Sonya L. Powell

spowell@shoun.com
Phone: 703-222-3333
Fax: 703-222-3340

Sonya Powell received her Bachelor of Arts degree, with a double major in Spanish Literature and Foreign Affairs, from the University of Virginia and graduated with aJuris Doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Ms. Powell has been practicing solely in the area of family law for over fifteen years. By limiting her practice exclusively to family law, she has become well versed and knowledgeable in all aspects of domestic relations litigation. She has litigated or settled cases involving complex issues of equitable distribution including tracing of separate property interests, valuation of businesses, retirement issues and significant financial investments and portfolios.

Ms. Powell has represented clients in alimony and child support cases on all income levels. She has had substantial courtroom experience in successfully defending against, and advocating for, imputation of income to a party for support purposes and deviations from child support guidelines for such factors as a child's special needs or private school costs. She also has litigated or settled child custody cases, involving diverse issues such as the admissibility of expert testimony of custody evaluators, substance abuse issues, domestic violence and relocation of a parent.

Ms. Powell was recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America^®2013 (Copyright 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC) for her outstanding work in the practice area of Family Law. Ms. Powell was also recognized for her experience and trial skills in the Washingtonian Magazine in 2009 as one of the top family law practitioners in the Metropolitan D.C. area. She recognizes the emotional and financial benefits to her clients of resolving cases, if possible, without the necessity of going to court. Her primary goal is to settle cases through the negotiation process, which can include mediation, whenever possible. However, she is confident in her trial skills if her cases end up in court. Through the course of her representation, Ms. Powell's clients can be assured that she will be a strong, knowledgeable and well-prepared advocate for their interests.

Ms. Powell is a member of the Virginia State Bar, Fairfax Bar Association (Family Law Section) and was a former Secretary of the Hispanic Bar Association of Virginia. She also speaks to at-risk students attending the Fairfax County Public Schools Devonshire Program and is active in her civic association, volunteering for the Neighborhood Watch program.