Attorney Bio
Julia Stitely, Esq. is a Litigation Attorney in the Virginia Beach, VA office of Melone Hatley, P.C., where she focuses her practice on family law and divorce cases. As a dedicated Virginia Beach family lawyer, Julia combines strategic advocacy with genuine compassion, helping clients navigate complex issues such as child custody, spousal support, and property division with confidence and clarity.
A lifelong Virginian, Julia discovered her passion for family law early in her career. While interning with a family law firm before law school, she was inspired by the opportunity to guide clients through life’s most difficult transitions and help them rebuild for the future. That commitment continues to define her practice today—grounded in empathy, clear communication, and client-centered representation.
Julia earned her Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School, where she sharpened her courtroom skills through the university’s nationally ranked moot court program, earning top honors for her advocacy. She also served on the Executive Board as Business Justice and was an active member of the Women’s Law Society. During her time with William & Mary’s Family Law Clinic, Julia provided legal services to low-income clients throughout the Tidewater region, reinforcing her dedication to accessible and compassionate legal support.
Outside the courtroom, Julia enjoys spending time with her cocker spaniel and unwinding with a good movie.
In the News
Recent Blog Posts
In recognition of Black History Month and the ongoing evolution of marriage equality, we examine how Loving v. Virginia reshaped the constitutional understanding of marriage in…
Understanding Florida’s Child Relocation Laws After Divorce and How the 50-Mile Rule Impacts Parenting Plans After a divorce, life rarely remains static. New jobs, family support,…
Understanding the Legal Rights, Responsibilities, and Risks That Begin the Moment You Say “I Do” When most people think about getting married, they think about love,…
Helpful Links
- Do I Need a Separation Agreement in Virginia?
- Pet Trusts…What Happens to Fido When I’m Gone?
- What You Should Know About Child Visitation Laws in Virginia
- Should You Make A Trust For Your Kids?
- Talking to Your Children About Divorce
- Estate Planning in Second Marriages Explained
- Child Support and Imputation of Income
- Probate: The What, When, Where, Why and How of Probate
- Spousal Support in Virginia Guide
- Melone Hatley is Proud to Sponsor the 2015 Wounded Warrior Golf Classic
- Property Settlement and Marital Separation Agreement
- Home
- What is the Value of a Special Needs Trust?
- Contact Us
- Why To Revise Your Estate Plan After Divorce
- Emergency Child Custody in Virginia
- 5 Things You Need to Know About Separation and Divorce in VA
- How Residency Requirements Affect Divorce in Virginia
- Special Needs Children Financial Planning Through ABLE Act
- The Importance of Advance Medical Directives
- Estate Planning Documents for Adults with Special Needs
- How Often Should I Review My Will, Trust, and Estate Plan?
- How Divorce is Different for the Special Needs Child
- About Us
- Blog
- Do I Have To Pay Spousal Support?
- Estate Planning Myths in Virginia & How To Avoid Mistakes
- Third Party Custody and the Parental Presumption
- DIY Estate Planning…Is it Worth the Time and Trouble?
- Case Study: How Does a Revocable Living Trust Work?








































