Attorney Bio
Abigail Boettiger, Esq., is a Litigation Attorney practicing in the Richmond, VA office of Melone Hatley, P.C. She focuses her practice on complex family law and criminal law matters involving divorce, custody, child support, spousal support, and related proceedings. Abigail approaches family law matters with both precision and perspective, helping her clients move through difficult legal challenges with a clear understanding of their options and the steps ahead. Her litigation skills allow her to build persuasive cases and protect her clients’ interests at every stage of the process.
Before joining Melone Hatley, Abigail practiced at a respected litigation firm where she handled domestic relations, criminal defense, and constitutional matters, including child protective services appeals and civil rights litigation. She also gained valuable judicial insight while working as a judicial extern for the Honorable Elizabeth Hanes of the United States District Court for the Eastern Division of Virginia, where she worked closely on complex legal analysis and observed both civil and criminal proceedings. This broad perspective has informed her ability to think strategically and advocate decisively in her family law cases.
Abigail is actively engaged in the legal community and regularly contributes to professional education in family law. She has authored and presented on the effective use of expert witnesses in divorce and custody proceedings, reflecting her commitment to staying at the forefront of litigation strategy and best practices. Abigail also served on William & Mary Law Review as Articles Editor.
In her free time, Abigail enjoys baking, antiquing, and crafting. She is rarely seen outside of the office without her Boston Terrier and Basset Hound.
In the News
Recent Blog Posts
A Practical Approach to Reduce Conflict, Support Stability, and Protect Your Child’s Emotional Well-Being After Divorce There is nothing simple about co-parenting. Even when both you…
If you and your child’s other parent aren’t married, you may be asking questions you never anticipated. Where will your child live? How will decisions be…
How Your Words, Actions, and Choices During a Divorce or Custody Matter Will Influence the Court’s Decisions When you’re going through a divorce or custody dispute,…
Helpful Links
- Why To Revise Your Estate Plan After Divorce
- 5 Things You Need to Know About Separation and Divorce in VA
- Pet Trusts…What Happens to Fido When I’m Gone?
- Probate: The What, When, Where, Why and How of Probate
- How Often Should I Review My Will, Trust, and Estate Plan?
- Estate Planning Myths in Virginia & How To Avoid Mistakes
- Third Party Custody and the Parental Presumption
- Property Settlement and Marital Separation Agreement
- Estate Planning in Second Marriages Explained
- Child Support and Imputation of Income
- How Residency Requirements Affect Divorce in Virginia
- Do I Have To Pay Spousal Support?
- The Importance of Advance Medical Directives
- What is the Value of a Special Needs Trust?
- Contact Us
- Spousal Support in Virginia Guide
- Should You Make A Trust For Your Kids?
- What You Should Know About Child Visitation Laws in Virginia
- Home
- How Divorce is Different for the Special Needs Child
- Do I Need a Separation Agreement in Virginia?
- Estate Planning Documents for Adults with Special Needs
- Blog
- About Us
- Talking to Your Children About Divorce
- DIY Estate Planning…Is it Worth the Time and Trouble?
- Special Needs Children Financial Planning Through ABLE Act
- Emergency Child Custody in Virginia
- Case Study: How Does a Revocable Living Trust Work?
- Melone Hatley is Proud to Sponsor the 2015 Wounded Warrior Golf Classic




































