Our Approach & Fees

How We Work

Shawna L. Stevens PLLC is a focused family law practice. Shawna personally handles every case — you are not passed to a junior associate or a paralegal after the first meeting. That means direct communication throughout, no layers between you and your attorney, and a consistent approach from consultation through resolution.

Every case starts with understanding your specific situation and what you are trying to accomplish. From there, we give you a realistic picture of your options, the likely process, and what we believe is the most effective path forward. We do not overcomplicate things, and we do not run up unnecessary time on matters that do not move your case forward.

When a matter can be resolved through negotiation or a well-drafted agreement, we pursue that path because it is usually faster, less expensive, and less disruptive. When a case requires litigation, we prepare thoroughly and advocate without hesitation.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

The consultation is a working meeting, not a sales call. We use the time to understand the facts of your situation, explain what Virginia law says about your specific issues, and give you a clear sense of the process and realistic expectations.

By the end of a consultation, you should have a clear understanding of:

• What legal options are available to you given the facts of your situation
• What the likely process looks like — steps, timeline, and court involvement
• What factors a Virginia court would weigh if your matter went to a hearing
• What information and documentation you will need to gather
• How fees are structured for your type of matter and what to expect

Come prepared with the basic facts: the length of the marriage, whether children are involved and their ages, a general picture of the assets and debts, and any prior court orders that are already in place. The more context you can provide, the more useful the consultation will be.

Consultations are confidential. Information you share is protected by attorney-client privilege from the moment you contact the office.

How Legal Fees Work in Family Law Cases

Family law attorneys in Virginia typically charge on an hourly basis against a retainer — an upfront deposit held in a client trust account and drawn down as work is performed. This is the standard structure in contested family law matters.

Retainer-Based Hourly Billing

You pay a retainer at the start of the engagement. As your attorney works on your case — reviewing documents, drafting motions, appearing in court, communicating with opposing counsel — time is billed against the retainer at an agreed hourly rate. When the retainer is depleted, additional funds are requested to continue. At the end of the matter, any unused portion of the retainer is returned.

What Affects the Total Cost

The total cost of a family law matter depends almost entirely on how contested it is and how efficiently it can be resolved. Key factors include:

• Whether the matter is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce where spouses agree on all issues costs significantly less than a fully litigated case.
• The complexity of the assets. Cases involving businesses, real estate, retirement accounts, or significant debt take more time to resolve.
• The number of issues in dispute. A case with contested custody, property, and support simultaneously takes more time than one focused on a single issue.
• The other party's cooperation. When the opposing party is cooperative, matters resolve faster. When they are not, more court involvement is required.
• How prepared you are. Clients who gather documents promptly and make decisions efficiently reduce the time their attorney spends on the matter.

Attorney Fee Awards in Virginia

Virginia courts have authority under Va. Code § 20-79 to award attorney fees to either party in a divorce or family law proceeding based on each party's financial resources and other relevant circumstances. Fee awards are not guaranteed, but they are available in appropriate cases.

Uncontested Cases

Uncontested divorces and agreed custody or support matters are often handled on a flat fee or reduced retainer basis because the scope of work is more predictable. This is discussed at the consultation once we understand the specifics of your situation.

What We Focus On

Shawna L. Stevens PLLC is a family law practice. We do not handle criminal defense, personal injury, estate planning, or general civil litigation. Our focus is entirely on family law matters — divorce, custody, support, property division, military divorce, adoption, modifications, and related issues.

That focus means 20+ years of experience in exactly the type of matter you are dealing with, in the specific courts where your case will be heard.

Common Questions About Fees and Process

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Virginia?

It depends entirely on the complexity and how contested the matter is. An uncontested divorce costs far less than a contested case involving disputed custody, property, and support. Fees are discussed directly at the consultation once we understand your situation.

Do I have to pay a retainer upfront?

In most contested family law matters, yes. A retainer is a deposit held in trust and drawn down as work is performed. The amount depends on the nature and anticipated scope of your case. Unused funds are returned at the end of the matter.

Can I get my attorney fees paid by the other party?

Potentially. Va. Code § 20-79 gives Virginia courts authority to award attorney fees in divorce and family law cases based on each party's financial resources and other circumstances. It is not guaranteed, but it is available in appropriate cases.

What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce in terms of cost?

An uncontested divorce — where both parties agree on property, custody, support, and debt — is significantly less expensive because it requires less court involvement and less attorney time.

How long will my case take?

For an uncontested divorce, the minimum is Virginia's separation requirement: six months with no minor children and a signed agreement, one year in all other situations. Contested cases vary widely depending on the issues and the court's schedule.

What should I bring to the consultation?

Basic facts: the length of the marriage, whether children are involved and their ages, a general picture of assets and debts, and any prior court orders. You do not need every document — the consultation is to understand your situation and options.

Family Law Practice Areas

Prenuptial • Protective Orders • Separation Agreements