Attorney Matthew Zalar practices in Smith Strong’s Family Law division, assisting you and your family through complex divorce, custody/visitation, support, guardianship/conservatorship, protective order, name change, and adoption matters.
Prior to starting at Smith Strong, Matthew served as a law clerk to the judges of the Henrico Circuit Court (Henrico, Virginia). This clerkship followed years of interning with state judges of various judicial levels from the general district court to the Court of Appeals of Virginia. In these positions, Matthew counseled with judges on a wide breadth of civil litigation matters from real estate and contracts to probate and domestic relations. Having consulted with judges on hundreds of cases, Matthew appreciates what judges look for to efficiently and effectively resolve the problems people face. Matthew also witnessed time and time again the frustration families faced as protracted litigation impacted their time, finances, and peace of mind.
Whether life presents family change you did not anticipate or your family excitedly anticipates the addition of a new family member through adoption, Matthew brings a calm, methodical, and optimistic approach to your challenges. No matter where your family finds itself, the law should be a catalyst—not an obstacle—to new beginnings. Matthew will proactively work to provide individualized legal solutions now while also considering the ongoing repercussions that last beyond a court’s order.
Upon graduating high school in Charlottesville/Albemarle, Virginia, Matthew has cultivated extensive ties to the Commonwealth from the Shenandoah Valley, to Tidewater, and to the Piedmont in between. Prior to pursuing undergraduate studies, Matthew devoted two years to full-time church service. Matthew graduated with a B.A. in History, summa cum laude, from Southern Virginia University (Buena Vista, Virginia). As an academic administrative assistant at Washington & Lee University (Lexington, Virginia), Matthew developed a reputation for conscientious communication and organization. Afterwards, Matthew received his Juris Doctor with honors (cum laude) from Regent University School of Law (Virginia Beach, Virginia).
Matthew is admitted to practice in Virginia and is a member of the Virginia State Bar. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys adventuring with his wife and daughter; exploring Virginia’s history, culture, and outdoors; playing and watching sports; and serving in his church.
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