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PRACTICE AREAS

Divorce and Family Law

EDUCATION

George Mason University School of Law
(J.D. cum laude 2000)
James Madison University
(B.B.A. cum laude 1997)

Cassandra Chin

PARTNER

“Divorce is a strange and new experience for my clients and I really do try to guide them through with that in mind.”

Cassandra Chin is a Partner with Nichols Zauzig and joined the firm in 2001, the first job of her career. Since then, she has become a leader in Virginia family law, earning both the respect of her peers and the gratitude of clients.

Cassandra has built her career on going beyond 100% for every client. As a result, her busy practice is based on referrals – from former clients, other attorneys, judges, even opposing parties. Many people also find and request her after reading the dozens of detailed reviews that her clients share online.

While devoted to her practice, Cassandra is also committed to developing the family law profession. Early on, she got involved with local and state bar associations. Ultimately, she became the youngest person to serve on the Board of Governors for the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section, later becoming Chair. On a national level, she was one of the youngest fellows when she was accepted into the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), after meeting their stringent membership criteria. She is now a 2nd Vice President serving on the organization’s National Executive Committee, as well as Immediate Past President of the AAML Virginia Chapter. For the Prince William County Bar Association, Cassandra served as Co-Chair of the Family Law Committee from 2007 – 2023. Her service to the family law community earned her the Virginia State Bar Family Law Service Award in 2023.

Cassandra knew as early as 10 years old that she wanted to become a lawyer. In fact, she made a pact with her cousin to open and run a law firm together. Even though he is not part of the same firm, her cousin is also a practicing attorney.

Cassandra majored in business at James Madison University and contemplated going into corporate law, but “family law found me,” she says. It was while clerking for Judge Richard Potter that she was drawn to divorce and child custody cases. What was the attraction? “When it comes to cases involving kids, you can really help the family get through a tough time in a way that leaves everyone with respect for one other,” she says.

Family law also appealed to her business background, given the considerable financial aspects involved when dividing marital assets.

“I’m very practical and tell clients my true opinion. We look at things from a cost/benefit approach. It’s important they have realistic expectations.” But first and foremost, Ms. Chin helps her clients understand the divorce process in plain English that they can understand. “I recognize divorce is a strange and new experience for most people and really do try to guide my clients through it with that in mind.”

Accepting nothing less than the best from herself and those who work with her is what drives Cassandra to excel. “If I’m going to do something, it’s going to be done to the best of my ability…plus. I have certain expectations for my work product, and I have to meet my own expectations.”

  • Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2013-present
    2nd Vice President, Executive Committee, 2022-present
    Secretary, Executive Committee, 2021-2022
    Chair, Membership Committee, 2018-2021
    Virginia Chapter President, 2022-2023
    Virginia Chapter Representative 2014-2020
  • Virginia State Bar Family Law Section
    Board of Governors Chair, 2012-2013
    Vice-Chair 2011-2012
    Secretary 2010-2011
    Member, Board of Governors, 2007-2014
    Chair, Continuing Legal Education Committee 2010-2011
  • Prince William County Bar Association
    Co-Chair, Family Law Committee, 2007-2023
  • Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
  • Virginia Women Attorneys Association
  • Prince William County Bar Association
  • Fairfax County Bar Association

Selected Presentations:

“Updated Practice Guidelines: Family Law,” Speaker, Prince William County Bar Association, October 2023

“Burdensome Issues in Equitable Distribution Cases,” Panelist, Virginia State Bar, April 2023

“The Trial Notebook: How to Streamline, Organize, and Present your Case,” Speaker, Prince William County Bar Association, October 2020

“Marital Agreements- Important Considerations When Untying the Knot: Private Employer-Sponsored Defined Benefit Plans,” Speaker, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), March 2019

“Back to the Basics: Uncontested Divorce,” Speaker, Prince William County Bar Association, March 2017

“Your Custody Toolbox: Essential Rules and Statutes for Custody and Visitation Cases,” Speaker, Virginia State Bar, October 2016

