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Fairfax Divorce Lawyer

Are you considering a divorce in Fairfax, Virginia? Our Fairfax divorce attorneys can provide answers, guidance, and support as you decide how to end your marriage. The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC has over a decade of combined experience handling family law matters. Call us at (703) 271-6519.

We are seasoned Virginia family lawyers who take on all types of divorce cases, including those involving military divorces. We focus 100% of our law practice on divorces and family law cases. Your well-being and best interests are our top priority.

Contact The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC to schedule a consultation.

We provide cost-effective, quality legal representation and a commitment to help each client achieve the best possible outcome.

Why Choose Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC For Help With Your Divorce in Fairfax, VA?

Experience and Passion

Our experience, insight, and skill in handling Fairfax family law cases gives our clients an advantage in securing their financial future.

Our passion and commitment towards each case solidifies our clients’ chances of achieving the best possible result.

Technology and Efficiency

Our use of technology and the latest legal software allows us to offer efficiency and accuracy in every step of the family law process.

24/7 Access to the Client Portal

We empower the client by educating them and giving them 24/7 access to their case file through our secure client portal.

Our Fairfax, VA Law Office

Contact our Fairfax law office near you to meet with a member of our legal team.

Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC

10805 Main St STE 700A, Fairfax, VA 22030
Open: Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM

Get Directions (703) 271-6519

We’re Here When You Need Us

Our legal team has unparalleled compassion for our clients. At The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC, we provide personalized legal services and consistent, clear communication throughout the process. Each client also has 24/7 access to information regarding their case through a secure client portal.

Experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorneys You Can Trust

Our skilled Fairfax divorce lawyers have over 40 years of combined legal experience. We specialize in military and federal employee divorces. We also represent clients in matters involving child custody, child support, alimony, separation, paternal rights, complex property division, and marital agreements (pre- and postnuptial agreements).

Meet Our Attorneys

Exceptional Client Services and Support in Fairfax, Va

When we agree to represent a client, we sit down and discuss each person’s goals. We are solution-focused and provide unwavering support, helping each client efficiently navigate the process. No matter what you’re going through, our Fairfax family lawyers will help you achieve your desired outcome.

Our Testimonials

We’re Known and Trusted

Afsana’s expertise is readily apparent. We discussed my goals in the initial consultation and Afsana got me exactly what I wanted in short order.

Peter Lang

I hired Afsana after consulting with 3 other attorneys. I would never look elsewhere for a top-notch divorce attorney.

Marilani Allen

Ms. Chowdhury led me through the process and got results. She also had a clear understanding of the nuances of a military divorce, which was great.

Scott Hopper

After the initial consultation, I knew she was the right attorney for my case. She’s highly responsive, detailed, and a workaholic.

Lauren Cooley

Very professional and responsive! Helped me navigate the legal trauma of separation and divorce with spot on advice and compassion.

Mark Mattoon

The service and professionalism of this firm and the skills of the attorney are unmatched. I have worked with many lawyers. Afsana is different.

David Alvarado

Fairfax
Family Law Cases

We handle all family law cases in Northern Virginia, including:

Uncontested Divorce

Contested Divorce

Child Custody

Property Division

Spousal Support

Separation Agreements

Prenuptial Agreements

Military Divorce

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Divorce

Attorney Chowdhury is talented at representing clients in both contested and uncontested divorces. The team understands the ins and outs of proving fault, dividing assets, calculating support, and fighting for parental and visitation rights. The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury is also experienced in handling military and federal employee divorces. While it is often preferable that both spouses agree to a resolution, Attorney Chowdhury and her team are proud to stand up for their clients’ rights in front of a family law judge to fight for a fair and equitable resolution.

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Legal Separation

A legal separation in Virginia is different and distinct from a divorce. Virginia does not recognize a “legal separation,” as some states do. Rather, in Virginia, couples may choose to live “separate and apart” from one another. After a period of time, depending on whether the couple has minor children, they may file for a no-fault divorce on the grounds of their separation. However, many couples prefer, and it is advisable, to formalize separation through a separation agreement, which establishes each spouse’s rights and responsibilities during the period of their separation before a formal divorce.

Virginia also recognized “Bed and Board Divorces,” which is usually a temporary quasi-divorce, in which the court can award spousal support, divide property, and set child custody arrangements, although the couple is still technically married. At the Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, we have handled countless separations by working closely with our clients to understand their needs and objectives.

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Spousal Support

Spousal support is also referred to as alimony. In Virginia, spousal support is intended to allow a non-earning or lower-earning spouse to continue his or her way of life after the divorce. Each marriage is unique, and financial circumstances can change. However, in cases where one spouse was the primary earner, and the other ceased formal employment to provide a support function like childcare or home care, there is a significant imbalance in each spouse’s earning capacity. In the event of a divorce, this can leave the lower-earning spouse without resources. At the Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, our goal is to make sure that both spouses receive an arrangement that reflects what they deserve.

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Child Custody and Support

Child custody and child support matters can be financially, legally, and emotionally difficult. For many parents, their relationship with their children is the most important aspect of their marriage. During a divorce or separation, the spouses must reach an agreement on where the child will live, how often the other parent can visit, and who has the legal right to make important decisions about the child’s rights. In addition to negotiating visitation rights, Our firm is experienced in calculating child support. Child support is typically calculated according to state guidelines, but this calculation can be complicated and adversarial. Our firm can help clients calculate their income correctly and ensure each parent is contributing their fair share of child support.

