Orange County, Virginia
Family Law Attorney Serving Orange County, Virginia
Shawna L. Stevens PLLC represents clients in divorce, custody, child support, spousal support, and property division matters throughout Orange County. Orange County family law matters are handled by the Orange County Circuit Court — part of the 16th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. With over 20 years of experience in the Fredericksburg region, Shawna L. Stevens brings the same dedicated, personally attentive representation to Orange County clients that has served families throughout the surrounding counties.
Serving Orange County (22960), Fredericksburg, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, King George County, and Caroline County.
Shawna L. Stevens
Family Law Attorney • Orange County, VA
Family Law Services in Orange County
Shawna L. Stevens PLLC handles the full range of family law matters for clients in Orange County, Virginia. Every case is handled personally by Shawna — not delegated to associates — with direct communication and local court knowledge built over two decades.
Divorce
Contested and uncontested divorce, fault-based grounds under Va. Code § 20-91, equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, and separation agreements. Cases filed at the Orange County Circuit Court.
Child Custody & Visitation
Initial custody determinations, contested litigation, parenting plan negotiation, and modification proceedings applying the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Child Support
Support calculations under Va. Code § 20-108.2, income imputation, enforcement, and modification petitions when financial circumstances have materially changed.
Spousal Support
Support awards, pendente lite motions, modification proceedings, and termination under Va. Code § 20-107.1 and Va. Code § 20-109.
Property Division
Equitable distribution of marital assets under Va. Code § 20-107.3, including real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and hybrid property tracing.
Military Divorce
USFSPA military pension division, SCRA protections, and military family law matters for service members and their families in the Orange County area.
The Orange County Circuit Court
Family law matters in Orange County — including divorce, custody, and support proceedings — are filed at the Orange County Circuit Court, located at 110 N. Madison Road, Suite 300, Orange, VA 22960. The court is part of the 16th Judicial Circuit of Virginia.
The Orange County Circuit Court handles all civil matters over $25,000 and has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce proceedings. Custody matters may originate in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court at the same location before moving to the Circuit Court on appeal or by petition. Shawna L. Stevens PLLC is experienced in navigating both courts and in managing the procedural steps particular to Orange County.
Orange County is a growing community in the Piedmont region of Virginia, southwest of Fredericksburg. Its proximity to the Fredericksburg region makes it a natural extension of our established service area. Clients in Orange County receive the same level of personal representation and local court familiarity that Shawna has provided to families throughout Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline counties.
Why Orange County Families Choose Shawna L. Stevens PLLC
100% Family Law
Every matter Shawna handles is a family law case. No criminal defense, no real estate, no estate planning on the side. The depth of focus that comes from practicing exclusively family law for over 20 years directly benefits every client we represent.
Personal Representation
You work directly with Shawna from the initial consultation through the resolution of your case. There are no hand-offs to junior associates, no rotating staff unfamiliar with your matter. The attorney you meet is the attorney who represents you.
Regional Court Experience
Over two decades of practice in the Fredericksburg judicial circuit has given Shawna familiarity with the courts, administrative practices, and procedural expectations across the entire region — including Orange County.
Clear Communication
Family law matters involve real decisions about children, finances, and your future. We explain your options clearly, set realistic expectations, and make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions at every stage.
Local Court Knowledge Matters in Orange County
Orange County sits within the 16th Judicial Circuit of Virginia, which also includes Culpeper, Greene, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. The Orange County Circuit Court handles divorce, property division, and custody matters involving a pending divorce. Initial custody, child support, and protective order matters are filed in the Orange County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, located at 110 North Madison Road, Orange, VA 22960.
Orange County's docket is less congested than those in Stafford or Spotsylvania, which means hearing dates are often available sooner — but that also means judges expect cases to be thoroughly prepared when they are called. Shawna L. Stevens has practiced throughout the Fredericksburg region and surrounding circuits for over 20 years, including matters before the Orange County courts.
Questions We Hear Often from Orange County Clients
Where do I file for divorce in Orange County?
Divorce is filed in the Orange County Circuit Court at 110 North Madison Road, Orange, VA 22960. At least one spouse must have been a Virginia resident for six months before filing. Orange County is part of the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Which court handles child custody in Orange County?
Initial custody and support matters are typically filed in the Orange County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. If custody is part of a contested divorce, it proceeds in Circuit Court. Appeals from JDR decisions go to the Circuit Court for a de novo hearing.
How long does divorce take in Orange County?
Virginia's separation requirement applies regardless of county: six months with a signed separation agreement and no minor children, or one year for all other cases. An uncontested Orange County divorce can be finalized within a few weeks of the separation period ending. Contested matters take significantly longer depending on the issues involved.
Can I get a protective order in Orange County?
Yes. Emergency protective orders are issued by magistrates around the clock. Preliminary and permanent protective orders are handled by the Orange County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. If a protective order affects a pending divorce or custody case, Shawna coordinates both proceedings.
Does Shawna represent clients who live in Orange County but work near Fredericksburg?
Yes. Many Orange County clients commute to Fredericksburg, Culpeper, or the Northern Virginia corridor. Distance from the office is not an issue — we handle your Orange County court appearances and coordinate scheduling around your work obligations wherever possible.
What is the difference between Circuit Court and JDR Court in Orange County?
The Circuit Court handles divorce, property division, and complex custody matters. The JDR District Court handles initial child custody, child support, spousal support petitions, and protective orders. Cases in JDR that are appealed move to Circuit Court for a full de novo trial under Virginia Code § 16.1-136.
Talk to an Orange County Family Law Attorney
If you are facing a family law matter in Orange County, Virginia, Shawna L. Stevens PLLC is prepared to help. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation. Fees are discussed at your consultation based on the specifics of your case.
Phone: (540) 310-4088
Email: [email protected]
Address: 307 Lafayette Blvd, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Also serving: Stafford County • Spotsylvania County • King George County • Caroline County
Practice Areas in Orange County
Divorce • Child Custody • Child Support • Spousal Support • Property Division