“JDR Practice, Procedure, and Discovery,” Moderator, Prince William County Bar Association, May 2015

“Out With the Old, In With the New: Virginia’s New Child Support Guidelines,” Speaker, Prince William County Bar Association, May 2014

“An Overview of the Court of Appeals: Tips for Better Practice,” Moderator, Virginia Women Attorneys Association, April 2013

“Appealing Your Family Law Case: 32nd Annual Family Law Seminar,” CLE Moderator, Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, October 2013

“The Use of Interpreters in a Multicultural Family Law Case,” Virginia Women Attorneys Association, October 2010

“The Death of Marriage: 30th Annual Family Law Seminar,” CLE Moderator, Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, October 2011

“The Effect of a Diverse Family Dynamic on Third Party Custody and Visitation Disputes,” Virginia Women Attorneys Association, October 2010

“Spare the Child: 29th Annual Family Law Seminar,” CLE Moderator, Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, October 2010

“Employing Vocational Experts in Family Law Cases,” Prince William County Bar Association, March 2008

“Legislative Updates in Family Law,” Prince William County Bar Association, August 2009

Selected Publications:

“The Pension Trap: How to Avoid Common Pitfalls,” Virginia Family Law Quarterly, Summer 2014

A Growing Trend: Living Separate and Apart Under the Same Roof,” Co-author, September 2013

Spare the Child: Parenting During Family Dissolution,” Brochure and Video, Co-author, Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar Association through a generous grant from the Virginia Law Foundation, 2012

“Interpreters in Virginia Courts,” Family Law News, Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, Spring 2011

Sole vs. Joint Custody: Is it Really Worth the Fight?” Co-author, Family Law News, Virginia State Bar Association, Fall 2002

“I will tell anyone looking for high quality legal representation in Northern VA to stop looking and retain Cassandra Chin. They actually cared about me and my kids and  were not focused on padding their own pocketbooks at our expense. A rarity in this field.” – L.C

“I’m leery of lawyers, especially divorce lawyers. But Cassandra put those concerns to rest. She is singularly professional and focused not on squeezing every last dollar out of a client, but rather providing high-quality service with the client’s best interests at heart.” – J.

“I was referred to NZS by a local judge. Ms. Chin always presented a compelling argument and exuded complete confidence in the courtroom. Her personal dedication to my case exceeded all expectations. Cassandra also has a supporting cast that makes it seem like you are her only client.” – Eric

“Having worked with 4 different lawyers prior to being referred to Nichols Zauzig Sandler I can say that there are definitely some BAD lawyers out there. You will not find a bad one at NZS. I only wish I had found them earlier as I’m confident that my case would have resolved itself sooner and more efficiently.” –  B.

“Due to her diligent effort, the legal process in another state was shortened by several months – her accuracy and timing has saved me time and money. Ms. Chin is among the best family attorneys in Northern Virginia.” -A.N.

“She gave me the confidence and peace of mind that allowed me to heal and focus on other priorities in my life. I can’t thank Cassandra and her exceptional team enough for giving me and my family a refreshing new start. She is one of a kind!” – A.

“My mother hired Ms. Chin after a year with another lawyer. She was able to get a resolution in less than six months, enabling my 72-year-old mother to get on with her life. Her professionalism and personal demeanor helped put my mother at ease.” – L.

“I know for you it’s your job and part of a daily routine, but for me it was all very traumatic. I am so thankful this is all over and that I had you in my corner throughout the entire experience.” – A.

“Ms. Chin is an excellent lawyer and provides excellent advice and service. She is professional, straight forward, detailed, and was very responsive to my request. One of the best lawyers in Virginia.” –  C.

“Cassandra Chin looked after my long-term best interest, often suggesting the pragmatic option that would save money and deliver the best result.” – K.

“Ms. Chin is fair, balanced, trustworthy and when she says she’s going to do something you can count on her to do so.” –  S.

