Divorce & Separation

Divorce is an emotionally challenging time of life and there are significant legal issues associated with the process. Divorce can become especially complicated when children are involved and when custody issues are disputed.

How can an attorney help?

Experience has indicated that when possible, it is more desirable, both from economic and emotional standpoints, for the parties to participate in the decision making process and reach agreement with regard to all matters rather than to proceed for judicial determination. Our experienced Virginia divorce attorneys can help clients settle issues of property distribution, custody, and support without going to court, which makes the divorce process less adversarial, acrimonious and expensive. Our lawyers have also helped clients pursuing mediation, arbitration, or other alternative methods of resolving divorce.

If you are involved in a divorce, we can help you with all aspects of your case, from understanding Virginia’s child support guidelines to learning how property is distributed. With knowledge of your legal rights, you can make more informed choices about settlement and if necessary, be better prepared to make a compelling argument in court for your legal position.

What are ground for divorce in Virginia?

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, a divorce can be granted on several grounds, which can be fault-based or “no fault” based. Obtaining a fault or a “no-fault” divorce is a legally complicated process and it is imperative that divorcing couples understand the existing laws concerning divorce, how property is divided, and how decisions regarding custody are made. The type of divorce you choose significantly impacts the elements you are required to prove, the time it will take to get a divorce, and the final divorce settlement.

Getting legal help

It is important to understand your legal rights under Virginia divorce law and to seek help from an experienced Virginia divorce attorney in navigating the divorce process. To obtain the legal assistance you need in a Virginia divorce, contact the experienced Virginia divorce attorneys at Nichols Zauzig to schedule a consultation.

Some useful links

Divorce in Virginia, a brochure prepared by the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar.

Financial Issues in Divorce in Virginia, a brochure prepared by the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar.

Children & Divorce, a brochure prepared by the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar. (Spanish version)

Ready to get in touch? Contact Us Today
READ OUR TESTIMONIALS

RESOURCES

Attorney Cassandra Chin elected Vice President of National AAML

| Alimony/Spousal Support, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Divorce and Separation, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce, Grandparent Custody/Visitation, Uncategorized | No Comments
We are excited to announce that Cassandra Chin, a partner with Nichols Zauzig, was elected one of the Vice Presidents of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) at the…

5 Nichols Zauzig Partners Named Best Lawyers® for 2023

| Alimony/Spousal Support, Automobile Accidents, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Divorce and Separation, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce, Grandparent Custody/Visitation, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death | No Comments
Congratulations to Chuck Zauzig, Paul F. Nichols, Cassandra M. Chin, Claire Keena and Melissa Ray for being selected by their peers to be included in the 2023 edition of The…

Nichols presented with Family Law Lifetime Achievement Award at 2022 Virginia Bar meeting

| Alimony/Spousal Support, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Divorce and Separation, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce, Grandparent Custody/Visitation, Uncategorized | No Comments
Paul F. Nichols was honored last month with the Virginia State Bar Family Law Board of Governors Lifetime Achievement Award, which he earned in 2021, but the in-person presentation was…
Woodbridge Family Lawyer Paul Nichols Named Legal Leader 2019

Paul F. Nichols named to 2019 Class of “Leaders in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly

| Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Divorce and Separation, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce | No Comments
Paul F. Nichols, Principal with Nichols Zauzig, has been named to the 2019 Class of "Leaders in the Law" by Virginia Lawyers Weekly. The awards program recognizes lawyers who are…
AwaWoodbridge divorce lawyer Chin wins national recognition

Chin Named to American College of Family Trial Lawyers

| Child Custody and Visitation, Divorce and Separation, Family Law/Divorce | No Comments
Cassandra Chin, a partner with Nichols Zauzig, has been named a Diplomate with The American College of Family Trial Lawyers (ACFTL), which is limited to 100 of the top family…
Woodbridge Family Lawyer talks divorce

Chin speaks at AAML National Meeting

| Divorce and Separation, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce | No Comments
Ms. Chin spoke on the division of pension benefits. Cassandra Chin (center) led the AAML National Membership Committee meeting. Woodbridge family lawyer Cassandra M. Chin, a Partner with Nichols Zauzig,…
Washingtonian Top Lawyers includes 3 Nichols Zauzig Lawyers

3 Partners named Washingtonian Top Lawyers

| Automobile Accidents, Child Custody and Visitation, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Separation, Family Law/Divorce, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Trucking Accidents | No Comments
Washingtonian magazine named Cassandra Chin, Charles J. Zauzig and Betty Moore Sandler as Top Lawyers in its annual listing published last month. Top lawyers in Northern Virginia, suburban Maryland and D.C.…
Divorce in 2019 Woodbridge lawyers Nichols Zauzig

6 tasks before filing for divorce in Virginia in 2019

| Alimony/Spousal Support, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Divorce and Separation, Family Law/Divorce | No Comments
By: Paul F. Nichols, AAML, Divorce Attorney and Partner with Nichols Zauzig  Now that you have decided to start the divorce process, take these six steps before filing for divorce…
Top Divorce Lawyer Cassandra Chin named AAML National Membership Chair

