Hilliard & Swartz LLP

Hilliard & Swartz, LLP represents West Virginia's most respected family law practice, devoted exclusively to divorce and family law matters for over six decades. Established in 1960 and headquartered downtown Charleston at 124 Capitol Street, Suite 201, Allyson E. Hilliard and Mark A. Swartz have built an institution recognized throughout West Virginia for exceptional legal expertise, sophisticated handling of complex matters, and unwavering commitment to aggressive client advocacy. The firm's longevity—over 60 years of continuous practice—reflects deep integration into West Virginia's legal community and consistent delivery of results families can trust through their most challenging transitions. What truly distinguishes Hilliard & Swartz is Allyson Hilliard's 2016 induction into the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)—an honor making her one of only three AAML members in entire West Virginia. This elite designation requires applicants to have focused primarily on family law for at least ten years, pass rigorous written and oral examinations, achieve recognition from judges and peers as first-rate matrimonial lawyers, maintain exceptional ethical standards, and demonstrate involvement in activities elevating matrimonial law profession. Allyson's induction reflects extraordinary achievement in family law practice. Allyson and Mark bring complementary skills and shared reputation for strong, persistent advocacy on their clients' behalf. Together they provide effective, efficient representation addressing the most challenging family law matters West Virginia courts encounter. The team has earned outstanding reputation for expertise in complex matrimonial matters and high-conflict litigation. Family law practice encompasses tremendous breadth—from routine uncontested divorces to extraordinarily complex matters. Hilliard & Swartz specializes in the complex end of the spectrum. When divorce involves substantial marital assets, intricate financial arrangements, closely held business interests, significant disputes about custody and visitation, or highly contentious post-judgment issues, Hilliard & Swartz brings the sophisticated legal strategy and aggressive advocacy these cases demand. The firm handles comprehensive family law practice: divorce and dissolution, equitable distribution of marital property (including complex business valuations), custody and visitation arrangements, spousal support and alimony, child support, paternity determinations, prenuptial agreements protecting clients' interests, property division in marriages involving closely held business interests, relocation disputes when families may move geographically, contempt actions addressing violations of prior orders, appellate practice for clients needing appeals, and post-judgment modifications when circumstances substantially change. The convenient downtown Charleston location places the firm near courts where matters are litigated and accessible to clients throughout the capital region. The firm's office hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm) accommodate working families navigating legal transitions. For West Virginia families seeking representation from attorneys with 60+ years combined experience, one of whom is American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers fellow, and both of whom are recognized for strong, aggressive advocacy in complex family law matters, Hilliard & Swartz offers partnership with one of the state's most capable and respected family law institutions.