Shawna L. Stevens PLLC
Family Law Attorney Serving Stafford County, Virginia
Shawna L. Stevens PLLC is a trusted family law attorney serving Stafford VA and the surrounding region. We provide compassionate, strategic representation for divorce, child custody, child support, and related family law matters throughout Stafford County.
Every family law case requires the right balance. We work toward practical, respectful solutions whenever possible. If your matter demands a tougher approach, we are ready to take decisive action and fight for the outcome you and your family need.
With over 20 years of experience practicing exclusively in Virginia family law, Shawna L. Stevens brings deep local court knowledge, proven strategies, and genuine care to every Stafford County case — including military families near Quantico Marine Corps Base.
- 20+ Years Experience
- Stafford County Courts
- Confidential Consultations
Address: 307 Lafayette Blvd, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 — Serving all of Stafford County
Shawna L. Stevens
Family Law Attorney • Stafford County, Virginia
Family Law Services for Stafford County, Virginia
We provide practical guidance and strong advocacy tailored to your situation and your goals.
Divorce Lawyer Serving Stafford VA
Representation for contested and uncontested divorce, including custody, support, property division, and negotiation options such as mediation or collaborative law. Stafford County divorce cases are filed in the Stafford County Circuit Court at 1300 Courthouse Road.
Child Custody and Visitation
Help developing parenting plans, addressing visitation issues, and protecting parental rights while focusing on the best interests of the child. Custody matters in Stafford County typically begin in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Child Support
Assistance establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders under Virginia's income shares guidelines to ensure fair and appropriate financial support for your children.
Alimony and Spousal Support
Strategic representation for spousal support negotiations or litigation, with a focus on fair and legally sound outcomes for Stafford County clients.
Property Division
Guidance through equitable distribution of marital assets in Stafford County divorces, including real estate, retirement accounts, military pension, TSP, business interests, and debt allocation.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Drafting and review of agreements designed to protect assets and clarify financial expectations, fully compliant with Virginia law.
Adoption
Support through the adoption process in Stafford County, including stepparent, relative, and agency adoption, handling all required documentation and court appearances.
Modifications and Enforcement
When circumstances change after a divorce or custody order, we help Stafford County clients seek modifications to child support, custody, or spousal support arrangements.
Military Family Law for Stafford County and Quantico
Stafford County is home to one of Virginia's largest concentrations of active duty military and veterans. Marine Corps Base Quantico occupies the northern areas of the county, and NSF Dahlgren is located nearby in King George County. Shawna L. Stevens PLLC has extensive experience representing military families throughout the Stafford County area.
- Military retirement division under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA).
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) division via retirement benefits court orders.
- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) elections and deadlines in divorce decrees.
- BAH and BAS treatment in child and spousal support calculations.
- Deployment impacts on custody arrangements and parenting plans.
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) considerations for active duty members.
- Security clearance awareness during contested divorce proceedings.
Why Choose Shawna L. Stevens PLLC
- Over 20 years focused exclusively on Virginia family law.
- Local court knowledge — experienced in Stafford County JDR and Circuit Court.
- Military family law expertise — serving Quantico and Dahlgren families since the firm's founding.
- Personalized strategies based on your goals and circumstances.
- Compassionate representation through some of life's most difficult transitions.
- Convenient location — our Fredericksburg office is easily accessible from all of Stafford County via I-95 and US Route 1.
Stafford County Courts for Family Law Matters
Family law cases in Stafford County are handled across two primary courts depending on the nature of your matter. Understanding which court applies to your case is an important first step.
Stafford County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
Initial custody, visitation, child support, and protective order matters are heard in the JDR court. Located at 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22555. Phone: (540) 658-8775. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Stafford County Circuit Court
Divorce proceedings, equitable distribution of marital property, and appeals from JDR court orders are handled in the Circuit Court. Located at 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22555. Civil terms are held on the 1st Monday of January, April, July, and October at 11:00 AM.
Serving Stafford County and Surrounding Virginia Communities
We represent clients throughout Stafford County, one of Virginia's fastest-growing counties situated along the I-95 corridor between Fredericksburg and the Washington, D.C. metro area. Our Fredericksburg office on Lafayette Blvd is conveniently accessible from all parts of Stafford County.
Communities served throughout Stafford County include Stafford, Garrisonville, North Stafford, Aquia Harbour, Falmouth, Hartwood, Widewater, Triangle, Dumfries, Brooke, Rockhill, Griffis, and surrounding communities throughout the county.
We also represent clients from neighboring Fredericksburg City, Spotsylvania County, Prince William County, and King George County.
Frequently Asked Questions — Family Law in Stafford County
Common questions from Stafford County residents navigating Virginia family law.
Where are Stafford County family law cases heard?
Custody and support matters typically begin in the Stafford County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court at 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22555. Divorce and property division cases are filed in the Stafford County Circuit Court at the same address.
Do I need an attorney located in Stafford County?
No. You need a Virginia-licensed attorney who is familiar with Stafford County courts and local procedures. Shawna L. Stevens PLLC regularly appears in Stafford County courts and our Fredericksburg office is a short drive from the Stafford courthouse.
How long does a divorce take in Stafford County?
The timeline depends on whether the case is contested or uncontested, whether children are involved, and how quickly the parties reach agreement. An attorney can provide a realistic timeline based on the specific facts of your case.
How is child custody decided in Stafford County?
Virginia courts apply the best interests of the child standard, considering each parent's relationship with the child, the stability of the home environment, the child's age and needs, and any history of family abuse. Most custody cases begin in the Stafford County JDR court.
Can I get an uncontested divorce in Stafford County?
Yes. If you and your spouse agree on all issues — custody, support, and property division — an uncontested divorce can be significantly faster and less expensive than contested litigation. Virginia requires a separation period before filing. We can guide you through the process from start to finish.
How do I get started?
Contact Shawna L. Stevens PLLC at (540) 310-4088 to schedule a confidential consultation. We will review your situation, explain your options under Virginia law, and help you understand what to expect from the Stafford County court process.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
If you need a family law attorney in Stafford VA, contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation. We serve clients throughout Stafford County and the greater Fredericksburg region.
Phone: (540) 310-4088
Email: [email protected]
Address: 307 Lafayette Blvd, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Family Law Resources and Articles
Visit our blog for helpful articles on divorce, custody, support, and other family law topics relevant to Stafford County and Fredericksburg, Virginia.