Atty. Christopher W. Schinstock
Now in his early 50s, Christopher Schinstock is widely regarded today as one of the top divorce lawyers in the metropolitan Washington region. Well-liked and respected by peers and rivals from his arrival in the region in the mid-90s, Schinstock owns a reputation as a diligent and thorough lawyer with strong litigation skills, something of a lost art in this age of confrontation-averse lawyering.
Profile Summary
About Christopher W. Schinstock at a glance
Christopher W. Schinstock is an Owner based in Alexandria, Virginia, practicing at Schinstock & Haddow, PLLC. They have 33+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1993. Their practice focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, business, and real estate. Educated at Washington & Lee University (J.D., 1993) and Virginia Military Institute (B.A., 1990). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Alexandria. Serands clients in Alexandria, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Now in his early 50s, Christopher Schinstock is widely regarded today as one of the top divorce lawyers in the metropolitan Washington region
- Well-liked and respected by peers and rivals from his arrival in the region in the mid-90s, Schinstock owns a reputation as a diligent and thorough lawyer with strong litigation skills, something of a lost art in this age of confrontation-averse lawyering
- Moreover, unlike many lawyers today, he’s comfortable with complex legal issues, and articulates them clearly
- After several decades with a leading divorce-law firm based in Alexandria, Schinstock recently launched his own practice, also in Alexandria
- The youngest of three sons of a U.S
- Army Lieutenant Colonel, Schinstock grew up “a classic Army brat” who was born in Heidelberg, Germany, but was raised primarily in Southern Arizona
- He followed a brother to VMI “without even having laid eyes on” the Lexington, Va., campus
- He describes four years there as “very challenging, both physically and mentally,” but he excelled at the 1300-student Institute and, with a degree in History and English, he went straight on to Washington & Lee Law School
- In his final year at W&L Law, Schinstock clerked for the U.S
- Attorney’s Office in Roanoke, Virginia
- As he was “third year practice certified,” Schinstock was fortunate enough to try motions and litigate actual jury trials while clerking there
- This experience shaped his desire to become a trial attorney
- After law school, Schinstock immediately worked with former Commonwealth’s Attorney, Hal St. Clair, a respected litigator in rural Alleghany County, Virginia
- He spent nearly three years practicing criminal and civil litigation with St. Clair, who was, according to Schinstock, “a gentleman” and “a great mentor.” One summer day in 1995, James Cottrell, a well-known Northern Virginia divorce lawyer and himself a VMI graduate, drove down Interstate 81 and offered Schinstock a position with his firm, known for handling complex and high-stakes cases
- In June 2016 Schinstock, after 20 years with the Cottrell firm, launched his own practice
- Schinstock says he was drawn to matrimonial law “because coupled with criminal defense litigation it’s arguably the purest form of litigation practice today
- In many respects Schinstock has continued his pace and focus: He still handles tricky equitable distribution and international custody and relocation cases, among others, and he is often brought in as second counsel in unresolved cases
- He adds: “People don’t come to me with easy or low-stakes matters.” Today, Schinstock and his wife Beth live in Annandale with their three children, who are the “focus of our lives.”Listed In:Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Family Law 2007 and 2008Ten Leaders for Prominent Matrimonial & Divorce Attorneys Under the Age of 45 in the Greater Washington District of Columbia Area, 2008Top Divorce and Family Lawyers, Washingtonian Magazine, 2009 to presentBest Lawyers in America, Family Law, 2010 to presentVirginia Super Lawyer, Family Law, 2010 to presentMartindale-Hubbell, AV rated since 2012
Practice Areas Explained
Christopher W. Schinstock's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Christopher W. Schinstock handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.
Christopher W. Schinstock is one of 50,487 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Virginia →
Christopher W. Schinstock is one of 31,241 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in Virginia →
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Christopher W. Schinstock is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Virginia →
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Christopher W. Schinstock is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Virginia →
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Christopher W. Schinstock is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Virginia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Virginia
Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Alexandria are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Alexandria or all attorneys in Virginia.
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