How much does it cost to hire David for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does David offer a free consultation?

David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Virginia typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can David take my case if I'm outside Charlottesville?

David is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is David accepting new child custody clients right now?

David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

David D. Kardell, Child Custody Attorney in Charlottesville, Virginia

Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Charlottesville, VA

Practicing child custody in Charlottesville since 1976.

50+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
8: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Criminal Defense DUI/DWI Family Law Litigation Personal Injury +1 more →

Are you David D. Kardell?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

David D. Kardell is an attorney based in Charlottesville, VA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. David has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Charlottesville, VA
Experience: over 50 years
Known for: Child Custody · Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI

Handles Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI matters from Charlottesville, VA.
Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by David D. Kardell

David concentrates on child custody, criminal defense, dui/dwi, family law, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Charlottesville, Virginia

David takes child custody matters in Charlottesville, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Charlottesville, Virginia

David takes criminal defense matters in Charlottesville, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Charlottesville, Virginia

David takes dui/dwi matters in Charlottesville, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Charlottesville, Virginia

David takes family law matters in Charlottesville, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Charlottesville, Virginia

David takes litigation matters in Charlottesville, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

About David D. Kardell — Over 50 years of Virginia child custody experience

David D. Kardell is a lawyer practicing personal injury, criminal, driving while intoxicated and 5 other areas of law. David received a B.S. degree from The American University in 1974, and has been licensed for 50 years. David practices in Charlottesville, VA.

David's approach to child custody cases

The kind of cases David takes

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, criminal defense, and dui/dwi matters in Charlottesville and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

David D. Kardell's legal education and bar admissions

Southern Methodist University
J.D. · 1977
The American University
B.S. Indiana · 1974

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

Mississippi
1997 · ACTIVE
US District Court, S
1996 · ACTIVE
US District Court, N
1996 · ACTIVE
US District Court, E
1994 · ACTIVE
Texas
1977 · ACTIVE
US District Court, N
1977 · ACTIVE
Georgia
1977 · ACTIVE
Kansas
1976 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in Southern Methodist University and B.S. Indiana in The American University.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in Southern Methodist University and B.S. Indiana in The American University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of David D. Kardell

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

David D. Kardell's office in Charlottesville

David's primary office is at 3090 Hildridge Dr, Charlottesville, VA, 22902-7921. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

3090 Hildridge Dr

Charlottesville, VA 22902-7921

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David D. Kardell — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Charlottesville.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David D. Kardell claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David D. Kardell — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Charlottesville, Virginia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David D. Kardell

How much does it cost to hire David for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Charlottesville?
David is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new child custody clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Charlottesville, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia

David handles child custody matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Charlottesville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.