Best Washington DC Family Law and Divorce Lawyers

Divorce attorneys in Washington, DC now work under no-fault rules with no separation period. Since 2024, either spouse can file simply by stating the marriage is over. That speed makes your choice of lawyer matter even more. The firms below handle DC custody, property, and support cases in Superior Court.

We research each listing using public records, verified reviews, and direct evaluation. Our rankings reflect reputation, reliability, and results.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Overall online reputation and verified user feedback

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Leading Washington DC Family Law Attorneys for Custody, Support & High-Asset Cases

Screenshot of the Carolyn Goodman, Attorney at Law Website
2000 P St NW #500, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Carolyn Goodman is a divorce and family law attorney in Washington, DC, with an office near Dupont Circle. She handles uncontested and contested divorce, child custody, child support, and division of marital property. Separation agreements, parenting plans, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements round out her practice.

Goodman builds her work around negotiated settlements that resolve issues without court intervention. This approach keeps clients in control of decisions and helps lower conflict. As a solo attorney, she stays involved in every part of a case and gives each client close personal attention.

Screenshot of the Lopez Law Firm PLLC Website
1200 18th St NW #700, Washington, DC 20036, USA

A bilingual family law practice in Washington, DC, the Lopez Law Firm covers divorce, legal separation, child custody, and child support, led by attorney Carlos Lopez. Clients also come for prenuptial agreements, alimony, and division of assets.

Spanish-speaking families have an option that fits the District's diverse neighborhoods. The firm takes on civil protection orders and domestic violence cases as well. It even offers a focused service for gray divorce, meaning divorce after age 50. For many people, Lopez is the divorce lawyer in Washington, DC they turn to first.

Screenshot of the The Law Offices of David Stein Website
601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004, USA

David Stein runs a Washington, DC litigation practice that spans family law, criminal defense, and civil cases. On the family side, he handles divorce, custody, adoption, and child support. Guardianship, child abuse and neglect matters, and civil protection orders are also part of the work.

Stein leans on trial experience and creative strategy that opposing counsel may not expect. As a Washington DC divorce lawyer, he works to ease the stress of separation so families can focus on what matters most. Prenuptial agreements and contested custody disputes both fall within his practice.

Screenshot of the Barkat Law Firm Website
2001 L St NW Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Sheraz Barkat is an experienced DC divorce lawyer known for steady counsel during difficult times. His firm focuses on complex situations like high-net-worth divorce, federal employee divorce, and military divorce.

With over ten years in family law, Barkat also handles alimony, child custody, legal separation, and prenuptial agreements. Protective orders and uncontested divorce are covered as well, and new clients can start with a free consultation.

Screenshot of the Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, P.C. Website
1201 Seven Locks Rd Suite 360-7A, Potomac, MD 20854, USA

Known as "The Modern Family Law Firm," Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield serves clients in Maryland, Virginia, and DC from its Potomac office. The Super Lawyers-recognized team handles divorce, custody, child support, and alimony.

Attorneys Geoffrey Platnick and Hadrian Hatfield also guide clients through divorce mediation and parenting plans. The practice takes on contested divorce, premarital agreements, and domestic violence matters across the region.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Carmiece Graves, PLLC Website
9701 Apollo Dr Suite 231, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, USA

Carmiece Graves focuses on men's divorce and fathers' rights from her Upper Marlboro office. She represents fathers in custody, support, and paternity disputes across Maryland and the District.

Protective orders, alimony, and property division are part of her family law work too. Graves also handles contested and uncontested divorce as well as estate planning.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Markowicz Website
1 Liberty St Suite 2327, New York, NY 10006, USA

Jeffrey Markowicz is a divorce and family law lawyer licensed in DC, Maryland, and New York since 2000. He opened his Washington, DC headquarters first, then added a New York office in 2010.

Markowicz handles divorce, custody, child support, and visitation. He also offers prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, mediation, and parental coordination. His background includes matrimonial cases along with civil and criminal matters.

Screenshot of the Zamani & Associates PLLC Website
2121 K St NW #900, Washington, DC 20037, USA

Zamani & Associates serves modern families across Washington, DC. Founder Sogand Zamani has earned Super Lawyers and Washingtonian Top Lawyers honors. The firm handles divorce, custody, alimony, and division of marital property.

It also guides families through adoption, surrogacy, and international custody under the Hague Convention. Collaborative practice, mediation, and litigation are all options, and consultations are free.

Screenshot of the M.C. Thomas & Associates, PC Website
8403 Colesville Rd Suite 370, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA

Led by Michelle C. Thomas, M.C. Thomas & Associates represents high-net-worth clients in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The Super Lawyers-recognized firm often works with executives, public figures, professional athletes, and physicians who need discretion.

With more than 15 years of trial experience, the team will negotiate, mediate, or litigate as a case requires. Complex divorces with substantial assets are a core strength.

Screenshot of the Markham Law Firm Website
7960 Old Georgetown Rd #3b, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA

Markham Law Firm is a Bethesda family law practice founded in 2015, serving Maryland and DC. The team handles divorce, alimony, child custody, and division of property.

Support, paternity, and domestic violence protective orders are part of the work as well. Markham also offers mediation and prenups, and its attorneys have earned Top Attorney recognition.

Screenshot of the P. A. Davis Law Office LLC (Washington, D.C.) Website

P. A. Davis handles divorce and family law across Washington, DC and Maryland. The practice covers contested and uncontested divorce, high-asset divorce, and division of assets.

Custody, visitation, alimony, and marital agreements round out the family work. Davis also takes on business law and estate planning matters.

Screenshot of the District Family Law Website
1717 K St NW NW, #900, Washington, DC 20006, USA

Based in Washington, DC, District Family Law handles divorce, child custody, and relocation cases across the District and nearby Maryland. The practice covers premarital agreements, support, and division of retirement assets. It also offers mediation, arbitration, and appeals, with sliding-scale rates for eligible clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Washington, DC?

It depends on conflict. Uncontested divorces cost far less than contested ones. Most DC firms bill hourly, though some offer flat fees for simple cases. Ask about retainers and billing at your first consultation.

How long does a divorce take in DC?

Often a month or two. Uncontested cases move fast since DC dropped its separation period in 2024. Contested divorces involving custody or property can take well over a year.

What are the residency requirements to file for divorce in DC?

Six months in DC. At least one spouse must be a bona fide resident of the District of Columbia for six straight months. Your spouse can live anywhere else. Only one party needs to meet this rule.

Is DC a no-fault divorce state?

Yes, only no-fault. Since January 2024, the sole ground is that one spouse no longer wants to stay married. DC removed adultery, cruelty, and all other fault grounds. You also no longer need to live apart first.

How is marital property divided in a DC divorce?

Equitable distribution. DC is not a community property district, so a 50/50 split is not automatic. The court divides marital property fairly based on income, contributions, and the length of the marriage. Separate property usually stays with its owner.

Can I get alimony in a DC divorce?

Sometimes, not always. Alimony is not guaranteed in DC. The court weighs need, ability to pay, and the standard of living during the marriage. You must request alimony in your divorce case or you may lose the chance.

Types of Divorce and Family Law Cases in Washington, DC

Contested Divorce. Spouses disagree on property, custody, or support. These cases may go to trial in DC Superior Court. They take longer and cost more.

Uncontested Divorce. Both spouses agree on the main terms. DC now finalizes these in as little as a month or two. Many hearings happen by video.

High-Asset Divorce. Business interests, real estate, and retirement accounts raise the stakes. Several DC firms focus on valuation and complex property division. Discretion often matters here.

Child Custody and Support. DC courts decide custody on the best interests of the child. Parenting plans, visitation, and support amounts all fall under this work.

Alimony and Spousal Support. One spouse may seek financial support after divorce. The court looks at need, earning power, and the length of the marriage.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements. These contracts set terms before or during a marriage. A clear agreement can simplify a later divorce.

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders. Many DC family firms handle civil protection orders. These cases often move quickly and overlap with custody.

How to Choose a Divorce Attorney in Washington, DC

Find DC Superior Court experience. A DC family lawyer who has tried cases at the Moultrie Courthouse knows the local judges. That matters in contested cases.

Match the lawyer to your case. A simple uncontested divorce needs different skills than a high-asset fight. Pick someone who handles your kind of family law matter often.

Check trial and mediation experience. Some divorces settle, others go to court. The strongest attorneys can do both well.

Ask how they bill. Hourly rates, retainers, and flat fees vary widely. Get the fee agreement in writing before you sign.

Confirm they are licensed in DC. Many firms serve DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Make sure your lawyer is admitted where you file.

What Affects Divorce Outcomes in Washington, DC

Outcomes vary with each case. Family law in Washington, DC turns on facts like income, custody, and asset value. The court divides marital property by equitable distribution, not a fixed split. Alimony depends on need and earning power, and is never automatic. Government pensions and federal benefits can add complexity for DC couples. A DC divorce attorney can review your situation and give a realistic range.