Richard J. Colten
With more than four decades of experience in complex problem-solving in domestic relations and family law, Dick Colten provides discreet, comprehensive and zealous client representation through negotiation, mediation/arbitration, and litigation at both trial and appellate court levels.
Recognizing that clients dealing with domestic relations issues are often undergoing emotional turmoil and situational disruptions that greatly impact their lives, he offers reasoned and expert legal advice, suggests strategy, and proposes alternative courses of action to steer a case through dispute resolution with both a high degree of professional skill and personal understanding and compassion. His background and know-how enable him often to craft innovative approaches leading to resourceful solutions to difficult issues.
Practice Areas
Credentials
- George Washington University Law School (1972)
- American University (1965)
- Virginia State Bar, 1972
- Supreme Court of the United States, 1976
- Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1975
- Virginia Supreme Court, 1972
- Eastern District of Virginia, 1972
Professional Honors & Activities
- Selected for inclusion in U.S. News - Best Lawyers in America® in the field of family law in Virginia every year since 1989
- Consistently recognized as one of the area’s top divorce lawyers in Washingtonian magazine, in both the Virginia and Washington, D.C. metropolitan area editions of Super Lawyers magazine, in Northern Virginia magazine,Virginia Business Magazine, Arlington Magazine, and in other print and online publications
- Named "Lifetime Lawyer" by the Washingtonian magazine
- Martindale-Hubbell AV rated attorney for more than 30 years
- Listed among Virginia Business magazine’s “Legal Elite” for Family Law
- "Superb Attorney Rating", AVVO Top Rated Lawyer (2024)
- Named by BestofUS.com to its list of Best Professional Service Providers in the U.S.
- Recognized by the American Registry as among the top 1% of America’s Most Honored Professionals
- Sections on Family Law and Law Office Management
- Sections on Family Law, Economics and Law Office Management
- Member, Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board by appointment of the Virginia Supreme Court (1997-2003; 2009-2018)
- Member, Virginia Bar Council for the Nineteenth Judicial District (1989-1995;2004-2009)
- Member, Judicial Nominations Committee (1996-1999)
- Member, Standing Committee on Lawyer Discipline (1995-1997)
- Member, Tenth District Grievance Committee (1985-1988)
- Family Law Committee
- Member, Board of Directors (1981-1994)
- Member, Judicial Nominations Committee (1996-1999)
- Member, Public Service Committee (1996-1998)
- Member, Professionalism Committee (1995)
- General District Courts Committee (Member 1981-1987; Secretary 1983-1987)
- Grievance Committee (Member 1978-1981; Chair 1978-1980)
A strong proponent of community service, Dick Colten throughout his career has served the legal profession and the community through his support of and participation in community service organizations and endeavors. He was a Substitute Judge of the General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts for Virginia’s Nineteenth Judicial District for twelve years. He is a Commissioner in Chancery and a Conciliator and Neutral Case Evaluator for equitable distribution cases in the Fairfax County Circuit Court and sits, on occasion, as a Circuit Court Judge Pro Tempore by judicial appointment. Dick is a former director of the Fairfax County Legal Aid Society (1976-1979) and Legal Services of Northern Virginia (1996-2010).