Cassandra Chin

PARTNER

PRACTICE AREAS

Divorce and Family Law

EDUCATION

George Mason University School of Law (J.D. cum laude 2000)
James Madison University (B.B.A. cum laude 1997)

Overview

Cassandra Chin is a Partner with Nichols Zauzig and joined the firm in 2001, the first job of her career. Since then, she has become a leader in Virginia family law, earning both the respect of her peers and the gratitude of clients.

Cassandra has built her career on going beyond 100% for every client. As a result, her busy practice is based on referrals – from former clients, other attorneys, judges, even opposing parties. Many people also find and request her after reading the dozens of detailed reviews that her clients share online.

While devoted to her practice, Cassandra is also committed to developing the family law profession. Early on, she got involved with local and state bar associations. Ultimately, she became the youngest person to serve on the Board of Governors for the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section, later becoming Chair. On a national level, she was one of the youngest fellows when she was accepted into the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), after meeting their stringent membership criteria. She is now a 2nd Vice President serving on the organization’s National Executive Committee, as well as Immediate Past President of the AAML Virginia Chapter. For the Prince William County Bar Association, Cassandra served as Co-Chair of the Family Law Committee from 2007 – 2023. Her service to the family law community earned her the Virginia State Bar Family Law Service Award in 2023.

Cassandra knew as early as 10 years old that she wanted to become a lawyer. In fact, she made a pact with her cousin to open and run a law firm together. Even though he is not part of the same firm, her cousin is also a practicing attorney.

Cassandra majored in business at James Madison University and contemplated going into corporate law, but “family law found me,” she says. It was while clerking for Judge Richard Potter that she was drawn to divorce and child custody cases. What was the attraction? “When it comes to cases involving kids, you can really help the family get through a tough time in a way that leaves everyone with respect for one other,” she says.

Family law also appealed to her business background, given the considerable financial aspects involved when dividing marital assets.

“I’m very practical and tell clients my true opinion. We look at things from a cost/benefit approach. It’s important they have realistic expectations.” But first and foremost, Ms. Chin helps her clients understand the divorce process in plain English that they can understand. “I recognize divorce is a strange and new experience for most people and really do try to guide my clients through it with that in mind.”

Accepting nothing less than the best from herself and those who work with her is what drives Cassandra to excel. “If I’m going to do something, it’s going to be done to the best of my ability…plus. I have certain expectations for my work product, and I have to meet my own expectations.”

Leadership

  • Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2013-present
    2nd Vice President, Executive Committee, 2022-present
    Secretary, Executive Committee, 2021-2022
    Chair, Membership Committee, 2018-2021
    Virginia Chapter President, 2022-2023
    Virginia Chapter Representative 2014-2020
  • Virginia State Bar Family Law Section
    Board of Governors Chair, 2012-2013
    Vice-Chair 2011-2012
    Secretary 2010-2011
    Member, Board of Governors, 2007-2014
    Chair, Continuing Legal Education Committee 2010-2011
  • Prince William County Bar Association
    Co-Chair, Family Law Committee, 2007-2023
  • Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
  • Virginia Women Attorneys Association
  • Prince William County Bar Association
  • Fairfax County Bar Association

Honors

Speaking/Publications

Selected Presentations:

“Updated Practice Guidelines: Family Law,” Speaker, Prince William County Bar Association, October 2023

“Burdensome Issues in Equitable Distribution Cases,” Panelist, Virginia State Bar, April 2023

“The Trial Notebook: How to Streamline, Organize, and Present your Case,” Speaker, Prince William County Bar Association, October 2020

“Marital Agreements- Important Considerations When Untying the Knot: Private Employer-Sponsored Defined Benefit Plans,” Speaker, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), March 2019

“Back to the Basics: Uncontested Divorce,” Speaker, Prince William County Bar Association, March 2017

“Your Custody Toolbox: Essential Rules and Statutes for Custody and Visitation Cases,” Speaker, Virginia State Bar, October 2016

“JDR Practice, Procedure, and Discovery,” Moderator, Prince William County Bar Association, May 2015

