Fairfax County Family Law Attorney

Gabrielle Best Husband | G. Best Husband Law, PLLC

My Virginia office is in Tysons, so Fairfax County isn't just a market I serve. It's where I meet clients. If you're facing a separation, a custody question, or a support issue here, I offer private, discreet counsel, a plan that fits how the Fairfax courts actually work, and a straightforward conversation about fees at your consultation.

This page is general information, not legal advice.

Family law matters I handle in Fairfax County

• Divorce, contested and uncontested, including equitable distribution of property and debt. See Divorce.
• Child custody and visitation, including parenting plans and modifications. See Child Custody.
• Child support under the Virginia guidelines. See Child Support.
• Spousal support, temporary (pendente lite) and final. See Spousal Support in Virginia.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. See Not Just for the Wealthy: What a Prenuptial Agreement Can Do for You.
• Protective orders and how they affect custody and the family home. See Protective Orders.
• Mediation support: preparing you for court-referred or private mediation and reviewing any agreement before you sign.

Fairfax County courts

Fairfax Circuit Court (19th Judicial Circuit)

Fairfax County Courthouse, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030

Clerk's Office: (703) 691-7320

Hears divorce cases, including property division, spousal support, and custody and support that are part of a divorce. New divorce cases can be filed electronically.

Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (J&DR)

4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 (same courthouse complex)

Domestic Relations Services intake: Suite 202, (703) 246-3040

Hears custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support petitions when no divorce is pending, plus protective orders. Domestic Relations Services also offers civil and preliminary protective order appointments on Wednesdays at the South County office: Gerry Hyland Government Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 119, Alexandria, VA 22309. Call (703) 246-3040 to book one.

What to know about family cases in Fairfax

1. 1. Which court depends on whether a divorce is filed. Parents who never married, or who haven't filed for divorce, usually start custody and support cases in J&DR. Once a divorce is filed in circuit court and custody or support is raised and set for a hearing within 21 days, the circuit court generally takes over those issues (Va. Code § 16.1-244). If you already have a J&DR case open, that affects the timing of a divorce filing.

1. 2. The 2026 change (HB 303) adds an option. It isn't a shortcut. Since July 1, 2026, Virginia allows a no-fault divorce from bed and board, a court-recognized separation that doesn't end the marriage, and there's no waiting period to file it (Va. Code § 20-95). For some families, that can open the door to temporary orders on support, the family home, and custody (Va. Code § 20-103) soon after separating. It doesn't shorten the one-year (or six-month) separation needed for a final no-fault divorce, and property division still comes with the final divorce. Whether it fits your situation is something we'd weigh together. My full guide: How to File for Divorce in Fairfax County. (Link goes live when the guide is published.)

1. 3. Timing for a final divorce. Before you file for a final no-fault divorce, you need to have lived separate and apart for one year, or six months if you have a signed separation agreement and no minor children (Va. Code § 20-91). Filing too early can get the case dismissed.

1. 4. Custody cases come with mediation and parent education. Virginia law says mediation should be used as an alternative to litigation where appropriate (Va. Code § 20-124.2). In contested custody cases, Fairfax refers parents to mediation unless there's good cause not to, and Fairfax J&DR's Domestic Relations Services offers mediation. Parents in contested custody, visitation, or support cases must also complete an approved parent education seminar of at least four hours (Va. Code §§ 20-103, 16.1-278.15).

1. 5. No starting presumption about custody. Virginia courts can award joint or sole custody, and there's no presumption in favor of any form of custody or either parent. The decision turns on the child's best interests under the factors in Va. Code § 20-124.3. See Child Custody in Virginia: A Comprehensive Guide.

Communities I serve in Fairfax County

Tysons, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Great Falls, Reston, Herndon, Chantilly, Centreville, Fairfax Station, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Lorton, Mount Vernon, Kingstowne, and the many Fairfax County neighborhoods with Alexandria or Falls Church mailing addresses. I also work with families in the City of Fairfax, an independent city served by the Fairfax Circuit Court.

What to expect when you contact me

1. 1. Call or book online. Reach me at (844) 640-6100 or schedule a consultation.
2. 2. Strategy session. We'll go through what's happening, what matters most to you, and how the Fairfax process applies, including whether HB 303's new option is worth considering. My post How to Prepare for Your Family Law Consultation can help you get ready.
3. 3. A clear plan and an open conversation about fees. We'll discuss fees and the scope of the work at your consultation, so you can decide on next steps knowing what to expect.

Virginia office (by appointment)

G. Best Husband Law, PLLC

1750 Tysons Blvd., Suite 1500

McLean, VA 22102 (Tysons, Fairfax County)

(844) 640-6100 | By appointment only

Frequently asked questions

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Fairfax County?

Once the required separation period has passed and you're ready to file, the Fairfax Bar Association's guide says an uncontested case may take about two to six months, even without complications. That's a general range, not a promise. The court's schedule and how quickly paperwork is finalized both matter.

Do I have to wait a year before going to court?

Not always. You still need the full separation period for a final no-fault divorce, but since July 1, 2026, you can file a no-fault divorce from bed and board right after separating, and a J&DR custody or support petition doesn't require any waiting period. Which path makes sense depends on your goals.

Where would we meet?

By appointment at my Tysons office in McLean, which is in Fairfax County. Virtual consultations may also be available.

Ready to talk?

Facing a divorce, custody, or support issue in Fairfax County? Call (844) 640-6100 or schedule your consultation. You can also reach me through my contact page.

The information on this page is general information, not legal advice, and contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please don't send confidential details until we've confirmed we can represent you.

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