Cassandra Chin named AAML National Membership Committee Chair

| Child Custody and Visitation, Divorce and Separation, Family Law/Divorce | No Comments
Cassandra Chin, a Partner with Nichols Zauzig Sandler, was appointed as National Membership Chair of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) at their annual meeting last week in Chicago. With this…
Best Lawyers® names Nichols Zauzig "Best Law Firm" Top Tier in Northern Virginia

Nichols Zauzig named 2019 U.S. News-Best Lawyers® Best Law Firm

| Alimony/Spousal Support, Automobile Accidents, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Drug Offenses, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce, Grandparent Custody/Visitation, International Matrimonial Law, Malicious Wounding & Violent Offenses, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Probation Violation, Protective Orders, Rights Restoration, Search, Seizure & Miranda Rights, Theft Offenses, Traumatic Brain Injury, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death | No Comments
For the 9th consecutive year, Nichols Zauzig Sandler is honored to be ranked in Tier 1 of the 2019 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list. Earning Tier…
Ready to get in touch? Contact Us Today

RESOURCES

Attorney Cassandra Chin elected Vice President of National AAML

| Alimony/Spousal Support, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Divorce and Separation, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce, Grandparent Custody/Visitation, Uncategorized | No Comments
We are excited to announce that Cassandra Chin, a partner with Nichols Zauzig, was elected one of the Vice Presidents of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) at the…

5 Nichols Zauzig Partners Named Best Lawyers® for 2023

| Alimony/Spousal Support, Automobile Accidents, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Divorce and Separation, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce, Grandparent Custody/Visitation, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death | No Comments
Congratulations to Chuck Zauzig, Paul F. Nichols, Cassandra M. Chin, Claire Keena and Melissa Ray for being selected by their peers to be included in the 2023 edition of The…

Nichols presented with Family Law Lifetime Achievement Award at 2022 Virginia Bar meeting

| Alimony/Spousal Support, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Divorce and Separation, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce, Grandparent Custody/Visitation, Uncategorized | No Comments
Paul F. Nichols was honored last month with the Virginia State Bar Family Law Board of Governors Lifetime Achievement Award, which he earned in 2021, but the in-person presentation was…
Woodbridge Family Lawyer Paul Nichols Named Legal Leader 2019

Paul F. Nichols named to 2019 Class of “Leaders in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly

| Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Divorce and Separation, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce | No Comments
Paul F. Nichols, Principal with Nichols Zauzig, has been named to the 2019 Class of "Leaders in the Law" by Virginia Lawyers Weekly. The awards program recognizes lawyers who are…
AwaWoodbridge divorce lawyer Chin wins national recognition

Chin Named to American College of Family Trial Lawyers

| Child Custody and Visitation, Divorce and Separation, Family Law/Divorce | No Comments
Cassandra Chin, a partner with Nichols Zauzig, has been named a Diplomate with The American College of Family Trial Lawyers (ACFTL), which is limited to 100 of the top family…
Woodbridge Family Lawyer talks divorce

Chin speaks at AAML National Meeting

| Divorce and Separation, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce | No Comments
Ms. Chin spoke on the division of pension benefits. Cassandra Chin (center) led the AAML National Membership Committee meeting. Woodbridge family lawyer Cassandra M. Chin, a Partner with Nichols Zauzig,…
Washingtonian Top Lawyers includes 3 Nichols Zauzig Lawyers

3 Partners named Washingtonian Top Lawyers

| Automobile Accidents, Child Custody and Visitation, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Separation, Family Law/Divorce, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Trucking Accidents | No Comments
Washingtonian magazine named Cassandra Chin, Charles J. Zauzig and Betty Moore Sandler as Top Lawyers in its annual listing published last month. Top lawyers in Northern Virginia, suburban Maryland and D.C.…
Divorce in 2019 Woodbridge lawyers Nichols Zauzig

6 tasks before filing for divorce in Virginia in 2019

| Alimony/Spousal Support, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Divorce and Separation, Family Law/Divorce | No Comments
By: Paul F. Nichols, AAML, Divorce Attorney and Partner with Nichols Zauzig  Now that you have decided to start the divorce process, take these six steps before filing for divorce…
Top Divorce Lawyer Cassandra Chin named AAML National Membership Chair

Cassandra Chin named AAML National Membership Committee Chair

| Child Custody and Visitation, Divorce and Separation, Family Law/Divorce | No Comments
Cassandra Chin, a Partner with Nichols Zauzig Sandler, was appointed as National Membership Chair of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) at their annual meeting last week in Chicago. With this…
Best Lawyers® names Nichols Zauzig "Best Law Firm" Top Tier in Northern Virginia

Nichols Zauzig named 2019 U.S. News-Best Lawyers® Best Law Firm

| Alimony/Spousal Support, Automobile Accidents, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Drug Offenses, Equitable Distribtuion, Family Law/Divorce, Grandparent Custody/Visitation, International Matrimonial Law, Malicious Wounding & Violent Offenses, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Probation Violation, Protective Orders, Rights Restoration, Search, Seizure & Miranda Rights, Theft Offenses, Traumatic Brain Injury, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death | No Comments
For the 9th consecutive year, Nichols Zauzig Sandler is honored to be ranked in Tier 1 of the 2019 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list. Earning Tier…