Whitney Melton

Senior Associate Attorney

Whitney is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience in family law, guardianships, and conservatorships. She is also a dedicated Guardian ad Litem for both children and incapacitated adults. Throughout Northern Virginia and Stafford, Whitney has litigated custody, support, and divorce matters in both Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts as well as Circuit Courts. Her deep belief in the essential role of parents in a child’s life has shaped her legal career, guiding her to helping families navigate the emotional and legal complexities of divorce and custody. She is known for walking closely with her clients through each stage of what is often a traumatic and uncertain process.

A 2009 graduate of The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, she gained experience as a student attorney in the Estate Planning Clinic. Upon graduation, Whitney began her legal career as a Guardian ad Litem, representing children in custody disputes and abuse and neglect cases. Her passion for supporting families led her to concentrate on family law, where she has developed a reputation for skillfully handling complex divorce and custody litigation. She also brings significant experience in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, serving both as counsel for petitioners and as Guardian ad Litem for respondents.

Whitney’s professional excellence has been recognized through several honors. She was named to the 2025 Super Lawyers list and selected as a Legal Elite in 2023, accolades that reflect peer recognition and her dedication to the practice of law. Deeply invested in community involvement, Whitney currently serves on the Board of Directors for both the Prince William County Bar Association and the Prince William County Bar Foundation. She co-leads the Guardian ad Litem Committee for the local bar and served as President of the Prince William Chapter of the Virginia Women Attorneys Association from 2022 to 2023.

Her commitment to service extends beyond the courtroom. Whitney has volunteered with the Prince William County Bar Association’s Wills for Veterans clinic. Her current volunteer work includes participating in the JUSTice Like Me program, which introduces high school students to careers in the legal field. She has also volunteered with the Virginia Equality Bar Association, assisting individuals with legal name changes.

Originally from East Tennessee, Whitney moved to Northern Virginia to complete her education at George Mason University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. She has since made Virginia her home. Outside of her legal career, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and beloved dog. A passionate traveler, she continues to pursue her extensive travel bucket list. Whitney is also an avid music lover who frequently attends concerts and proudly supports her husband’s guitar duo performances.

EDUCATION

BAR ADMISSION

PROFFESIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Law School
The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law (2009)

Virginia

Virginia Women Attorney’s Association

Prince William County Bar Association

Prince William County Bar Foundation

We are on a a mission at Fairfax County Criminal Attorneys to provide exceptional services and client satisfaction.

What Our Clients Say About Us

At Fairfax County Criminal Attorneys, we know that when you call us, your freedom, your reputation, and your future are at stake. You’re not just facing charges — you’re facing a system that can feel overwhelming and unforgiving. That’s why we step in with relentless defense and powerful advocacy from day one.

We don’t back down, and we don’t leave you to fight alone. Every client we represent receives our full force, our genuine compassion, and a tailored strategy built to protect what matters most to you. With decades of battle-tested experience and a fierce commitment to justice, Fairfax County Criminal Attorneys stands ready to defend you, restore your hope, and help you take back control of your life.

Passionate, Fierce and Meticulous

I don’t normally post things and typically stay to myself, but I felt convicted as someone out there may be going through the same thing that I have- fighting for custody/ visitation of your child and can use some direction. There’s a lot of great attorneys/ firms out there and I have spent the money hiring and/ interviewing, but I needed a meticulous, fierce and dynamic one just to have a fighting chance. From the moment I met Attorney Rebecca Thacher, I knew she was the attorney for me.

Regis McKoy,

He’ll Fight For You In The Court Until You Can’t Fight Anymore

I got charged with a possession charge and couldn’t afford a lawyer at the time, so the court appointed Fernando to my case. Whenever you choose to get a court appointed lawyer you’re always taking a risk. Because you’re one of who knows how many clients the court has given him with the same problems. But, Fernando never made me feel like another “body” he’d do basic work for while moving to the next. He’s sincere, he listens, and genuinely wants his clients to succeed. He’ll fight for you in the court until you can’t fight anymore. He was truly a blessing and a great lawyer.

