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Fairfax Divorce Lawyer

Q: 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

Divorce Lawyer in Fairfax, VA

Are you considering a divorce in Fairfax, Virginia? Our Fairfax divorce attorneys can provide answers, guidance, and support as you decide how to move forward. With over seven decades of combined experience, Chowdhury Divorce Law Group helps clients resolve sensitive family law matters through lower-conflict, amicable approaches. Call us at (703) 271-6519 to schedule a confidential consultation.

We understand that a divorce can affect every aspect of your life, including your family, finances, and future. We pursue collaborative, out-of-court resolutions through negotiation and mediation, minimizing unnecessary stress and making the process as smooth as possible.

Our experienced Virginia family lawyers are committed to providing thoughtful, cost-effective legal representation tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.

Why Choose Chowdhury Divorce Law Group 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 each 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.

Chowdhury Divorce Law Group

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 Chowdhury Divorce Law Group, 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 divorce attorneys in Fairfax, VA have over 70 years of combined legal experience handling a wide range of family law matters. Our practice areas include military and federal employee divorces, 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, concerns, and unique circumstances. We are solution-focused and committed to providing clear communication, reliable guidance, and steady support throughout the process. Our Fairfax family lawyers work closely with clients to help make difficult situations feel more manageable.

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

The attorneys at Chowdhury Divorce Law Group assist clients with both contested and uncontested divorces. We know the ins and outs of dividing assets, calculating support, and navigating parental and visitation matters. Our team works toward cooperative resolutions that reduce unnecessary conflict and stress for families.

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Legal Separation

Virginia does not recognize a “legal separation,” as some states do. Rather, 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 often advisable, to formalize the terms of their separation through an agreement that outlines each spouse’s rights and responsibilities while living separately before divorce.

Virginia also recognizes “bed and board divorces,” which are typically temporary arrangements where issues such as spousal support, property division, and child custody can be addressed while the couple remains legally married. At Chowdhury Divorce Law Group, we have handled countless separations by working closely with our clients to understand their needs and objectives.

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Practice areas for Chowdhury Divorce Law Group

Spousal Support

In Virginia, spousal support (or alimony) is intended to allow a non-earning or lower-earning spouse to continue their 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 Chowdhury Divorce Law Group, we work closely with clients to help them navigate spousal support matters and protect their financial future.

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Child Custody and Support

Child custody and child support matters can be financially, legally, and emotionally difficult. For many parents, protecting their relationship with their children is one of the most important parts of the divorce process. During a divorce or separation, the spouses must reach an agreement on where the child will live, how parenting time will be shared, and who has the legal right to make important decisions about the child.

In addition to negotiating visitation rights, our firm is experienced in calculating child support obligations. Child support is typically calculated according to state guidelines, but this process can still be complicated. We help clients calculate their income correctly and ensure each parent is contributing their fair share.

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Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Our firm is also skilled in negotiating, drafting, and reviewing 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, how certain financial and property-related decisions will be handled, and whether either spouse will be entitled to spousal support. A postnuptial agreement is similar, except it 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-informed and prepared from the beginning. Based in Fairfax, Chowdhury Divorce Law Group will provide reliable, effective legal representation tailored to your needs.

What to do next

If you are considering divorce or need more information about your rights, it’s important to consult a Fairfax family law lawyer as early as possible. This can help you better understand your options and prepare for the road ahead. Addressing important issues sooner rather than later may help reduce misunderstandings, unnecessary conflict, and avoidable expenses during the divorce process. Start by reviewing your individual and marital assets and liabilities, and contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation in greater detail.

Top-Rated Divorce Attorney

Special Focus on Military and Federal Employee Divorce

Chowdhury Divorce Law Group is a family law firm that skillfully handles military and federal employee divorce matters. Our family law attorneys in Fairfax, VA, have the experience and legal knowledge to put you on a solid financial footing for the future. We are proud to be nationally recognized and highly reviewed by clients. Our team is committed to providing personalized, compassionate support throughout the divorce process.

Full-Service Family Law Firm

At Chowdhury Divorce Law Group, we have experience in all facets of Virginia family law. While our firm focuses primarily on divorces, there are many aspects to family law, and we strive to support our clients throughout the entire process. We handle 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 a 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 Chowdhury Divorce Law Group 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 Virginia?

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 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 are 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
Cruelty
Desertion or abandonment

If none of these fault-based 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 into a separation 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, neither spouse is alleging fault-based grounds for ending the marriage, such as adultery.

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 Chowdhury Divorce Law Group, our family law advocates are empathetic to each client and committed to providing personalized legal guidance. We strive to make our clients feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. Our goal is to alleviate the stress and worry that often 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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Fairfax Divorce Lawyer

Why Choose Chowdhury Divorce Law Group For Help With Your Divorce in Fairfax, VA?

Our Fairfax, VA Law Office

Experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorneys You Can Trust

Fairfax Family Law Cases

Uncontested Divorce

Contested Divorce

Property Division

Spousal Support

Separation Agreements

Prenuptial Agreements

Military Divorce

Getting Divorced: Where do you start?

What to do next

Top-Rated Divorce Attorney

Special Focus on Military and Federal Employee Divorce

Full-Service Family Law Firm

Compassionate Divorce Attorneys Serving Fairfax, Virginia

Fairfax Family Law Blog

Can My Spouse and I Use the Same Divorce Lawyer?

How To Calculate Child Support in Virginia 2026

How To Protect Your Business During a Virginia High-Net Worth Divorce

Do Virginia Courts Favor Mothers When Awarding Child Custody?

Fairfax
Family Law Cases