Divorce mediation in Fairfax County, on your terms
If you and your spouse have decided to separate, you don’t have to hand every decision to a courtroom. I’m Sara Khan, a Burke-based mediator, and I help Fairfax County couples sit down in a calm, private setting and work out their own agreement on parenting, support, the house, and everything in between.
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 Fairfax County couples bring to mediation
Every family is different, but most divorce mediations touch the same core decisions. We take them one at a time, at a pace that works for both of you.
Parenting time & schedules
Weekday and weekend rhythms, school-year versus summer, holidays, and how you’ll handle activities across Burke, Chantilly, Vienna, or wherever the kids’ lives happen.
Child support conversations
We look at both incomes and expenses together. Discussions are informed by the Virginia child support guidelines so the numbers you settle on are realistic.
Spousal support
Whether support makes sense, for how long, and how it fits with each person’s budget after the household splits in two.
The family home
Selling, refinancing, or one person staying for a while — a big question in a high-cost market like Fairfax County.
Retirement, savings & debts
401(k)s, federal TSP and pension benefits, IRAs, credit cards, car loans. We list everything and talk through a fair division.
Communication going forward
How you’ll share information, make decisions, and handle the inevitable changes after the agreement is signed.
How mediation fits alongside the Fairfax County courts
Divorces in Fairfax County are handled by the Fairfax County Circuit Court, and custody, visitation, and support matters that arise outside a divorce often go to the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Both sit at the courthouse complex in the City of Fairfax. Mediation is a private process that happens outside those courtrooms — it doesn’t replace your attorney’s guidance on court requirements, but it can mean far fewer decisions are left for a judge.
Sessions can be held in person in Northern Virginia or by secure video, around commutes on I-66, the Beltway, and the Fairfax County Parkway. Virginia’s no-fault divorce process involves a period of separation, and many couples use that time to work through a separation agreement together rather than fighting over it.
Parents here often build their schedules around the Fairfax County Public Schools calendar — teacher workdays, winter and spring breaks, and the long summer stretch. We map those dates out together so your plan works in real life, not just on paper.
Four steps from first call to written agreement
Free consultation
A confidential 15-minute call so you can ask questions and see whether mediation — and I — are a good fit.
Private intake
I speak with each of you separately, including a confidential screening for safety and power imbalances, and share a short list of helpful documents.
Joint sessions
We work through parenting, support, and property in structured 2-hour sessions, in person or by video, with private breakouts when helpful.
Written MOU
I write up the terms you develop together in a Memorandum of Understanding. Each of you has your own attorney review it before anything is finalized.
Family mediation pricing
Fees are for the mediation as a whole, not per person, and most couples split them. Published prices mean no surprises:
- 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
I live and work in Fairfax County. I’m married with two boys, and many of my weekends are spent on sidelines around the county, so I understand how much a workable schedule matters to a family here.
Before founding Olive Branch Mediation I spent close to two decades in federal consulting and legal operations, which taught me to keep complicated, emotional processes organized and moving. In mediation I stay neutral: I don’t take sides, and I don’t tell either of you what to do.
- 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
Fairfax County divorce mediation questions
Do we both have to agree to mediate?
Yes. Mediation is voluntary for both spouses. If your spouse is unsure, I’m happy to explain the process to them in their own free consultation.
Is divorce mediation confidential in Virginia?
Generally, yes. Virginia law treats mediation communications as confidential, with limited exceptions such as threats of harm or suspected child abuse. I walk through those exceptions at the start.
Do we still need attorneys?
You don’t need attorneys in the room, but I strongly encourage each of you to have your own attorney review the Memorandum of Understanding before you sign a final agreement. I don’t give legal advice to either of you.
Can you handle court-ordered mediation in Fairfax County?
My practice is private mediation that couples choose for themselves. If a court has ordered you to use a court-certified mediator, mention it during our consultation so we can make sure you meet the court’s requirements.
How long does divorce mediation take?
Many couples need three to five sessions over several weeks. It depends on how many issues you have and how quickly financial information is gathered.
More answers on the full FAQ page.
Ready to talk it through calmly?
A free, confidential 15-minute consultation is the easiest first step. You’ll speak with me directly, and there’s no obligation.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839