Are you considering a divorce in Fairfax, Virginia? Our Fairfax divorce attorneys can provide answers, guidance, and support as you decide how to end your marriage. The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC has over a decade of combined experience handling family law matters. Call us at (703) 271-6519.
We are seasoned Virginia family lawyers who take on all types of divorce cases, including those involving military divorces. We focus 100% of our law practice on divorces and family law cases. Your well-being and best interests are our top priority.
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I cannot recommend attorney Sonja Aoun highly enough. From the very beginning, her communication was exceptional, she kept me informed at every step, explained complex legal terms in a way I could understand, and always made time to address my questions with patience and clarity. Her promptness was equally impressive; she never missed a deadline and always responded quickly, making me feel like a top priority.
Beyond her professionalism, which was evident in her thorough preparation and attention to detail, what truly stood out was her genuine care and empathy. Sonja didn’t just treat my case as a task to complete; she treated me as a person, showing kindness and understanding during a challenging time. Her combination of expertise, dedication, and compassion made all the difference, and I am incredibly grateful for her support. If anyone needs an attorney who truly has their back, Sonja is the one.
Manavi Boeser
2024-10-28
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If you are looking for a brilliant legal team that will protect your interests above all else, I highly recommend the Law office of Afsana Chowdhury. Afsana works diligently to help her clients, whether it's related to family estate planning or helping a couple go through divorce proceedings. She's a go getter and will fight for her clients till the end. I highly recommend Afsana Chowdhury for your legal needs!
Kelley Cannon
2024-10-02
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I highly recommend Afsana and her team! She's professional, attentive, responsive, and friendly. They care about the clients they serve and works to help them in all aspects of family law.
Ellen Bierman
2024-08-21
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Afsana and I are members of a legal coaching group together. She is intelligent and savvy and a joy to have as a coparticipant.
Adam Forsberg
2024-08-21
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Afsana truly cares about her clients and does outstanding work. Highly recommend!
Kenneth W. Taylor Jr.
2024-07-26
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They helped me through a very difficult time with wise and thorough counsel. They made sure that my interests were protected, and I was confident that they would work to protect me to the best of their ability. Fortunately, my legal issues were resolved without litigation. However, if I ever have to go through the same issue again, I will feel confident seeking help from the Law Office of Ms. Afsana Chowdhury.
BNI Masterminds
2024-07-25
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As an attorney, I thoroughly recommend Afsana and her team! Their expertise in family law is truly impressive, and consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of the nuances and intricacies of this area of practice.
Afsana is not only a brilliant legal mind but also an empathetic and dedicated advocate for her clients. She and her team provide meticulous attention to detail, strategic thinking, and a relentless commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.
I wholeheartedly recommend Afsana and her team to anyone in need of a top-tier family law attorney. She is an exceptional lawyer and a trusted partner in getting her clients the results they need.
Upul Borala
2024-04-10
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It was very helpful and easy process
Sanam Thapa
2024-04-09
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It was great experience working with them . Everyone good and Friendly.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Our legal team has unparalleled compassion for our clients. At The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC, we provide personalized legal services and consistent, clear communication throughout the process. Each client also has 24/7 access to information regarding their case through a secure client portal.
Experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorneys You Can Trust
Our skilled Fairfax divorce lawyers have over 40 years of combined legal experience. We specialize in military and federal employee divorces. We also represent clients in matters involving child custody, child support, alimony, separation, paternal rights, complex property division, and marital agreements (pre- and postnuptial agreements).
Exceptional Client Services and Support in Fairfax, Va
When we agree to represent a client, we sit down and discuss each person’s goals. We are solution-focused and provide unwavering support, helping each client efficiently navigate the process. No matter what you’re going through, our Fairfax family lawyers will help you achieve your desired outcome.
Afsana’s expertise is readily apparent. We discussed my goals in the initial consultation and Afsana got me exactly what I wanted in short order.
Peter Lang
I hired Afsana after consulting with 3 other attorneys. I would never look elsewhere for a top-notch divorce attorney.
Marilani Allen
Ms. Chowdhury led me through the process and got results. She also had a clear understanding of the nuances of a military divorce, which was great.
Scott Hopper
After the initial consultation, I knew she was the right attorney for my case. She’s highly responsive, detailed, and a workaholic.
Lauren Cooley
Very professional and responsive! Helped me navigate the legal trauma of separation and divorce with spot on advice and compassion.
Mark Mattoon
The service and professionalism of this firm and the skills of the attorney are unmatched. I have worked with many lawyers. Afsana is different.
