Attorney Bio
Laura Thompson joined Melone Hatley, P.C. in 2025 as a Litigation Attorney in the Richmond, Virginia office. Raised in Blacksburg, Virginia, Laura graduated cum laude from Mary Baldwin University in 2011 with a degree in Political Science and minors in Peacemaking Conflict Resolution. She earned her Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 2018.
During law school, Laura focused on child custody, divorce, and domestic violence cases through various internships and coursework. Laura is passionate about family law and enjoys advocating for clients’ needs. She served as a Legal Extern at the Augusta County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, where she represented vulnerable individuals in sensitive family-related matters and honed her courtroom skills through multiple bench trials.
In addition to her legal experience, Laura has several years of experience in the healthcare industry and working with individuals with disabilities. Her commitment to community service is evident in her leadership roles, including serving as Vice-Chair of the James River Soil and Water Conservation District, where she led initiatives supporting at-risk families. Laura has also served on the Virginia Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians, was an elected member of the Staunton City Schools Board, and previously chaired a Social Services Advisory Board.
In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, including her young daughter and pet rabbits. She is passionate about community outreach and expresses her creativity through studio art, singing, musical theater, poetry, and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
In the News
Recent Blog Posts
If you are going through a divorce in Tampa, FL, alimony is likely one of the financial concerns on your mind. What many people don’t realize,…
If you are planning your future and suddenly your nearly betrothed brings up a prenuptial agreement, it can feel…uncomfortable. One minute you’re talking about wedding plans,…
If you are the owner of a business and facing a divorce, chances are that you’re worried about whether your spouse will take it from you.…
Helpful Links
- How Residency Requirements Affect Divorce in Virginia
- What is the Value of a Special Needs Trust?
- Estate Planning Myths in Virginia & How To Avoid Mistakes
- Why To Revise Your Estate Plan After Divorce
- 5 Things You Need to Know About Separation and Divorce in VA
- Should You Make A Trust For Your Kids?
- Emergency Child Custody in Virginia
- Special Needs Children Financial Planning Through ABLE Act
- Third Party Custody and the Parental Presumption
- Probate: The What, When, Where, Why and How of Probate
- About Us
- The Importance of Advance Medical Directives
- Melone Hatley is Proud to Sponsor the 2015 Wounded Warrior Golf Classic
- Estate Planning in Second Marriages Explained
- Case Study: How Does a Revocable Living Trust Work?
- How Divorce is Different for the Special Needs Child
- Child Support and Imputation of Income
- Talking to Your Children About Divorce
- Blog
- How Often Should I Review My Will, Trust, and Estate Plan?
- DIY Estate Planning…Is it Worth the Time and Trouble?
- Contact Us
- Do I Need a Separation Agreement in Virginia?
- Home
- What You Should Know About Child Visitation Laws in Virginia
- Pet Trusts…What Happens to Fido When I’m Gone?
- Estate Planning Documents for Adults with Special Needs
- Do I Have To Pay Spousal Support?
- Spousal Support in Virginia Guide
- Property Settlement and Marital Separation Agreement



































