Special Proficiency
  Anita Harold Ashley was one of the leading Family Law Masters in West Virginia, serving the court system for thirteen years. She was first appointed in 1986, at the inception of the system, as a Family Law Master to preside over all divorce, paternity, child support and related cases in Roane, Calhoun and Jackson Counties and continued in that capacity until September 30, 1999. Her judgments and talents made a major contribution to how the system is fashioned today.

  Anita has been an active member of the state and local bar associations, and has presented at a variety of legal conferences and seminars. She co-chaired the committee which wrote the rules of practice and procedure for family law in West Virginia, and served on a select committee to revise the Code of Judicial Conduct.

  Since leaving the bench in 1999, Anita's practice has focused on matters involving families and children and has included appearances before Circuit Courts and Family Courts in several counties as well as the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. She has been appointed by the Circuit Court to serve as guardian ad litem, representing the interests of children in abuse/neglect cases in several Roane County actions, a role she particularly enjoys.

  Two of Anita's cases before the Supreme Court have resulted in favorable decisions for her clients:

• In Re: Adoption of Jon L., 625 S.E. 2d 251 (W. Va 2005)

• In Re: Skyelan H., Earl K., Mersadies K., and Cody K., (No. 33135, filed November 17, 2006).

Client Benefits
  Anita offers her clients the professional expertise of an efficient, organized family lawyer with proficient negotiating and court skills. Anita's extensive knowledge of family law is a benefit to all her clients. Her wide experience as a judicial officer means that she brings a wealth of wisdom to her clients and the bar.

  She brings to her work the personal ability to listen to her client's priorities and concerns, so as to focus on achieving the best results for them. Her experience and familiarity with court practices, procedures and policies means that she can manage cases in the manner best designed to minimize cost and delay.

Background
  Anita grew up in Glenville, West Virginia and graduated with honors from Glenville State College in 1978. She went on to attend West Virginia University College of Law, and was awarded a juris doctorate degree in 1981. Her practice in a small town has focused on family matters, with a wide range of topics including divorce, child custody, real estate, wills and estate planning, Social Security, employment law, personal injury and general business advice and planning.

Interests
  Anita's spare time is usually devoted to her family and their various interests. Anita's husband, Bob Ashley, is a local insurance agent and has spent 20 years in the state legislature. Not surprisingly, the family enjoys politics and associated events. Their two sons, Ben and Sam, have both achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as members of the local Boy Scout troop, with lots of support and encouragement from both parents who serve on the local troop committee. Ben is currently attending college at the University of Tennessee where he is majoring in Architecture and minoring in Political Science. He is scheduled to graduate in 2008. Sam will attend WVU starting in the fall of 2007 majoring in engineering. He plans to become a petroleum engineer. Anita is also an avid sports fan and can often be found sitting in the bleachers with her parents Martha and Charles Harold watching the Glenville State College Lady Pioneers Basketball team which is coached by her brother, Steve Harold.

   Anita also takes great interest in community and civic affairs and is a member of the Spencer Rotary Club, serving as the first woman president (1993-94). She is currently completing a two  year term on the Local School Improvement Council at Roane County High School, is vice-president and secretary of the Roane County College Scholarship Foundation, Inc., and a board member for the Glenville State College Foundation, Inc. She is a past director of Black Diamond Girl Scout Council and serves as treasurer of Boy Scout Troop 437. Anita has also been an active member and treasurer of the Roane County High School After-Prom committee. Anita, her husband and sons are members of St. John's United Methodist Church.

  Anita's hobbies are travel, cooking, reading and decorating.