Directory

Catherine "Kate" M. Reese – Family Law Advocate & Mediator at Reese Law

Professional Overview

Catherine "Kate" M. Reese is the founder of Reese Law, a premier family law firm serving clients throughout Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Montgomery County, Maryland. With over 25 years of experience, Kate is widely recognized as a "lifelong head of the class" in the legal community. She is a dedicated advocate for families in transition, specializing in complex divorce, high-stakes asset distribution, and child custody matters.

Kate’s practice is defined by a rare "team-based" approach and a deep commitment to holistic resolution. After two decades of legal practice, she earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to better support clients navigating the emotional trauma of family restructuring. This unique dual-perspective allows her to lead her clients toward outcomes that are not only legally sound but also emotionally sustainable.

Education, Certifications & Professional Credentials

Kate Reese holds several of the most prestigious distinctions available to family law practitioners in the United States.

Key Credentials:

• Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML): An elite designation held by fewer than 1,700 practitioners nationwide.

• AV Preeminent® Rating: Martindale-Hubbell’s highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards (2012–Present).

• Supreme Court of Virginia Certified Mediator: Certified for Family Law in both Juvenile & Domestic Relations and Circuit Courts.

• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Argosy University (2019), providing a specialized focus on the psychological impact of divorce.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.): Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America (1998).

• Top Divorce Lawyer: Consistently recognized by Washingtonian, Northern Virginia Magazine, and Super Lawyers.

Career Journey & Experience

Since founding Reese Law, Kate has focused on offering a full spectrum of resolution paths. She is known for being an aggressive and resourceful litigator when necessary, but she is a passionate proponent of "the kinder, gentler process" of out-of-court settlement.

Her experience includes:

• High-Asset Divorce: Managing the equitable distribution of business interests, retirement accounts, and real estate.

• Collaborative Divorce: Serving as a trained Collaborative Professional to resolve disputes without the threat of litigation.

• Grey Divorce: Specialized expertise in "late-life" divorces involving unique retirement and support challenges.

• LGBTQ+ Family Law: Providing inclusive and knowledgeable representation for same-sex couples and diverse family structures.

• Trial Advocacy: Representing clients in Appellate, Circuit, and J&DR District Courts across Virginia and Maryland.

Core Services Offered

📑 Divorce & Separation

• Contested litigation and uncontested settlements

• Military divorce and federal employee benefits

• Spousal support (Alimony) and Pendente Lite hearings

👶 Child Advocacy

• Legal and physical custody arrangements

• Complex visitation and relocation cases

• Interstate custody and grandparent rights

⚖️ Dispute Resolution

• Mediation and Arbitration

• Collaborative Law (Team-based resolution)

• Neutral Case Evaluation (19th Judicial Circuit appointment)

💎 Protective Agreements

• Prenuptial and Postnuptial agreements

• Marital Settlement Agreements (MSA)

What Sets Kate Reese Apart

✔ The "Two-Attorney" Consultation

Unique to Reese Law, initial consultations are typically conducted by two attorneys. This ensures that clients always have a secondary point of contact who is fully briefed on their case, providing constant availability and diverse strategic insights.

✔ Counselor & Litigator

With her Master’s in Counseling, Kate understands the mental health aspects of custody disputes and high-conflict transitions, allowing her to advise clients on the emotional well-being of their children.

✔ A "Literal Fighter"

Outside the office, Kate is a brown belt in Krav Maga. She applies the same discipline, clarity, and "all-around health" mentality to her legal practice, ensuring she has the stamina to fight for her clients in any arena.

✔ Community Leadership

As the Past President of the Virginia Women Attorneys Association, Kate has deep relationships within the bench and bar, helping her tailor case presentations to suit her audience.

Areas Served

• Fairfax County (Fairfax City, Oakton, Burke, Reston, McLean)

• Arlington & Loudoun Counties

• Montgomery County, MD

• District of Columbia

Contact Catherine M. Reese

📍 Office: 12150 Monument Drive, Suite 225, Fairfax, VA 22033

📞 Office Phone: 703-279-5140

🌐 Website: www.reeselawoffice.com

📧 Email: kate@reese.law

Don't face your family transition alone. Schedule a consultation with Reese Law today to explore whether litigation, mediation, or collaboration is the right path for your future.