Ms. Rice has been an attorney with Nichols Zauzig since 2003 and focuses her practice solely on domestic relations law. Prior to joining Nichols Zauzig, Ms. Rice was an attorney with Rappahannock Legal Services in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Ms. Rice volunteers as a member of the Virginia Family Law Coalition, which is an organization of attorneys from around the state who review pending legislation related to family law issues and make recommendations to the General Assembly of Virginia on that legislation. She is also extremely active in the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA).

Ms. Rice currently serves on VTLA’s Board of Governors, the Family Law Committee, the Membership Committee, the Education Committee, and as a member of the Women’s Caucus. She previously served as Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee and the Ethics and Professionalism Committee and has twice served as Chair of the Family Law Section of VTLA.

Also for VTLA, Ms. Rice twice chaired the organization’s Advance Family Law Retreat on Complex Custody and Visitation Cases. She has presented at VTLA seminars, retreats and at the Annual Convention on subjects such as: adultery in spousal support; equitable distribution and working with Guardian ad Litems in contested custody and visitation cases. She recently had an article published on dealing with home surveillance technology in family law cases.

Ms. Rice’s involvement in the community includes serving on the Board of Directors for Empowerhouse since June 2002. The organization supports survivors of domestic abuse in the Fredericksburg, Stafford and Spotsylvania areas of Virginia.

On the personal side, Ms. Rice likes to travel, read, play Bunco, practice yoga, and loves dogs and all things Disney. She and her husband and son visit New York City annually for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and to see Broadway shows.

INSPIRATION

Read Getting Personal with Melanie Corbin Rice for greater insight on Ms. Rice’s interests and why she became an attorney.

“Judges Panel: Who is an Effective Witness? How Best to Withdraw from Cases?,” Moderator, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Advanced Family Law Retreat, February 2024

“Working with Guardians ad Litem in Custody and Visitation Cases,” Moderator, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, 2013

“My experience with Melanie Rice of Nichols Zauzig was great! I only have good things to say about her work ethic and resolve get you what’s in your best interest. My case was drawn out a little longer than we expected and we encountered some unnecessary feedback however, she handled it like a true professional (if it bothered her it wasn’t obvious). She’s great at her job and I’d highly recommend her to anyone seeking a lawyer that doesn’t mind rolling up their sleeves and taking care of business. Outstanding and thorough! It was a pleasure doing business with her!” Rodney S. – Google review

“The experience from start to finish handling my divorce case was outstanding! Melanie Rice and her legal assistant (Lisa) were as good as you can get. I was constantly kept informed, my questions were answered, and I just can’t say enough about their expertise. I highly recommend the Law firm and would most certainly use them again in the future if needed. ” William L. – Google Review

“Ms. Rice handled my divorce, custody and visitation of my children. I am a former military wife. Ms. Rice exhibited extreme knowledge about military retirement and benefits. She was aware of and prepared the special orders required to divide military retirement accounts. She and her staff were always responsive to my calls, answered my numerous questions and gave me legal advice that was always accurate.” – Avvo client

“Betty was the partner who handled my divorce along with Melanie Rice….[They] worked nights and weekends to try to get opposing counsel closer to a balanced settlement. I would recommend her to anyone who asked.” – Holly

“Melanie knows the law and is highly ethical,” Former client, Lawyer.com review