David Alvarado
Fairfax Family Law Cases
We handle all family law cases in Northern Virginia, including:
Uncontested Divorce
Uncontested Divorce
Divorces don’t have to be combative. If you and your spouse agree on the terms of your split, you may be able to seek an uncontested divorce. These divorces can be quicker, more efficient, and less acrimonious than a contested divorce. Our Fairfax uncontested divorce lawyers specialize in handling this type of cases.
Contested divorces may be necessary where spouses cannot agree on the major terms of a divorce, such as child custody, property division, and/or spousal support. We can help you seek a favorable resolution to your divorce. Our Fairfax contested divorce lawyers have decades of experience.
Child custody can be one of the most complicated and emotional parts of a divorce. Our Fairfax child custody attorneys are experts at helping you and your spouse come to a mutually beneficial custody arrangement that serves the best interest of your children. We will use our extensive negotiation and litigation experience to advocate for your goals.
Property division is often a sore subject in a divorce. However, the division should be fair for both spouses. Our Fairfax property division attorneys can help you reach your goals and keep the things that are important to you and your lifestyle. We will zealously advocate for you.
Spousal support may be necessary where one spouse has relied on the other for financial support during the course of the marriage. Our Fairfax spousal support lawyers can help you pursue alimony that allows you to support yourself and maintain your lifestyle
Separation agreements can prevent the cost and unpleasantness of a contested divorce. It can allow you and your spouse to discuss, negotiate, and decide on the terms of a split — without having the court decide the terms for you. Our Fairfax separation agreements lawyers can help you develop a separation agreement that is beneficial for all parties.
Prenuptial agreements can help reduce the cost and unpredictability of a divorce. With prenuptial agreements, spouses agree to divorce terms — before they get married. Our Fairfax prenuptial agreement lawyers can help you draft a prenuptial agreement that protects your assets and helps avoid conflict in the event of a divorce.
Military divorce can present complicated legal issues, especially when there are children involved. Our Fairfax military divorce attorneys are experts and can help you reach a resolution that protects your best interests.
Attorney Chowdhury is talented at representing clients in both contested and uncontested divorces. The team understands the ins and outs of proving fault, dividing assets, calculating support, and fighting for parental and visitation rights. The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury is also experienced in handling military and federal employee divorces. While it is often preferable that both spouses agree to a resolution, Attorney Chowdhury and her team are proud to stand up for their clients’ rights in front of a family law judge to fight for a fair and equitable resolution.
A legal separation in Virginia is different and distinct from a divorce. Virginia does not recognize a “legal separation,” as some states do. Rather, in Virginia, couples may choose to live “separate and apart” from one another. After a period of time, depending on whether the couple has minor children, they may file for a no-fault divorce on the grounds of their separation. However, many couples prefer, and it is advisable, to formalize separation through a separation agreement, which establishes each spouse’s rights and responsibilities during the period of their separation before a formal divorce.
Virginia also recognized “Bed and Board Divorces,” which is usually a temporary quasi-divorce, in which the court can award spousal support, divide property, and set child custody arrangements, although the couple is still technically married. At the Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, we have handled countless separations by working closely with our clients to understand their needs and objectives.
Spousal support is also referred to as alimony. In Virginia, spousal support is intended to allow a non-earning or lower-earning spouse to continue his or her way of life after the divorce. Each marriage is unique, and financial circumstances can change. However, in cases where one spouse was the primary earner, and the other ceased formal employment to provide a support function like childcare or home care, there is a significant imbalance in each spouse’s earning capacity. In the event of a divorce, this can leave the lower-earning spouse without resources. At the Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, our goal is to make sure that both spouses receive an arrangement that reflects what they deserve.
Child custody and child support matters can be financially, legally, and emotionally difficult. For many parents, their relationship with their children is the most important aspect of their marriage. During a divorce or separation, the spouses must reach an agreement on where the child will live, how often the other parent can visit, and who has the legal right to make important decisions about the child’s rights. In addition to negotiating visitation rights, Our firm is experienced in calculating child support. Child support is typically calculated according to state guidelines, but this calculation can be complicated and adversarial. Our firm can help clients calculate their income correctly and ensure each parent is contributing their fair share of child support.
Our firm is also skilled in negotiating, drafting, reviewing, and even litigating pre- and post–marital agreements. More and more, couples are considering what will happen to their assets in the event of a divorce. A prenuptial agreement is a binding contract entered into before the marriage that lays out how property will be divided, who has decision-making authority during the marriage, and whether either spouse will be entitled to spousal support. A postnuptial agreement is simply a prenuptial agreement that is executed after the marriage. Our firm communicates clearly with clients to explain the law, think through potential consequences, and ultimately reach a fair and equitable agreement.
Getting Divorced: Where do you start?
