Mr. Nichols is a principal of Nichols Zauzig and concentrates his practice primarily on family law and related criminal defense matters, including divorce, custody, child support, distribution of assets and determination of alimony, as well as related matters such as protective orders and criminal defense. As a litigator, his practice routinely sees him in all levels of our court system.

Mr. Nichols’ broad experience in all areas of the family practice provides a substantial benefit to his clients. He has had the good fortune to handle clients with a wide range of financial backgrounds, from those of modest means to clients whose incomes and assets are significant.

His philosophy in handling any case is to litigate to the fullest if necessary, but to settle in an amicable way, if possible. He recognizes that “seek and destroy” is not a fruitful approach when there are children, careers, and other common interests that will bind two people together long after the ink is dry on a final divorce, and therefore, a more practical approach is oftentimes best.

Mr. Nichols has achieved the highest possible level of recognition from his peers in the practice of family law nationwide. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a national organization with stringent requirements for membership, including peer review and testing. The qualification for membership of each fellow includes being recognized by the bench and bar in his jurisdiction as a leading practitioner in matrimonial law. In addition, Mr. Nichols has received Martindale Hubbell’s highest rating (AV) for legal ability and ethics.

He has also been named a Top 100 Virginia lawyer, regardless of practice area, by Super Lawyers® since 2019.

In 2021, Mr. Nichols received the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section’s highest honor, the Betty A. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given annually to one member of the bar to recognize that attorney’s substantial contribution made to the practice of family law in Virginia. Mr. Nichols has practiced nearly 43 years with the eight-lawyer firm of Nichols Zauzig in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Mr. Nichols has lectured on various family law topics to local bar associations in Northern Virginia, and throughout the state for the Virginia State Bar and Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.

INSPIRATION

Read Getting Personal with Paul Nichols for an inside look into Mr. Nichols’ personal passions and why he became an attorney.

• 2021 Betty A. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award presented annually to one attorney by the Virginia Bar Family Law Section
• Martindale/Hubbell A/V Preeminent Attorney rating
• Top 100 Super Lawyer of Virginia, since 2019
• Super Lawyer, Family Law, Washington D.C. and Virginia, since 2006
• Best Lawyers in America, since 2004
• Top Lawyer, Family Law, Washingtonian Magazine
• Top Lawyer, Family Law, Northern Virginia Magazine
• Recognized in The Wall Street Journal as Top Rated Legal Leader in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, 2015

“After a difficult break up, Paul was able to get the best settlement terms I could possibly have hoped for. Now I am able to move on with my life without the worry and stress of an elongated court battle or excessive financial burden. If you want the best, hire the best.” – Ray W.

“Paul Nichols represented me in a difficult child support case that required patience, knowledge of county laws and of my case. His 35+ years of practicing law allowed him to get things done through established relationships. This is the third time in many years, that Mr Nichols has represented me with divorce issues. He looks out for his clients best interest always, first and foremost.”- Ken

“After 3 attorneys, I found Paul who is honest, very competent and willing to fight for you in court. Paul also went an extra step to protect me and requested my payments for support through Child Support Enforcement to protect me from having to hire another attorney in the future.” – Robin

“From the start, I felt that Paul was not just my attorney, but a vested teammate, which was very comforting and reassuring. Paul’s legal knowledge and expertise, guidance and unwavering support through the divorce proceeding made an often tense, trying and volatile case much easier to comprehend and allowed me to see the bigger picture and focus on the ultimate goal.”  – T.M

“I’ve recommended Paul Nichols to several of my friends and acquaintances. He is an excellent family law attorney. The reason why I refer Paul is because in every instance, no matter how difficult, he consistently delivers an excellent settlement for his client. In the back of my mind, I think of him as a kind of avenger for spouses who are treated unfairly during divorce.” – W.R.

“I have used Paul Nichols and his team for decades.  They are extremely knowledgeable and competitively priced for the services they provide.  Their office is professional and the fact that they have been in business for over 30 years speaks for itself.  Use The Nichols, Zauzig and Sandler Firm for all of your legal needs…. You won’t be sorry.” – B. W.

“Highly recommend, Nichols, Zauzig and Sandler. Totally professional, great people, took care of my case quickly and efficiently. Call them…you’ll thank yourself that you did!” – M.S.