Ashley,

I Always Felt That She Had My Best Interests At Hear

Angela Morehouse at the Irving Law Firm represented me in my divorce and for the guardianship/conservatorship of my mother. Her and her paralegal are not only professional but thorough in their representation. I always felt that she had my best interests at heart and could count on her and the firm during my most difficult times. I would highly recommend Angela and the firm and wouldn’t hesitate to retain them in the future if the need arises.

Jillian Larue,

He Is Such A Good Lawyer & Will Fight Hard For You

Mr.Irving literally saved my life. He is such a good lawyer and will fight hard for you. His whole staff is also super nice and professional. I was in big trouble and he managed to get my charges dropped down to a lower offence. I really appreciated his direct straight up approach with me, along with his empathy and understanding. I will never use another lawyer again. He really is the best!.

Karina Alvarez,

Has Been Fully Engaged In Working My Case From The Moment He Was Assigned!

A fantastic firm. I have used them for both criminal defense and civil law and cannot recommend them enough. For my civil case I was awarded significantly more than I thought I would be getting and it came in a very timely manner. Fernando, who is handling my criminal case, is amazing. He has been fully engaged in working my case from the moment he was assigned.

Ryan D.,

He Delivered On Everything He Promised!

Mark B. was amazing! He delivered on everything he promised. He prepared me for worst case scenario and had a great plan from the beginning. Luckily he was able to get all charges dropped. He’s a very busy guy but never made me feel like he rushed anything. I usually do not like dealing with lawyers, but he’s a rare breed. He’s very professional, personable and likable. Best of all he charged me a flat fee up front. I owe that guy everything. Least I could do is leave a great review. I would definitely recommend him, and use his talents again if needed.

Daniel Peters,

Thanks For The Comfort Of Having A Great Law Firm To Lean On!

John Irving and the rest of the team at Irving Law Firm have provided exceptional service for all of my needs on multiple occasions. I would not recommend anyone else. They take the time to explain what will happen, keep you updated, and make sure to provide the best possible help they can. Thanks for the comfort of having a great law firm to lean on!

Pro Edge Painting Office,

The Outcome Was Better Than We Could Have Hoped For

John and The Irving Law Firm handled our case with the utmost professionalism and dignity. We are grateful for John’s knowledge and his great reputation in the area. The outcome was better than we could have hoped for and, should we ever have need for legal services again, The Irving Law Firm will be our first call.

Robin Tomlin,

The Best Customer Service, Amazing Rates & Knowledge In The Business

John is an amazing lawyer with the experience and knowledge to represent anybody with any issues. I highly recommend the Irving Law Firm to anybody looking for a law firm with the best customer service, amazing rates and knowledge in the business.

Elder R.,

Quick To Respond & Are Empathetic To Your Struggles

The attorneys at Irving and Irving are honest, hard-working and will stand by you until your case is closed. They are quick to respond and are empathetic to your struggles. If I ever need an attorney again, they are the only one’s I would trust. Thank you!

J. Dunn,

Handled My Case Including Guidance Before & During My Time In Court

John and his team are great at what they do. I was pleased at how they handled my case including guidance before and during my time in court. I would recommend them to anyone.

Yanni,

Genuinely Wants His Clients To Succeed & Cares For Their Future

Mark is an outstanding lawyer. He has been nothing but respectful and professional since the day I have met him. He genuinely wants his clients to succeed and cares for their future. I Would definitely recommend him in the future to anybody who’s looking for a lawyer.

Ebrat Noory,

When I Say He Fought For Me He Fought For Me!

I want to say this is the best law firm. Mark is the best very professional and outstanding never lied to me was always upfront with me. He stood up for me in court he’s just awesome I can’t say enough about him. I would recommend this law firm to any and everyone that wants good representation. When I say he fought for me he fought for me!!!!! He always was there when I called or emailed if he was a tab bit busy. He knows what he is doing in the courtroom. Thank you so much Mark.

Michael Riley,