Locations

Divorce Lawyers in DC

Facing a divorce, or any family law matter, can be life-altering. Whether you’re going through a high-net-worth divorce in Georgetown or a complex asset division involving properties in Spring Valley and Kent, family law issues can be overwhelming. At Tucker Family Law, we understand the profound impact divorce can have on your life, affecting everything from your children’s futures to your financial stability and emotional well-being. Whether you’re worried about child support, how you’ll maintain your current lifestyle or a multitude of other things, facing these obstacles without the guidance and strategy of a good divorce attorney can leave you feeling lost — and leave your rights unprotected.

For over 50 years, Tucker’s divorce attorneys have protected what matters most for clients facing family law issues in the District of Columbia: their futures. We handle the full spectrum of divorce, child custody and relationship issues and can discuss your options with you. Book a consultation to speak with a Washington, DC, family lawyer today.

DC divorce attorney

No two family law cases are alike. That’s why our skilled Washington DC divorce attorneys provide holistic, solutions-focused, compassionate representation based on your unique goals so you can move forward confidently. Whether your case involves negotiating a settlement agreement, Collaborative Divorce or vigorously representing your interests in litigation, our family law attorneys are committed to securing the best possible outcomes for your family, finances and future.

Focusing on divorce and family law in Washington, DC

Our DC divorce attorneys serve clients throughout the District, including the neighborhoods of:

Berkley
Chevy Chase
Colonial Village
DuPont
Georgetown

Hawthorne
Kalorama
Kent
North Cleveland Park
Palisades

Petworth
Spring Valley
West End
Woodley Park
And all other areas across DC

Meet our DC divorce lawyers

emily-baker-full

Emily C. Baker

Partner

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Marina S. Barannik

Founding Partner

jonathan-dana-full

Jonathan M. Dana

Founding Partner

jennifer-davison-full

Jennifer A. Davison

Partner

katherine-orourke-full

Katherine A. O'Rourke

Partner

daniel-schy-full

Daniel B. Schy

Partner

olivia-scott-full

Olivia K. Scott

Associate

elizabeth-selmo-full

Elizabeth A. Selmo

Partner

sarah-zimmerman-full

Sarah J. Zimmerman

Founding Partner

Types of cases our family law attorneys in DC handle

Family law is a broad area that encompasses a range of legal challenges. Our dedicated DC family law attorneys handle many different kinds of family matters for clients, including but not limited to the following:

DC divorce and separation

When you’re going through a divorce or legal separation, you want a family law attorney who’s committed to achieving the best outcome for you. Tucker’s DC divorce lawyers have an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of Washington, DC, divorce law and serve as tireless advocates for your best interests and those of your family. Whether the right path for your divorce is through mediation, negotiation, Collaborative Divorce or, when necessary, litigation, we tailor our representation to your unique circumstances and priorities. Our family law attorneys in DC will support you at every step of the divorce process to guide you through decisions that secure the best outcomes, now and into the future.

DC child support and child custody

Tucker’s award-winning Washington, DC, divorce attorneys understand that child custody and support are at the heart of your concerns during divorce, separation or when co-parenting outside of marriage. You want fairness, stability and a future where your children’s needs are met. Our dedicated team of DC divorce lawyers is here to guide you through the nuances of DC family law regarding child custody and visitation, including international and cross-state custody matters, ensuring that your children’s well-being is prioritized. Together with you, our family law team will work to secure practical, long-lasting child support and custody arrangements that protect your family’s emotional and financial health.

DC asset and property division

When it comes to marital property, separate property, and asset division during divorce, understanding your rights is critical. Tucker’s DC family law attorneys are deeply experienced in the full spectrum of issues related to dividing assets — from determining the value of your marital home to tracking “hidden” assets to settling disputes over business ownership. Our divorce attorneys will scrutinize every detail while guiding you objectively through the process, empowering you to make decisions that align with your priorities and secure your future.

DC domestic violence and protection orders

Addressing domestic violence and obtaining protection orders can be crucial steps for your safety. Whether you are a victim of intimate partner violence or a Petition for Civil Protection Order has been requested against you, our Washington domestic relations attorneys work to achieve prompt, effective resolutions that prioritize the well-being of everyone involved. Our DC legal team is here to help you understand the legal protections and processes available to you, while also addressing related issues, such as child custody and visitation, financial support, and how to effectively present your case in court so you can move forward with your life.

