Courtney H. Carpenter provides representation in all matters of family law and is passionate about helping clients find the best resolution possible based on their individual goals. The litigation process can be complicated and emotional, and Ms. Carpenter works with each client to help them navigate their options to make informed decisions throughout their case. Ms. Carpenter earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in political science, a certification in professional politics, and a minor in international affairs, graduating magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University in 2006. Thereafter, Ms. Carpenter earned a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law in 2010. During her time at Emory, she volunteered with Student Legal Services and was a participant in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society. Ms. Carpenter’s legal career has almost exclusively focused on family law since 2011. Prior to joining Burns Smith Law, Ms. Carpenter was a Partner at one of the largest family law firms in Georgia.

Brittany Stansberry Carper is a graduate of Mary Washington College with a double major in Business Administration and Religion. Brittany is also a graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law, where her courses focused on trial advocacy. She is a member of the Virginia and West Virginia State Bar, the Fredericksburg Area Bar Association, and Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Brittany is a trial attorney who enjoys advocating zealously for her clients in the courtroom. Her practice is generally focused on criminal defense, estate planning, landlord-tenant, and family law. She also serves as a guardian ad litem for minor children in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Caroline counties. Brittany and her husband live in the Falmouth area with their two precious children. They are very active members of Grace Church of Fredericksburg, enjoy many outdoor recreational activities as a family and are avid supporters of the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Ms. Carper attended West Virginia University College of Law, where she earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 2010. Ms. Carper is an Equity Partner at Goodall, Pelt, Carper & Norton, PC. Ms. Carper’s areas of practice include Litigation, Family Law, Criminal Defense and Guardian ad litem for Minor Children. Ms. Carper is a member of the Virginia State Bar and Fredericksburg Area Bar Association. Ms. Carper has been a member of Lawyers of Distinction since 2020.

My objective is to make life’s inevitabilities — death and taxes — manageable for clients while being cognizant of the complications these issues raise from a legal, personal, business, and cost perspective. In addition to tax and legacy planning clients, I represent a select number of entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes in business and personal matters. I am a member of the Texas/New York/Oklahoma Bar Association Tax Sections and published author on tax-related topics.