Sean Schmergel

About

Focusing exclusively on family law, Mr. Schmergel has achieved extraordinary success advocating on behalf of the rights and best interests of those he serves who are going through divorce or other family law cases, helping them with their issues involving child custody and support, alimony, property division, and other related matters. He also delivers effective prenuptial and other marital agreements, assists with modifications and enforcements, and provides much-needed support for domestic abuse victims seeking protections for themselves and their children, or those wrongly accused and in need of a vigorous defense.

Mr. Schmergel has extensive experience settling cases through mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, helping his clients resolve their conflicts and reach agreements without the need for costly, drawn-out litigation; however, as a highly-rated and seasoned trial attorney, he will not hesitate to fight hard on behalf of his clients in court when necessary. He has litigated many high-conflict divorce and child custody cases, including international custody disputes. As a father, Mr. Schmergel holds a particular concern for children caught in the divorce process as well as for those in abusive situations, and he serves as guardian ad litem for children throughout Northern Virginia.

He co-founded Schmergel & Mersberger, PLC over 20 years ago and has continued to hone his legal practice before the local courts, developing a reputation as a zealous and thoughtful family law advocate. A resident of Northern Virginia for over 30 years, Mr. Schmergel holds a genuine concern for the legal matters that affect the members of his community, and he devotes his practice to helping families throughout the Northern Virginia jurisdictions of Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun, as well as Washington, D.C., with all of their complex and emotional legal challenges.

Licensed In

Virginia
District of Columbia
Supreme Court of the United States of America, 2017
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia, 2005

Association Certifications

Virginia State Bar, Family Law Section, Member
District of Columbia Bar, Family Law Section, Member
Arlington County Bar Association, Member
Alexandria Bar Association, President, 06/2013 to 05/2014
Alexandria Bar Association, Co-Chair-Judicial Screening Committee, 2023-2025
Arlington County Bar Association, President Elect, 2025-2026
Arlington County Bar Association, Secreatary, 2024-2025
Virginia State Bar, 4th District – Section II Disciplinary Committee, 07/2016 to Present

Credentials

J.D.

Specialization

Family Law
Divorce-Arbitration, Mediation
Child Custody
Legal Separation Agreements
Marital Property Settlements
Postnuptial Agreements
Premartial Agreements

Honors & Awards

Best Lawyers In America, Virginia, Family Law; 2024 – 2026
Best Lawyers In America, Best Law Firms, Family Law; 2025
Super Lawyers Selectee, Virginia; 2014 – 2015, 2018 – 2025
Arlington Magazine’s Top Attorney List, Family Law, 2025
Martindale-Hubbell, Gold Client Champion, 2025
Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent, Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence, 2025
Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Selectee, Virginia, 2012 – 2014
Northern Virignia Magazine-Top Lawyer, 2025
Washingtonian-Top Family Law Attorney

Education

George Mason University School of Law, Arlington, Virginia-J.D. – 2000
George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, B.A., Government and Politics – 1996