Boyce, William C.

Sandy Bowen has concentrated on the representation of families in separation and divorce since 1988 while maintaining an active general practice of law in Richmond for over 30 years.  Her practice experience has embraced many areas including real estate closing transactions, landlord tenant matters and evictions, wills and small estate planning, business organizations and general civil litigation. She represented the prevailing party in Richardson v. Richardson 12 Va. App 18 a 1991 landmark case directing courts on the application of the child support guidelines.  In 2006 she represented the prevailing party in Harrell v. Harrell 272 Va. 652 decided by the Virginia State Supreme Court denying spousal support to a spouse who failed to properly ask for it in their divorce pleadings.

Family law litigation can be a frustrating experience for the client.  The litigation can take a long time to conclude.  Issues concerning custody of the children can be especially frightening for parents facing separation. Settlement negotiations require careful preparation, discretion and a careful approach.  She has a special appreciation for just how personal the divorce experience is for her clients as well as the long term impact the divorce litigation process can have on family relationships.

A well prepared client is critical to assure a good outcome whether the issue for the court to decide is financial as in equitable distribution, spousal support or involves issues concerning custody or visitation. Sandy informs her clients about the process, educates the client about the law and assists the client to identify the factual evidence that is necessary to put the client's best case before the court for determination if a settlement is not reached.

Coates & Davenport is committed to the highest standards of legal service.  We are dedicated to working hard for our clients to achieve the best possible outcome for them.  Our office is easy to access located near Broad Street and Staples Mill Road in the Willow Lawn area of Richmond and is within only a few minutes drive from Interstates 95, 64 and 195.

Sandy as well as the other attorneys in our firm represent clients in the central Virginia area including the Counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Goochland,  New Kent, Caroline, Powhatan, Dinwiddie and King William and the Cities of Richmond, Petersburg and Colonial Heights. The mission of this firm is advanced with the addition of Sandy Bowen to the team of attorneys.

Sandy has been active in school and community organizations often serving on the Board of Directors.  Sandy served as a long time volunteer to the Virginia Bar Association program that staffs Central Virginia Legal Aid with volunteer attorneys on its Hot Line.  She continues to support the pro bono efforts of the Virginia Bar Association to make legal services available.

Sandy was a founding partner at Bowen, Champlin, Carr, Foreman & Rockecharlie in Chesterfield County, Virginia and managed that firm from 1997 to 2006.  Sandy brings to her practice of law years of financial and business management experience.  This experience supports her practice advising business clients and representing all parties in divorce litigation involving complex financial issues.

Prior to establishing her private practice, Sandy worked for eight years as an attorney in the title insurance industry.  She served as senior title attorney at the Richmond Office of Lawyer's Title Insurance Corporation.  Her responsibilities included managing and training the title examiners and underwriters.  Sandy was responsible for coordinating the closing on numerous commercial real estate transactions for national customers of Lawyer's Title.  In addition, she was often "at the closing table" on financially complex transactions.

In 1986, with a partner, Sandy established Lawyer's Title Agency of the Capital Region to handle complex commercial real estate transactions as an agent for Lawyer's Title.  Sandy was responsible for the day to day management of this company and all aspects of closings.  The agency closed in 1988.

Sandy is from Arlington County.  She graduated from the University of Virginia in 1975, and received her law degree from the TC Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in 1978.  She is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the Chesterfield County Bar Association, the Henrico County Bar Association, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the Metro Richmond Family Law Bar Association and the Metropolitan Richmond Women's Bar Association having served as Secretary and Treasurer in the past and.  Sandy is admitted to all courts in the Commonwealth of Virginia and federal courts including the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.