Michael L. Donner Sr. - Richmond, VA
Attorney at Bowen Ten Long & Bal, PC
Family Law Lawyers in Richmond, VA
3957 Westerre Parkway Suite 105 Richmond, VA 23233
Richmond Family Law Lawyer
Updated: 04/16/2026
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Divorce
- Equitable Distribution
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Military Divorce
- Spousal Support
- Civil Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
Attorney Information
Overview
Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Michael graduated in the top 25% of his class from the U.S. Naval Academy, earning a degree in Chemistry. In 1989, he earned a Master of Arts degree with distinction from the Naval Postgraduate School. Michael served ten years as a nuclear engineer on three fleet submarines. After his service in the Navy, he attended George Mason Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude in December 1996. Following a clerkship with a federal magistrate in Norfolk, Michael began practicing law throughout Virginia in 1997.
With nearly 30 years of legal experience, Michael is a seasoned attorney with a strong focus on divorce litigation and family law. His deep understanding of family law enables him to offer strategic guidance and advocacy for his clients during one of life’s most challenging transitions. Michael has effectively represented clients in complex military divorces and family law cases, including custody disputes, support issues, and equitable distribution at both the trial and appellate levels.
Beyond family law, Michael has an extensive background in civil and commercial litigation. He has successfully represented clients in complex lease disputes and issues related to employment contracts, managed disputes related to shareholder appraisal rights and stock valuation during mergers, defended companies and insurers against accident-related claims, and litigated wrongful death cases. Additionally, Michael has prosecuted and defended cases under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and Section 1983 against municipal and county governments.
When not practicing law, Michael enjoys spending time with his four children and 15 grandchildren.
Education
-
Legal Education
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George Mason University School of Law,
Arlington,
Virginia, 1996
Juris Doctorate
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George Mason University School of Law,
Arlington,
Virginia, 1996
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Non Legal Education
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Naval Postgraduate School, 1989
Masters of Art
Major: National Security Affairs -
U.S. Naval Academy
B.S.
Major: Chemistry
-
Naval Postgraduate School, 1989
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney
Pro Bono Activities
- Haven Women’s Shelter, Warsaw, VA
Representative Cases
-
Fairport Int'l. Exploration, Inc. v. Captain Lawrence Admiralty Salvage
- Citation: 245 F.3d 857
- Court: U.S. Supreme Court and 6th Cir.
- Serial Number: 2001308504
Bar Admissions
- Virginia, 1997
Other Affiliations
- Virginia State Bar Association
Photo
Contact
3957 Westerre Parkway
Suite 105
Richmond, VA 23233
Phone: 804-844-2835
Fax: 804-755-7550
Email: Send a message
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