Alexandra "Sandy" D. Bowen - Richmond, VA

Sandy Bowen has concentrated her practice representing families in separation and divorce since 1988. At the same time, she maintains an active general practice of law. Her practice experience embraces many areas of the law including general civil litigation, landlord tenant matters and evictions, representing residential buyers and sellers, drafting will and advising clients on small estate planning and representing small business owners and entrepreneurs with issues and concerns both in the courtroom and out. 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. 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.

It is very important to Sandy that a client receive good value for the money they spend on legal representation. Family law litigation can be a frustrating and expensive experience for the client. The litigation can take a long time to conclude. To a client facing family law issues, their life can seem chaotic and their future uncertain. Contests over the custody of the children can be especially frightening for parents. Clients look to their lawyer to help guide them through these difficult times and to make things better for them and for their family.

A well prepared client is critical to assure a good outcome whether the issue for the court to decide or for the client to settle is financial as in equitable distribution, spousal support or the issue concerns custody or visitation. Even settlement negotiations require careful preparation, discretion and approach. Sandy begins her work with each client by identifying their goals. She informs her clients about the court 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.

Simultaneously working towards settlement and preparing for litigation is challenging for clients. Making sure that clients have identified their priorities and thoroughly examined all the issues to be presented in settlement helps clients work towards solid outcomes in mediated or negotiated settlement or in litigation, if that becomes necessary.
Educating clients about the legal process and what they can reasonably expect when the court system becomes involved in making the decisions about what is best for their children and their finances is another aspect of making sure that clients get good value for the money they spend on legal representation.

Sandy brings years of professional experience and her extensive network of resources to each client’s case. She works with her clients to come up with innovative methods to try to accomplish a client’s goals whether in a custody case or a divorce. Sandy's personal experience with divorce when her daughter was 4 years old has provided her with an added level of sensitivity to her family law clients’ needs. Sandy 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. Sandy serves her clients with respect for their dignity and their resources.
Sandy and the other attorneys in this 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.

Sandy is proudest of her family. She has two grown children. Sandy has been active in school and community organizations often serving on the Board of Directors. Sandy has served as a longtime 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 and advises clients referred by the Legal Information Network for Cancer (LINC).

Sandy was a founding partner at Bowen, Champlin, Foreman & Rockecharlie in Chesterfield County, Virginia and managed that firm from 1997 to 2006. From 2006 until February of 2014 she was with Coates & Davenport, P.C. in Richmond. 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.

Sandy is from Arlington County. She graduated from the University of Virginia and then received her law degree from the TC Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. 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. Sandy is admitted to all courts in the Commonwealth of Virginia and federal courts including the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.