01
You Don't Know Where to Start
A complimentary process call walks you through every option before you commit to anything.
Collaborative Divorce Lawyer in Fairfax, VA
Private, respectful divorce support focused on resolution outside court.
Prefer mediation? Visit the mediation service page.
20+
Collaboratively trained family law attorney
Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator
Certified coach with conflict management focus
Non-adversarial, out-of-court divorce and family law focus
What Collaborative Divorce Solves
The worries my clients bring me most often, and what I do about each.
02
You Are Afraid of the Unknown
I explain what comes next before it happens, so you are informed and supported at every step.
03
Your Life Feels Like Chaos and Uncertainty
You will have a structured process that gives you the opportunity to be prepared, that manages expectations, and that focuses on providing support.
04
You Are Afraid Your Children Will Be Weaponized
Parenting plans are built by both parents, not argued in a hearing.
05
You Are Afraid of Being Excluded From Your Children's Lives
You have a say in every term that touches your relationship with your children.
06
You Do Not Understand the Family Finances
The financial neutral provides education around the finances to make sure both parties are making informed decisions.
07
You Do Not Have Funds to Support Yourself
Support and budgeting are settled inside the process, not left to a court’s discretion.
08
You Are Concerned About Costs
Resolving out of court avoids exorbitant litigation costs.
09
You Are Afraid of Having No Say in the Outcome
Nothing is imposed. The agreement is final only when you both agree to it.
10
You Do Not Want to Share Personal Details in Public
Private meetings keep your family, your finances, and your career out of open court.
11
You Cannot Face Waiting One or Two Years for Resolution
The process moves at the pace you set, not the court’s docket.
Request a Process Call
Discuss fit, process options, and next steps.
Services Overview
Collaborative Divorce
As a Collaborative divorce attorney, I help my client, as part of the Collaborative team, to create a Marital Settlement Agreement through interest-based negotiation, instead of courtroom battles.
Divorce Mediation
In divorce mediation, I am a neutral, facilitating my clients’ discussions, identifying issues, helping to create options for resolution, and writing their Agreement.
Uncontested Divorce
Once parties sign their Marital Settlement Agreement, I represent my client in processing the uncontested divorce through the court.
Parenting Plans and Parenting Agreements
I help develop parenting plans that address schedules, decision-making, communication, and co-parenting expectations.
Child Support and Spousal Support
Clear guidance on child support and spousal support: what applies, what each of you needs, and a plan that holds up after separation.
Divorce Coaching & Conflict Coaching
Helping my clients experiencing conflict in divorce or in their personal or work lives develop conflict skills, management, and resilience.
Why Choose Positive Pathways To Resolution and Success
My practice focuses on resolution instead of courtroom battles and helps families reduce conflict.
Out-of-Court Focus
My practice is built for people who want family law support without contested litigation.
Mediation-First Mindset
A resolution-centered process can reduce conflict and keep negotiations productive.
Client Education
I emphasize education because better-informed clients tend to make more durable long-term decisions.
Calm, Private Process
Collaborative divorce and mediation keep sensitive family issues out of public courtrooms.
Family-Centered Planning
I help clients center their children’s best interests and create a parenting plan that is manageable for parents and children.
The Right Fit for You
Collaborative Divorce, Mediation, or Conflict Coaching is a strong fit for you if you want a confidential, private and productive, forward-focused process in which to resolve your legal matter outside of court; if you want to grow your conflict management competence and resilience in a judgment-free space; and if you want a process that honors your right of self-determination and in which you have more control, while feeling supported.
Credentials & Recognition
Experience You Can Trust
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
Recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine
Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator
Co-Chair, Fairfax County Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section
Roster Mediator for the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Certified Mediator Mentor
Secretary and member of Collaborative Professionals of Virginia
Collaboratively trained family law attorney
Certified and ACC credentialed Coach
How the Collaborative Divorce Process Works
1
Consultation and Fit Check
You discuss goals, concerns, and whether a Collaborative approach appears appropriate, including any safety or communication issues.
2
Build the Roadmap
You identify key topics, gather documents, meet with your Collaborative coach and Collaborative financial neutral, and set dates for Collaborative meetings.
3
Collaborative Meetings
Structured sessions focus on problem-solving, not point-scoring, and may involve a financial neutral or divorce coaching support when useful.
4
Draft and Finalize
Once you agree on all issues, those terms are memorialized in a written Agreement that becomes your resolution.
Request a Consultation to discuss fit, process options, and next steps. For added guidance, review what to look for in a Collaborative divorce lawyer in Northern Virginia or questions to ask before hiring a Collaborative divorce lawyer in Virginia.
Fairfax Service Area
I serve clients in Fairfax and nearby communities, including Fairfax Station, Alexandria, Arlington, Burke, Oakton, Vienna, Merrifield, Tysons, Reston, Chantilly, Centreville, Annandale, Loudoun, and Falls Church. Northern Virginia families often need divorce planning that works around commuting demands, school calendars, and privacy concerns tied to public-facing careers.
My Fairfax-based family law experience helps clients build workable agreements that fit local routines near the Fairfax County Courthouse area, George Mason University, Mosaic District, and Tysons Corner Center. Remote meeting options and secure document sharing can support busy families balancing work, parenting, and co-parenting logistics across the region.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and timeline. You may also find these resources helpful: when and how do I talk to my spouse about Collaborative divorce, pros and cons of Collaborative divorce in Northern Virginia, and Collaborative divorce vs traditional divorce in Northern Virginia.
FAQ
Is Collaborative divorce a good fit for every couple?
For most couples, yes. It fits whenever both spouses are willing to share information and work toward a resolution, even when they disagree on the terms.
How is Collaborative divorce different from mediation?
In mediation, the mediator stays neutral and facilitates discussion. In Collaborative Law, each spouse has separate counsel and works through a structured settlement process outside court.
Can Collaborative divorce help with child custody issues?
Yes, many families use the process to address child custody, parenting plans, and communication expectations. The goal is a workable parenting agreement that supports stability for children.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Bring a short summary of your concerns, any existing agreements, and basic financial or parenting information. That helps identify issues early and makes the meeting more productive.
Start With a Clear Plan
Divorce does not have to mean a courtroom. I help couples settle privately, with less conflict and more control over the outcome. Call 703-239-3212 or send a short form with your name, email and phone, and a brief message, and I will reach out to set up your complimentary process call.