Carrie M. Patterson – Family Law Attorney at Patterson Bookwalter PLLC
Carrie M. Patterson – Family Law Attorney at Patterson Bookwalter PLLC
Professional Overview
Carrie M. Patterson is a highly respected and empathetic Family Law Attorney and a founding partner at Patterson Bookwalter PLLC, located in Fairfax, Virginia. With nearly two decades of experience, Carrie specializes in domestic relations, helping clients navigate the legal and emotional complexities of divorce, custody, and asset division.
With a background in psychology, Carrie brings a unique, human-centered approach to her practice. She is dedicated to the idea that legal transitions should prioritize the long-term well-being of the family unit, offering both skilled litigation and compassionate mediation.
Education, Certifications & Professional Credentials
Carrie M. Patterson is a recognized leader in Northern Virginia family law, holding prestigious ratings and specialized certifications.
Key Credentials:
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AV Preeminent® Rating: Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
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Best Lawyers in America: Recognized consistently from 2019 through 2026.
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Super Lawyers: Honored for her excellence in Family Law.
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Certified Collaborative Professional: Trained in Collaborative Law since 2013 to provide out-of-court dispute resolution.
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Leadership: Former Chair of the Virginia Collaborative Professionals (VaCP).
Career Journey & Experience
As a co-founder of Patterson Bookwalter PLLC, Carrie has built a practice centered on integrity and strategic advocacy. Her career is defined by her ability to handle high-stakes, emotionally charged cases with professional poise.
Her experience includes working with:
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High-Net-Worth Individuals: Managing complex equitable distribution and business valuations.
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Parents in Conflict: Crafting custody and visitation schedules that protect the interests of children.
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Collaborative Teams: Leading interdisciplinary teams (financial neutrals, mental health professionals) to reach amicable settlements.
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Unique Legal Challenges: Successfully handling specialized cases, such as "frozen embryo" disputes.
Core Services Offered
⚖️ Divorce & Separation
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Contested and uncontested divorce litigation
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Separation agreements and property settlement
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High-asset equitable distribution
👨👩👧👦 Child Custody & Support
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Legal and physical custody arrangements
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Visitation schedules and modifications
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Child support calculations and enforcement
🤝 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
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Collaborative Divorce representation
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Mediation services to avoid courtroom conflict
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Negotiated settlements
📜 Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements
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Drafting and reviewing marital contracts
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Asset protection and future planning
What Sets Carrie Patterson Apart
✔ Psychological Insight
Her academic foundation in psychology allows her to manage high-conflict dynamics with de-escalation strategies and deep empathy.
✔ Expert Litigation & Negotiation
While she excels at peaceful resolutions, she is a formidable presence in the courtroom when litigation is necessary to protect her clients' rights.
✔ Community Leadership
As a leader in the Virginia legal community, she stays at the forefront of evolving family law statutes and precedents.
✔ Holistic Advocacy
Carrie views divorce as a restructuring of a family rather than just a legal termination, focusing on the "big picture" for her clients.
Areas Served
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Fairfax County
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Arlington County
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Alexandria
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Loudoun County
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Prince William County
Contact Carrie Patterson
📍 Office: 3251 Blenheim Boulevard, Suite 512, Fairfax, VA 22030
📞 Office Phone: 703-520-9533
🌐 Website: www.pattbook.com
📧 Email: cpatterson@pattbook.com