“Out With the Old, In With the New: Virginia’s New Child Support Guidelines,” Speaker, Prince William County Bar Association, May 2014

“An Overview of the Court of Appeals: Tips for Better Practice,” Moderator, Virginia Women Attorneys Association, April 2013

“Appealing Your Family Law Case: 32nd Annual Family Law Seminar,” CLE Moderator, Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, October 2013

“The Use of Interpreters in a Multicultural Family Law Case,” Virginia Women Attorneys Association, October 2010

“The Death of Marriage: 30th Annual Family Law Seminar,” CLE Moderator, Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, October 2011

“The Effect of a Diverse Family Dynamic on Third Party Custody and Visitation Disputes,” Virginia Women Attorneys Association, October 2010

“Spare the Child: 29th Annual Family Law Seminar,” CLE Moderator, Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, October 2010

“Employing Vocational Experts in Family Law Cases,” Prince William County Bar Association, March 2008

“Legislative Updates in Family Law,” Prince William County Bar Association, August 2009

Publications:

“The Pension Trap: How to Avoid Common Pitfalls,” Virginia Family Law Quarterly, Summer 2014

A Growing Trend: Living Separate and Apart Under the Same Roof,” Co-author, September 2013

Spare the Child: Parenting During Family Dissolution,” Brochure and Video, Co-author, Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar Association through a generous grant from the Virginia Law Foundation, 2012

“Interpreters in Virginia Courts,” Family Law News, Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, Spring 2011

Sole vs. Joint Custody: Is it Really Worth the Fight?” Co-author, Family Law News, Virginia State Bar Association, Fall 2002

Testimonials

“I will tell anyone looking for high quality legal representation in Northern VA to stop looking and retain Cassandra Chin. They actually cared about me and my kids and  were not focused on padding their own pocketbooks at our expense. A rarity in this field.” – L.C

“I’m leery of lawyers, especially divorce lawyers. But Cassandra put those concerns to rest. She is singularly professional and focused not on squeezing every last dollar out of a client, but rather providing high-quality service with the client’s best interests at heart.” – J.

“I was referred to NZS by a local judge. Ms. Chin always presented a compelling argument and exuded complete confidence in the courtroom. Her personal dedication to my case exceeded all expectations. Cassandra also has a supporting cast that makes it seem like you are her only client.” – Eric

“Having worked with 4 different lawyers prior to being referred to Nichols Zauzig Sandler I can say that there are definitely some BAD lawyers out there. You will not find a bad one at NZS. I only wish I had found them earlier as I’m confident that my case would have resolved itself sooner and more efficiently.” –  B.

“Due to her diligent effort, the legal process in another state was shortened by several months – her accuracy and timing has saved me time and money. Ms. Chin is among the best family attorneys in Northern Virginia.” -A.N.

“She gave me the confidence and peace of mind that allowed me to heal and focus on other priorities in my life. I can’t thank Cassandra and her exceptional team enough for giving me and my family a refreshing new start. She is one of a kind!” – A.

“My mother hired Ms. Chin after almost a year with another lawyer. Ms. Chin was able to get a resolution in less than six months – enabling my 72-year-old mother to get on with her life. Her professionalism and personal demeanor helped put my mother at ease.” – L.

“I know for you it’s your job and part of a daily routine, but for me it was all very traumatic. I am so thankful this is all over and that I had you in my corner throughout the entire experience.” – A.

“Ms. Chin is an excellent lawyer and provides excellent advice and service. She is professional, straight forward, detailed, and was very responsive to my request. One of the best lawyers in Virginia.” –  C.

” I felt Cassandra Chin looked after my long-term best interest, often suggesting the pragmatic option that would save money and deliver the best result.” – K.

“Ms. Chin is fair, balanced, trustworthy and when she says she’s going to do something you can count on her to do so. Cassandra and her professional reputation is held in very high regard in the legal community and state in which she practices.” –  S.

“Divorce is a strange and new experience for my clients and I really do try to guide them through with that in mind.”