Michael Kevin Murphy is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and former U.S. Army officer who served with distinction, having been awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Wings, Ranger Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and eight Air Medals, and his own military unit during combat service received the Valorous Unit Award. For many years he has served the divorce and family law needs of our nation’s military and other government professionals and their spouses with his unique military and family law background. From our main office adjacent to the Courthouse in Fairfax, VA, Mr. Murphy is also available to serve as an expert witness, associate with other attorneys throughout the United States, and is available to consult with other attorneys who would rely upon his experience in dealing with these special family law needs. Mr. Murphy is known throughout Northern Virginia for his strategic planning for our clients’ best interests, exhaustive trial preparation, and powerful in-court representation.

Negotiation, Mediation, and Collaborative Practice of Law

While litigation is an important part of our family law practice—and, when necessary, provides a dependable path to protecting our clients’ interests—we believe that going to court is not always the best way to resolve a family law matter. Whenever appropriate, we work to help our clients reach meaningful resolutions through negotiation, mediation, and collaborative law.

These approaches can give families greater flexibility and control over the decisions that will shape their lives after a divorce or other significant family transition. Rather than placing every decision in the hands of a judge, negotiation and mediation allow the parties to work toward solutions tailored to their unique circumstances, priorities, and families. A skilled mediator, including an experienced former judge, can also provide valuable guidance in helping parties find common ground and resolve difficult issues.

There is certainly a time and place for courtroom advocacy, and we are prepared to litigate when doing so is necessary to protect our clients and achieve their goals. At the same time, many family law matters can be resolved without a trial—and, when that is possible, avoiding the courtroom can give families an opportunity to reach solutions that are more personal, practical, and sustainable.

Collaborative law can provide an especially flexible approach. It puts clients at the center of the process and gives them the opportunity to work with their attorneys and other professionals to develop creative solutions that address the needs of the entire family. Rather than having a judge determine the outcome, the parties themselves retain meaningful control over the decisions that affect their property, finances, children, and future.

Our goal is to help clients navigate this difficult time with clarity, dignity, and confidence. Whether through negotiation, mediation, collaborative law, or litigation, we focus on finding the approach that best serves each client’s circumstances and helps them move forward with greater certainty and control.