separation agreement could be fixed. In the end my ex-husband and I both got a fair deal. I always found Karen to be knowledgeable, detailed (she discussed every aspect of the divorce with me), personable and compassionate, and her fees are reasonable. I highly recommend Karen if you are at all contemplating separation or divorce.” Representation in negotiating divorce settlement and uncontested divorce, Diplomat, US Foreign Service, approximate 25 year marriage, mother of two grown children
“I have witnessed or heard of many contentious divorces in which both parties spent enormous amounts of money in legal fees in an attempt to maximize their settlement or to right a perceived wrong. I’ve seen these types of divorces leave most people feeling bitter and shortchanged. I decided to try out mediation and it was a great decision. We met with Karen for two hours every two weeks for about four months. Her decades of experience were obvious at all times. We walked slowly through all of the pieces of our lives that needed to be divided in a calm and civilized manner. Difficult feelings were worked out and let go. Agreements were made that couldn’t be made in a court of law.” Divorce Mediation client, age 52, Physician, 13 year marriage
“A U.S. Foreign Service Officer posted overseas, I needed an attorney who would work closely with me via e-mail and phone calls to move through the divorce process. Karen Keyes did an excellent job guiding me through the process, managing deliberations with my wife’s attorney regarding our eventual property settlement agreement, and securing the divorce decree. I greatly appreciated her forethought in laying the groundwork for our efficient and effective phone conversations. I always had ample time to review draft documents, and she prepared an agenda for each phone conversation. Though a few thousand miles away, I did not think for a moment that I got anything less than the best legal advice, and I definitely believe Karen afforded me the same high level of service that I would have received were I in the Washington, DC area.” Representation in negotiating divorce settlement and uncontested divorce, US Foreign Service Officer posted overseas
“I am so glad I had Karen Keyes to guide me through the divorce process. When my ex-husband and I decided to get divorced, it was very important to us to remain friends with each other. Karen’s collaborative approach was the perfect fit for our needs. My ex-husband and I actually decided how to split our shared possessions before I met with Karen, and she was able to make sure our wishes were carried out. She did so while also ensuring I knew all of my options (such as pursuing mediation, and later when she prepared legal documents for me) and that all documentation was legally sound and would keep me protected in the future. Karen is exceedingly thorough, pays attention to the smallest of details, and understands that this is a difficult time. If you are looking for a divorce lawyer, I highly recommend Karen.” Representation in drafting settlement agreement and uncontested no-fault divorce, three year marriage, client with significant assets and family trusts