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About Our Firm

Advocate Law PLLC | Divorce, Custody, and Family Law

About Our Firm

Advocate Law PLLC is a law firm based in Salem, Virginia, proudly serving the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia. With more than 20 years of combined experience representing clients in divorce, child custody, and family law matters, we are committed to standing up for your family and your rights during some of the most challenging times of your life. At Advocate Law PLLC, we combine expertise, dedication, and compassion to provide exceptional legal representation tailored to your unique needs.

Our Story

Advocate Law PLLC was founded by attorneys Chelesea Vaughan and Caroline Gallagher, who met as Liberty University School of Law classmates and turned their shared passion for justice into a lifelong partnership.

As law students, we teamed up to participate in a national negotiation competition, where we emerged victorious against teams from across the country. That early success not only cemented our working relationship but also set the foundation for our approach to family law: skillful negotiation, tireless advocacy, and a focus on achieving the best outcomes for our clients.

After graduating, we began practicing law together, dedicating the past decade to serving individuals and families in Virginia. Our experience spans courtroom advocacy, mediation, and negotiation. We have appeared at all levels of the Virginia judicial system on behalf of our clients, including locally in the Roanoke and Salem Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, General District Courts, and Circuit Courts, in addition to representing clients in appeals before the Virginia Court of Appeals.

Our work has also taken us to Richmond, Virginia, where we have been asked to participate in legislative work before the Virginia General Assembly, and we have fought for meaningful changes in the law.

Now, as founders of Advocate Law PLLC, we are focused on providing personalized, high-quality legal services to families in Salem, Roanoke, and the surrounding areas.

Facing a divorce or custody battle can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We understand that you may be scared about how the court process will affect your family, your children, your financial livelihood, all in a situation that you likely never could have imagined encountering. We get it, and we are here to help fight for you and your family at every step.

At Advocate Law PLLC, we specialize in guiding clients through the complexities of family law. We have considerable experience and there are few issues that will come up that we have not already encountered. Whether you’re dealing with a contested divorce, seeking custody of your children, or negotiating support arrangements, we are here to advocate for your interests every step of the way.

What We Do

Our practice areas include:

  • Divorce: Cost-effective representation in contested and uncontested divorces, including property settlement agreements, equitable distribution, and separation agreements.
  • Custody: Child-centered advocacy for physical custody, legal custody, emergency custody, visitation, and protecting your rights as a parent or guardian.
  • Family Law: Resolving spousal support, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, property division, adoption, and other matters arising from separation.

With every case, our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome while minimizing stress and uncertainty. We are relentless in protecting your rights and your family’s future.

Our Process

At Advocate Law PLLC, we take a personalized approach to every case, ensuring that our clients feel supported, informed, and empowered. Here’s how we work:

  1. Initial Consultation: We begin by listening to your story and identifying your concerns. During this session, we answer your questions, discuss your goals, and outline a clear plan for moving forward.
  2. Gathering Evidence: From financial records to communication logs, we help you collect and organize the documents and evidence critical to your case.
  3. Witness Preparation: We identify potential witnesses who can support your case and ensure their statements are prepared and presented effectively.
  4. Preparing to Testify: If your case goes to court, we provide comprehensive guidance to help you testify with confidence and composure.
  5. Ongoing Support: Throughout the process, you will work directly with our experienced partners, benefiting from our collective knowledge and hands-on approach.
  6. Advocating for Your Goals: Whether through negotiation or litigation, we tirelessly advocate for your rights, always prioritizing your family’s well-being and your long-term goals.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing the right family law attorney is critical to achieving a favorable outcome in your case. Here’s what sets Advocate Law PLLC apart:

  • Local Expertise: With deep roots in Salem and Roanoke, we understand the unique legal landscape of Southwest Virginia. Our familiarity with local courts and judges allows us to provide strategic, informed representation tailored to your case.
  • Proven Track Record: Over the past decade, we have helped hundreds of families navigate divorce, custody battles, and other family law matters with skill and compassion.
  • Personalized Service: As a boutique law firm, we offer individualized attention and direct access to our experienced partners. We take the time to understand your needs and craft a strategy that aligns with your goals.
  • Holistic Approach: We recognize that family law issues are deeply personal and often emotional. That’s why we combine legal expertise with empathy, guiding you through every step of the process with care and understanding.
  • Commitment to Excellence: Our dedication to continuous improvement and staying ahead of legal developments ensures that we provide the highest quality representation to our clients.

Standing Up for Your Family and Your Rights

At Advocate Law PLLC, we know that the stakes are high when it comes to your family’s future. That’s why we are relentless in our pursuit of justice and unwavering in our commitment to our clients. Whether it’s advocating for custody of your children, ensuring fair support arrangements, or negotiating a complex divorce settlement, we are here to fight for you.

Let us shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on what matters most: your family’s well-being. Contact our Salem, Virginia, office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolution with confidence and peace of mind.

Schedule a Consultation

Don’t face this challenging time alone. Advocate Law PLLC is here to provide the guidance, support, and advocacy you need. Call us today at 540-343-9800 to schedule your consultation and discover how we can help you build a brighter future for yourself and your family.