If you are contemplating divorce or perhaps you know that your spouse is, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and interests. In Virginia, getting divorced requires the parties to address every aspect of their marriage, including their property, children, and financial support. Having a knowledgeable Fairfax family law lawyer to guide you will ensure that you are well-equipped and prepared for the divorce even before the process begins. Based in Fairfax, the Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC, will provide reliable, effective legal representation for your divorce. Here are a few tips to get you started.
What to do next?
If you are contemplating divorce or need more information about your rights, take charge of your future by consulting with a Fairfax family law lawyer as early as possible. The longer you wait, the more contentious your divorce is likely to get, and the more issues you will be facing in the divorce that need resolution, all of which will increase the price of your divorce. Start by reviewing your individual and marital assets and liabilities, and contact us as soon as possible for a full analysis and case evaluation.
Top- Rated Divorce Attorney
Special Focus on Military and Federal Employee Divorce
Afsana Chowdhury is an experienced family law lawyer with a special focus on military and federal employee divorce. A Northern Virginia native, Afsana is a highly experienced, top-rated family law attorney in Fairfax, VA, with the skill and legal knowledge to put you on a solid financial footing for the future. She is nationally recognized as a top divorce professional and highly reviewed by clients. She prioritizes each case and diligently works with the client to achieve their desired goals.
What is a military spouse entitled to in a divorce?
A military spouse may be entitled to different benefits depending on the length of the marriage and how long their spouse was active in the military. Some of these benefits include medical coverage, retirement, and survivor benefits.
What is the 10/10 rule for a military divorce?
Many people mistakenly believe that the 10/10 rule means that a military spouse is entitled to a portion of the service member’s retirement ONLY if they were married for at least 10 years. This is actually misinformation.
How are VA benefits divided in a military divorce?
Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), VA disability is NOT divisible in divorce. However, it does count as income for purposes of calculating support.
Federal Employee Divorce
How is FERS divided in a divorce?
Federal pensions are different from private pensions and require specialized orders for division. The marital share of a pension is determined by the overlap between the marriage and the employee’s length of service.
What happens to a TSP in a divorce?
A TSP works much like a 401(k) plan in that the contributions made during the marriage are considered marital property and thus subject to division in divorce. The division occurs through a court order known as a Retirement Benefits Court Order (RBCO).
What is a former spouse survivor annuity?
A former spouse survivor annuity is an insurance plan established to pay out benefits to a former spouse upon the retiree’s death. This helps provide a former spouse the same benefits they would have been entitled to should the divorce not have happened.
Dedicated to Offering a Customized Solution For You
We keep our caseload small to ensure that our clients receive the personal attention they deserve. You aren’t just another number when you select The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC for representation. Our divorce lawyers in Fairfax, VA will listen to what’s going on in your life and your ideal resolution. Then we’ll develop an individualized strategy to help you reach that objective.
What is the process for obtaining a divorce in Viriginia?
The divorce process formally begins with a bill of complaint, or petition for divorce. Even in amicable situations, one spouse will file the petition and serve it on the other spouse. The spouse who files the petition is known as the plaintiff, and the spouse who receives the petition is the defendant. Your divorce attorney will help you complete the petition.
Can I file for a no-fault divorce in Virginia?
Yes. As in most other states, you can file for a no-fault divorce in Virginia.
To obtain a no-fault divorce under Virginia law, you must live separately and apart from your spouse for at least one year prior to filing for divorce. If two spouses with no minor children agree and enter into a legal separation agreement, the one-year separation term can be reduced to six months.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
First and foremost, one of the spouses must reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.
Once the residency requirement has been established, the following provide legal grounds for divorce in Virginia:
Adultery Sodomy or buggery outside of the marriage One spouse has been convicted of a felony and sentenced to at least one year of confinement If none of these grounds for divorce exist, the spouses must satisfy the requirements for a no-fault divorce. That means you must live apart for one consecutive year or, if you have no children, enter an agreement to reduce the one-year separation period to six months.
What is the difference between an uncontested divorce and a no-fault divorce?
In a no-fault divorce, no legal grounds for the divorce exist.
In an uncontested divorce, the two spouses agree on all issues involved, including those related to:
Remember that a no-fault divorce can still be contested. You can obtain a no-fault divorce even if you and your spouse disagree on critical issues. You can also obtain a no-fault divorce if your spouse does not agree to the divorce itself.
Compassionate Divorce Attorneys Serving Fairfax, Virginia
At The Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC, our family law advocates are empathetic to each client and zealous in our representation. We strive to make our clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Our goal is to alleviate the inevitable stress and worry that accompanies divorce and other family law matters.
Our Fairfax divorce attorneys are always sensitive to the emotions involved in these cases. We’ll offer innovative solutions that meet your needs and support your well-being. Additionally, you will always know the status of your case, and we’ll be responsive and transparent in our communications.
