Monday - Friday8:30AM - 5PM
OfficesFairfax | Manassas
Family Law Attorneys · Fairlington, Virginia
Not every divorce has to be a fight.
In Fairlington's close-knit streets, many couples want to part without a courtroom war. Mediation and collaborative divorce let you settle the terms together, with help, and keep the decisions in your own hands. We guide Fairlington couples through that path, with any filing in the Arlington County Justice Center. Reach us when you are ready.
A first call is calm, and it is free.
You Are Not Alone
Across Fairlington's historic village, couples are choosing to end things with respect rather than rancor. None of them do it alone, and neither will you.
Voluntary
mediation keeps the decisions in your hands, not a judge's
Out-of-court process
Confidential
what is discussed in mediation generally stays private
Va. Code § 8.01-576.10
17th
Judicial Circuit, where Arlington cases are decided
Arlington County Circuit Court
50+
years of combined family law practice
Three Northern Virginia offices
What We Handle
Family law help for Fairlington couples.
When you both want to resolve things without a fight, the work is reaching a complete, fair agreement and turning it into a clean divorce. Here is what we take on.
Looking for a family law attorney near Fairlington? NOVA Legal Professionals helps Fairlington couples with mediation, collaborative divorce, separation agreements, and uncontested divorce, with any filing in the Arlington County Justice Center. Talk with an attorney at 571.260.0999.
01 /
The matter you can settle together.
01
Contested Divorce
We aim to settle, but we are ready if talks break down. Having trial-capable counsel often makes the other side negotiate in good faith.
When You Cannot Agree 02Equitable Distribution
Mediation works best when the property numbers are clear. We help you value and divide the marital estate fairly as part of the agreement.
Fair, Not Equal 03Asset Division
The condo, the accounts, and the retirement, we make sure every asset is on the table so your agreement is complete and nothing surfaces later.
The Marital Estate 04Separation Agreements
The agreement is the heart of an amicable divorce. We draft a thorough one that covers property, support, and parenting so it holds up.
First Protection 05Child Support
Even by agreement, child support follows the state guideline. We make sure your number is correct so the court will approve it without friction.
Guideline & Beyond 06Custody & Parenting
A parenting plan built together tends to last. We help you craft a detailed schedule both of you can live by, then put it in writing.
Parenting Time 07Spousal Support
Support is often easier to settle in mediation than in court. We help you reach an amount and a term that both of you find fair.
Maintenance 08Military Divorce
Arlington sits beside the Pentagon and a deep federal bench. We divide military and federal retirement, survivor benefits included, by their own rules.
Service MembersWhere Your Case Is Heard
Where a Fairlington case is heard.
Fairlington sits on Arlington's southern edge, along the Alexandria line. Arlington residents file an uncontested divorce in the Arlington County Circuit Court; any custody or support matter on its own goes to the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, both inside the Arlington County Justice Center at 1425 North Courthouse Road.
Circuit Court
Arlington County Circuit Court
17th Judicial Circuit
HearsAn uncontested divorce once your agreement is signed.
DecidesEnters the final decree that adopts your settlement.
Where1425 North Courthouse Road, in the Courthouse neighborhood, the 17th Judicial Circuit.
NoteAn agreed divorce often needs no court appearance.
J&DR Court
Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court
Family matters outside a divorce
HearsCustody, visitation, and child support brought on their own.
StartMost cases open at the intake desk before a hearing is set.
WhereThe same Justice Center on North Courthouse Road, Suite 4100.
NoteParents who are not divorcing can settle custody and support here.
Alisa Chunephisal, Esq.Family Law Attorney
Attorney Insights
What I tell Fairlington couples about mediation.
Mediation is not about giving in. It is about deciding your own future instead of handing it to a stranger in a robe.
- 1
You keep control of the outcome
In court, a judge who barely knows your family decides. In mediation, the two of you make the calls, with guidance, which usually means an agreement that fits your life and lasts longer.
- 2
It is usually faster and less costly
Settling out of court avoids most of the litigation expense and the long waits for hearing dates. Once you sign a complete agreement, an uncontested divorce can move quickly.
- 3
You still get your own advice
Mediation does not mean going without counsel. We review the terms, protect your interests, and make sure the agreement is fair and complete before you sign anything.
Why Families Trust Us
Help settling out of court.
When you both want to part without a fight, you want counsel who guides the agreement and protects your interests along the way.
Experience
50+
Years Combined
Years of guiding mediated and collaborative divorces for Arlington couples.
Expertise
100%
Family Law Focus
Family law is the whole practice, amicable resolution included.
Authority
AV
Preeminent Rated
Peer rated AV Preeminent, listed in Super Lawyers, and rated 10.0 on Avvo.
Trust
5★
Verified Reviews
Verified five star reviews from Fairlington couples and others across Northern Virginia.
Recognition
Recognition for a steadier path.
We have helped Fairlington couples settle their divorces with respect, reaching complete agreements that kept them out of a courtroom and let them move on with dignity.
Our commitment to Fairlington
From Our Clients
Fairlington couples in their own words.
Read what Fairlington clients have shared about a mediated or collaborative divorce with our attorneys.
Questions People Actually Ask
Plain answers, about settling out of court.
These are the questions Fairlington couples ask first. If yours is not here, just ask.
Have a question about mediation?Call 571.260.0999 or send us a message.
What is the difference between mediation and collaborative divorce?
Both settle out of court. In mediation, a neutral helps you reach agreement; in a collaborative divorce, each spouse has their own attorney committed to settling. Either way, you decide the terms rather than a judge.
Is mediation legally binding?
The mediation itself is not, but the written agreement you sign at the end is a binding contract. We turn it into a separation agreement the court can adopt into your final divorce decree.
Do I still need my own lawyer?
It is wise. A mediator stays neutral and cannot advise either side. Having your own attorney review the terms makes sure the agreement is fair and complete before you commit to it.
What if we cannot agree on everything?
You can still settle what you agree on and narrow the rest. If some issues remain, we can take just those to court while keeping the agreed terms intact. Partial agreement still saves time and cost.
Where is a Fairlington divorce filed?
Fairlington straddles the Arlington and Alexandria line. Arlington residents file in the Arlington County Circuit Court at the Justice Center, 1425 North Courthouse Road, the 17th Judicial Circuit. We confirm the right court for your address.
Before You Decide
Reading before you start.
Plain English guides Fairlington couples reach for most as they get started.
A
What to Expect in an Uncontested Divorce
The requirements, the timeline, and what makes a Virginia divorce uncontested.
Virginia GuideBHow Do I Get a Divorce in Virginia?
The plain English overview of grounds, timelines, and the steps to a final decree.
Virginia GuideCWho Pays the Bills?
How couples handle the mortgage, the cards, and everyday costs during a separation.
SeparationWhen You Are Ready
When you are ready, let's settle it together.
Tell us about your situation, and we will help you find the calmest path through your Fairlington divorce.