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Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Our firm is also skilled in negotiating, drafting, reviewing, and even litigating pre- and post–marital agreements. More and more, couples are considering what will happen to their assets in the event of a divorce. A prenuptial agreement is a binding contract entered into before the marriage that lays out how property will be divided, who has decision-making authority during the marriage, and whether either spouse will be entitled to spousal support. A postnuptial agreement is simply a prenuptial agreement that is executed after the marriage. Our firm communicates clearly with clients to explain the law, think through potential consequences, and ultimately reach a fair and equitable agreement.

Getting Divorced: Where do you start?

If you are contemplating divorce or perhaps you know that your spouse is, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and interests. In Virginia, getting divorced requires the parties to address every aspect of their marriage, including their property, children, and financial support. Having a knowledgeable Fairfax family law lawyer to guide you will ensure that you are well-equipped and prepared for the divorce even before the process begins. Based in Fairfax, the Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC, will provide reliable, effective legal representation for your divorce. Here are a few tips to get you started.

What to do next?

If you are contemplating divorce or need more information about your rights, take charge of your future by consulting with a Fairfax family law lawyer as early as possible. The longer you wait, the more contentious your divorce is likely to get, and the more issues you will be facing in the divorce that need resolution, all of which will increase the price of your divorce. Start by reviewing your individual and marital assets and liabilities, and contact us as soon as possible for a full analysis and case evaluation.

Top- Rated Divorce Attorney

Special Focus on Military and Federal Employee Divorce

Afsana Chowdhury is an experienced family law lawyer with a special focus on military and federal employee divorce. A Northern Virginia native, Afsana is a highly experienced, top-rated family law attorney in Fairfax, VA, with the skill and legal knowledge to put you on a solid financial footing for the future. She is nationally recognized as a top divorce professional and highly reviewed by clients. She prioritizes each case and diligently works with the client to achieve their desired goals.

Full Service Family Law

Attorney Chowdhury has experience in all facets of Virginia family law. While our firm does focus on divorces, there are so many aspects to family law, and we strive to care for our clients through the entire process. We also represent clients in cases involving legal separations, annulments, child custody, child support, spousal support, prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements.

Military Divorce

What is a military spouse entitled to in a divorce?

A military spouse may be entitled to different benefits depending on the length of the marriage and how long their spouse was active in the military. Some of these benefits include medical coverage, retirement, and survivor benefits.
What is the 10/10 rule for a military divorce?

Many people mistakenly believe that the 10/10 rule means that a military spouse is entitled to a portion of the service member’s retirement ONLY if they were married for at least 10 years. This is actually misinformation.
How are VA benefits divided in a military divorce?

Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), VA disability is NOT divisible in divorce. However, it does count as income for purposes of calculating support.

Federal Employee Divorce

How is FERS divided in a divorce?

Federal pensions are different from private pensions and require specialized orders for division. The marital share of a pension is determined by the overlap between the marriage and the employee’s length of service.
What happens to a TSP in a divorce?

A TSP works much like a 401(k) plan in that the contributions made during the marriage are considered marital property and thus subject to division in divorce. The division occurs through a court order known as a Retirement Benefits Court Order (RBCO).
What is a former spouse survivor annuity?

A former spouse survivor annuity is an insurance plan established to pay out benefits to a former spouse upon the retiree’s death. This helps provide a former spouse the same benefits they would have been entitled to should the divorce not have happened.

Dedicated to Offering a Customized Solution For You

We keep our caseload small to ensure that our clients receive the personal attention they deserve. You aren’t just another number when you select The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC for representation. Our divorce lawyers in Fairfax, VA will listen to what’s going on in your life and your ideal resolution. Then we’ll develop an individualized strategy to help you reach that objective.

We’re here to help.
Call (703) 271-6519

Virginia Divorce FAQs

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What is the process for obtaining a divorce in Viriginia?

The divorce process formally begins with a bill of complaint, or petition for divorce. Even in amicable situations, one spouse will file the petition and serve it on the other spouse. The spouse who files the petition is known as the plaintiff, and the spouse who receives the petition is the defendant. Your divorce attorney will help you complete the petition.

Can I file for a no-fault divorce in Virginia?

Yes. As in most other states, you can file for a no-fault divorce in Virginia.

To obtain a no-fault divorce under Virginia law, you must live separately and apart from your spouse for at least one year prior to filing for divorce. If two spouses with no minor children agree and enter into a legal separation agreement, the one-year separation term can be reduced to six months.

What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?

First and foremost, one of the spouses must reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.

Once the residency requirement has been established, the following provide legal grounds for divorce in Virginia:

Adultery
Sodomy or buggery outside of the marriage
One spouse has been convicted of a felony and sentenced to at least one year of confinement
If none of these grounds for divorce exist, the spouses must satisfy the requirements for a no-fault divorce. That means you must live apart for one consecutive year or, if you have no children, enter an agreement to reduce the one-year separation period to six months.

What is the difference between an uncontested divorce and a no-fault divorce?

In a no-fault divorce, no legal grounds for the divorce exist.

In an uncontested divorce, the two spouses agree on all issues involved, including those related to:

Remember that a no-fault divorce can still be contested. You can obtain a no-fault divorce even if you and your spouse disagree on critical issues. You can also obtain a no-fault divorce if your spouse does not agree to the divorce itself.

Compassionate Divorce Attorneys Serving Fairfax, Virginia

At The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC, our family law advocates are empathetic to each client and zealous in our representation. We strive to make our clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Our goal is to alleviate the inevitable stress and worry that accompanies divorce and other family law matters.

Our Fairfax divorce attorneys are always sensitive to the emotions involved in these cases. We’ll offer innovative solutions that meet your needs and support your well-being. Additionally, you will always know the status of your case, and we’ll be responsive and transparent in our communications.

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Fairfax Family Law Blog

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