Family Law Lawyer in Fairfax, VA

Family law cases affect your home, your income, your relationship with your children, and your overall health. Having clear legal guidance from the start helps you move forward with confidence and avoid costly mistakes. At Bristle Schulze, our family law attorneys in Fairfax can help you address the following family law issues.

Divorce

Divorce legally ends your marriage and resolves property, support, and parenting issues. High-asset divorces add complexity when businesses, stock portfolios, retirement accounts, or multiple properties are involved. Common disputes include valuing companies, tracing separate versus marital assets, and managing tax exposure. Our lawyers can build a clear financial picture, coordinate valuations, and negotiate or try your case to reach a fair result.

Property Division

Virginia follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property and debts are divided fairly based on the facts of your case. Disputes usually arise over what counts as marital property, how to divide credit cards and loans, and whether one spouse has hidden assets. Our Fairfax family law attorneys can trace assets, review financial records, determine who’s legally responsible for certain debts, and present evidence so the full marital estate is considered.

Child Custody & Visitation

Custody decisions focus on your child’s best interests and include both physical custody and legal custody. Parents commonly disagree over parenting schedules, school choices, extracurricular activities, and relocation. We can develop practical parenting plans and advocate for your role in your child’s life before the Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

Alimony & Child Support

Spousal support and child support provide you and your child with financial stability after separation. Child support follows Virginia’s statutory guidelines, while alimony depends on need and ability to pay. Common disputes involve income calculations, bonuses, self-employment earnings, and shared expenses. Our lawyers can present accurate financial information and pursue support orders that reflect your real situation.

Unmarried Parents

Parents who were never married can still seek custody, visitation, and child support orders. Many cases involve establishing legal parentage and creating a first parenting schedule. Our family law lawyers in Fairfax can file the proper petitions in Fairfax JDR Court and secure enforceable orders that protect your parental rights.

Military Divorce

Military divorces involve federal benefits, retirement rules, and unique service obligations. Families face challenges with PCS (permanent change of station) moves, deployments, benefits division, and custody and support obligations. We can coordinate timelines, protect military benefits, and craft support and custody plans that work with military life.

Same-Sex Divorce

Same-sex couples have the same rights and responsibilities under Virginia law. Issues may involve parentage, asset classification, and retirement division. At Bristle Schulze, we can apply current law to your family’s structure and pursue outcomes aligned with your goals.

Modifications of Family Court Orders

Job loss, schedule shifts, or a child’s evolving needs may justify an update of existing court orders. Our attorneys can file modification petitions and present evidence so your orders stay fair and workable.

Enforcement of Divorce Orders

The court can step in when a party ignores support, custody, or property provisions. Missed payments and violated schedules are common issues. Our Fairfax family law lawyers can pursue enforcement so your court orders have a real effect.

Protective Orders

Protective orders provide legal protection for people facing family abuse, threats, or violence. These cases move quickly and require strong evidence and precise filings. We can prepare petitions, represent you in court, and act fast to secure protection for you and your family.

Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)

A QDRO is a court order used to divide retirement plans such as 401(k)s and pensions. These orders must meet strict plan rules, or they will be rejected. Our lawyers can prepare compliant QDROs so retirement assets are divided correctly.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement sets financial rules before marriage. Disputes usually focus on disclosure, fairness, and enforceability. Our attorneys can draft clear agreements designed to stand up to scrutiny in court.

Separation Agreements

A separation agreement resolves property, support, and parenting during separation. Problems arise from vague language, tax treatment, and future changes. We can write precise agreements that reduce future conflict.

Mediation

Mediation is a structured negotiation strategy that helps families resolve disputes without trial. Communication breakdowns and impasses are common. Our lawyers can prepare you for sessions and finalize fair, enforceable agreements.

Speak to Our Family Law Attorneys in Fairfax Today

Our Fairfax family law lawyers regularly guide individuals and families through daunting family law issues with practical advice, careful planning, and steadfast advocacy in and out of court. Book your confidential consultation by calling Bristle Schulze at 703-454-0701 or contacting us.