DC prenups and postnuptial agreements

Ensuring that your financial interests and assets are protected in a marriage or domestic partnership may start with a well-crafted prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Tucker’s highly regarded divorce lawyers in the District specialize in facilitating these complex conversations, providing counsel and drafting contracts that meet your unique needs and offer you peace of mind. Whether you wish to create an agreement or you’ve been asked to sign one, the team at our DC family law office can help you carefully evaluate every issue and compose a comprehensive document that reflects your goals and vision.

LGBTQ+ representation in DC

Our family law attorneys in Maryland are here to fully protect your rights and needs, no matter your family dynamic or how you choose to live and love. Our team of attorneys serves clients in non-traditional relationship structures just as we do all others—with rigor and creativity. From creating agreements that reflect your specific goals to advocating for your rights in more complex legal matters, our District of Columbia divorce lawyers are experienced in providing the specialized counsel and support you need to achieve an optimal resolution for your case.

Different family dynamics can lead to unique legal needs. At Tucker Family Law, our attorneys have decades of experience assisting clients with the full spectrum of family situations, including non-traditional families, to achieve resolutions that best fit your circumstances and goals.

Our Washington, DC office location

Tucker DC family law attorneys Emily Baker, Marina Barannik, Jonathan Dana, Jennifer Davison, Katherine O’Rourke, Daniel Schy, Olivia Scott, Elizabeth Selmo, and Sarah Zimmerman welcome the opportunity to meet and work with you.

Monday – 8:30 am – 6 p.m.
Tuesday – 8:30 am – 6 p.m.
Wednesday – 8:30 am – 6 p.m.
Thursday – 8:30 am – 6 p.m.
Friday – 8:30 am – 6 p.m.
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed

Have a family law matter? Don’t wait to contact our divorce lawyers in DC

Navigating divorce or family law issues requires not just legal knowledge but an in-depth understanding of the emotional and financial complexities involved. If you’re facing a family law matter, the path forward might seem daunting. That’s where Tucker Family Law steps in. Our DC family law attorneys will guide you through every stage of your case, from helping you understand your rights and the legal process to empowering you to make decisions that secure the most ideal resolution for your situation.

To learn more about your rights or to find out what it takes to obtain a divorce in Washington, DC, contact the experienced divorce attorneys at Tucker.

Getting the facts about divorce in Washington, DC

District of Columbia divorce laws have specific requirements and nuances that can be hard to understand without the experience and knowledge of a good family law attorney. Our DC lawyers are here to provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your divorce or family law matter. We’ll help you understand the intricacies of Washington, DC, family law as it pertains to your case, whether that involves child custody and support, alimony, or how property and debts are divided in divorce. We’ll make sure you’re equipped with the right information so you can make the best decision for your situation.

What our DC family lawyers do

Our Washington, DC, divorce attorneys are equipped with the experience and resources to manage a wide range of cases.

Whether your case involves a high-asset divorce, high-conflict divorce, military divorce, international custody, or situations of intimate partner violence, mental health or substance misuse, we have the expertise to support your unique needs:

Why choose Tucker Family Law?

The Tucker Family Law attorneys provide insight and experience that can guide you toward achieving the best resolution for your future. We offer:

  • A century of collective experience: Ensure that your best interests — and rights — are protected by one of the DMV’s largest family law firms with over a century of collective experience in family law.
  • A customized, whole-person approach: Gain peace of mind that all aspects of your individual situation will be addressed, including your personal circumstances, family dynamics, financial implications and long-term well-being.
  • Future-focused solutions: Plan for a better tomorrow for you and your family with a team that understands and anticipates your long-term needs.
  • Trusted counsel at every step: Feel supported and informed as you make decisions that help set you on a path to a positive resolution.

DC family law frequently asked questions

No, Washington, DC, doesn’t follow community property laws but instead uses a legal framework called equitable distribution to divide marital assets and debts. The District distinguishes between marital property (assets/debts acquired during marriage) and separate property (assets/debts acquired before marriage, or by inheritance or gift).

Under equitable distribution, marital assets and debts are divided “fairly” but not necessarily “equally.” Some of the factors a District of Columbia judge must consider include:
• Length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage
• Reasons for divorce

As of January 2024, Washington, DC, updated its divorce laws so that there is now only one ground for a divorce: one or both parties must state that they no longer wish to be married. For a legal separation, at least one party must declare that they intend to live separately from their spouse without pursuing a divorce.

Previously, couples in DC were required to live separately for a set amount of time before filing for divorce. The DC divorce update has made the process faster and more straightforward for those pursuing divorce in the District.

Child custody in Washington, DC, is determined based on the child’s best interests. The court is required consider many factors, including the:
• