Separation and divorce mediation for Arlington and Alexandria families
Separating is hard enough without a drawn-out fight. I help couples in Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church make their own decisions about children, money, and next steps — privately, respectfully, and with a written agreement each of you can take to your own attorney.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839Free and confidential · I reply within 1–2 business days · In person in Northern Virginia or by secure video
What a separation agreement conversation covers
Close-in Northern Virginia households have their own patterns: two careers, high rents or a condo with a big mortgage, and often a federal or military connection. Mediation makes room for all of it.
Living arrangements
Who stays, who moves, and how you’ll handle a lease, a condo, or a townhouse while things are in transition.
Children & schedules
Parenting time that works with Arlington Public Schools or Alexandria City Public Schools calendars, Metro commutes, and work travel.
Support & budgets
Child and spousal support discussions grounded in two real budgets and informed by the Virginia support guidelines.
Federal & military benefits
TSP, FERS, and military retirement are common here. We identify them and talk through options; specialists and your attorneys advise on the details.
Pets, cars & everyday property
The practical items that cause surprising friction — the dog, the parking spot, the shared accounts.
Separation first, divorce later
Some couples want an interim agreement now and a fuller one later. We can structure the work in stages.
A private alternative to a public courtroom
Arlington divorces are handled by the Arlington County Circuit Court in the Courthouse neighborhood, and Alexandria’s by the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. Each jurisdiction also has a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for custody and support matters outside a divorce. Mediation happens privately, away from those courthouses, and gives you a chance to settle as much as possible before anything is filed.
Virginia doesn’t use the term “legal separation” the way some states do. Many couples instead work out a written separation agreement during their separation period. Mediation is one way to build the terms of that agreement together; your attorneys can explain how it fits with the rest of the process.
In a dense, busy area, convenience matters. I meet clients in person in Northern Virginia and by secure video, which many Arlington and Alexandria couples prefer when one spouse has already moved out or is traveling for work at the Pentagon, on the Hill, or with a contractor.
How separation mediation works
Consultation
Each of you can have a free 15-minute call to ask questions and decide whether this feels right.
Screening & intake
Confidential one-on-one conversations, including screening for safety concerns, before any joint session.
Structured sessions
We set an agenda together and work through it in 2-hour sessions, with private breakouts whenever someone needs space.
Memorandum of Understanding
I prepare a clear written summary of your terms. Each of you has your own attorney review it before it becomes final.
Clear, shared pricing
One fee for the whole mediation, split however the two of you agree:
- Family Clarity Session — $1,200. Up to 4 hours: a private screening call with each of you and one 2-hour joint session, with a written summary of where you agree and what’s still open.
- Full Family Mediation — $3,600. Up to 14 hours: up to three joint sessions covering parenting, support, and property, plus a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding.
- Complex Family Mediation — $5,400. Up to 22 hours for higher-conflict matters or significant assets, business interests, or blended-family considerations.
- Hourly — $300/hour, shared by both of you, with a 2-hour minimum per joint session and no retainer.
Why work with Sara
Many close-in Northern Virginia families have ties to federal service, and so do I. I spent close to two decades in federal consulting and legal operations, so terms like TSP, PCS moves, and security clearances don’t need translating.
My role is to keep the conversation balanced and productive. I don’t advise either side or decide anything for you — the agreement is yours.
- J.D., University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law; George Mason University alum
- Close to two decades in federal consulting, legal operations, and organizational strategy
- Mediation training: 40-hour basic mediation, 24-hour family mediation, and a 4-hour Virginia Judicial System orientation
- Neutral by design: I don’t practice law, give legal advice, or represent either side
Arlington & Alexandria mediation questions
Can we mediate if we haven’t filed for divorce?
Yes. Many couples mediate before anything is filed, often to build the terms of a separation agreement. Your attorneys can explain how and when to use it.
We’re a military family. Can mediation help?
Yes. We can work around deployments, PCS orders, and video from another state or country. Military retirement and benefits have their own rules, so I’ll encourage each of you to get specialized advice on those.
What if one of us has already moved out?
That’s common. Video sessions make it easy to meet without being in the same room, and we can still use private breakout rooms.
Is everything we say confidential?
Generally, yes. Virginia law treats mediation communications as confidential, with limited exceptions, such as threats of harm or suspected child abuse, which I explain at the start.
Do you give legal advice?
No. I’m a neutral mediator. I don’t give legal advice or represent either spouse. I encourage each of you to have your own attorney review any agreement.
More answers on the full FAQ page.
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Take the first step together
Book a free, confidential 15-minute consultation, or call me directly. I reply within one to two business days.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839