Quillyn L. Zebedeo

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Quillyn knows that family law is about more than reading statutes. It involves relationships, finances, and emotions that can shape a family for years. She takes a client-centered approach, helping people feel heard while guiding them through each step of the legal process. That matters most in divorces involving child custody disputes and other cases where preserving family relationships is important.

Quillyn is supportive, but she is also straightforward. She sets realistic expectations from the start so clients can make decisions based on facts, not hopes. She builds each strategy around the client's own priorities, financial situation, concerns, and goals. She also looks past the immediate dispute to find practical solutions that protect a client's broader interests.

Whenever possible, Quillyn works toward favorable agreements through negotiation, clear communication, and compromise. Cooperative solutions can lower the stress and cost of long, complicated litigation and reduce problems down the road. As a negotiator, she seeks lawful ways to reach agreements that address a client's top priorities. When a case cannot be settled, she is a confident litigator who is comfortable in the courtroom. She presents evidence, challenges opposing arguments, and speaks to the judge on her clients' behalf.

Her path to family law began outside the courtroom. After moving to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, at age eight, Zebedeo earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Boise State University in 2017. While at Boise State, she volunteered for Idaho legislators and tutored children. Hearing the stories of young people who needed help the most inspired her love of family law. She returned to Norfolk and earned her Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law in 2022, then passed the Virginia bar exam that year. She went on to serve as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Norfolk, gaining valuable criminal law experience.

Today, Quillyn’s practice at The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller focuses on divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, property and asset division, and adoption. She is admitted to practice in Virginia (2022) and is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Beach Bar Association, and the Norfolk/Portsmouth Bar Association. Outside the office, she enjoys hosting dinner parties for family and friends, traveling to the Outer Banks, and running the Elizabeth River Trails.

If you’re facing a divorce or custody dispute in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or elsewhere in Hampton Roads, Quillyn will listen, give you honest advice, and work to protect your family’s future.

Education

• Regent University School of Law, Virginia
  • J.D - 2022
• Boise State University, Idaho
  • B. A. in Communication - 2017

Bar Admissions

• Virginia, 2022

Professional Memberships & Associations

• Virginia Beach Bar Association
• Virginia State Bar
• Norfolk/Portsmouth Bar Association

Practice Areas:

• Divorce
• Custody & Visitation
• Child & Spousal Support
• Adoption
• Property & Asset Divisions

Common Questions for Quillyn

What happens to the marital home during a divorce in Virginia?

The best solution is for you and your spouse to agree, so a judge does not have to decide. Without an agreement, a judge will normally order the home sold and divide the equity using Virginia's equitable distribution factors. Many couples choose a buyout instead, where one spouse buys the other out. Quillyn Zebedeo helps clients weigh these options so they can protect their finances and, when children are involved, their stability.

Can my spouse force me to sell our house in Virginia during the divorce?

Neither spouse can simply force a sale alone, but a judge can order the home sold as part of the divorce if you cannot agree on another plan. This is the usual result when neither spouse can buy the other out. Until your divorce is final, avoid selling, transferring, or borrowing against the home without your spouse's agreement or court approval. Doing so can create legal problems.

How does a buyout of the marital homework, and do I need to refinance?

In a buyout, one spouse keeps the home and pays the other spouse their share of the equity. This usually means refinancing the mortgage into one name. Approval depends on income, credit, and debt, so it is best to get approved early and be ready to move without delay. If you want to stay but cannot refinance, a lawyer can often negotiate a fair alternative, such as a different payment arrangement.

Do protective orders affect child custody in Virginia?

Yes, they can. A protective order matters most when it is a no-contact order that also names the children. After an incident of domestic assault, it is common for both parents to file for custody. If a final protective order is granted, the judge hearing custody must follow its terms. If an order is sought against you, make sure the question of whether the children are on it is addressed, so it does not cause problems in a later custody case.

What are the dos and don'ts of co-parenting in Virginia?

Communicate openly and respectfully, with your child's best interests in mind. Coordinate important decisions with the other parent, such as medical care, therapy, school, and activities, unless there is an unusual circumstance. Don't put your children in the middle of adult conflicts or drama. Virginia courts expect parents to work out issues without unnecessary conflict, even when it is hard.

How do Virginia courts decide custody when parents disagree?

Judges decide based on the best interests of the child. They consider each parent's relationship with the child, the child's age and needs, each parent's ability to meet those needs, and any history of family abuse. They also consider whether each parent supports the child's relationship with the other, and may consider the reasonable preference of an older, mature child. Parents who agree on a plan keep more control over the outcome.

How is property divided in a Virginia divorce?

Virginia uses equitable distribution, which means a fair division, not always a 50/50 split. Judges first sort property into marital (generally acquired during the marriage) and separate (such as property owned before marriage or an inheritance). They then divide marital property and debts based on factors such as each spouse's contributions and the length of the marriage. Homes, retirement accounts, and bank accounts are all part of this process.

Should I try to negotiate my divorce or go to court?

When possible, negotiation is often the better path. Agreements reached cooperatively can lower costs, reduce stress, and avoid long-term complications from drawn-out litigation. That is especially important when children are involved, and you will keep co-parenting for years. Still, some cases need a judge. Quillyn Zebedeo is comfortable in the courtroom and will present your case firmly if a settlement is not possible.

How can I protect my children during a contentious divorce in Virginia Beach?

Keep adult conflict away from your children. Avoid discussing the case in front of them, speaking badly about the other parent, or using them to pass messages. Keep daily routines as steady as you can, and communicate with the other parent calmly and respectfully. Courts pay close attention to how parents handle conflict. A lawyer who focuses on de-escalation can help you protect your children and your case at the same time.

How do I find a divorce lawyer in Virginia Beach who will explain my options honestly?

Look for a lawyer who listens first, sets realistic expectations up front, and explains what is likely to happen in plain language. Ask how they approach settlement and what happens if the case goes to court. Quillyn Zebedeo takes a client-centered approach, offers straightforward advice, and builds each strategy around your priorities, finances, and goals. Her experience as a former Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in Norfolk also helps her in the courtroom.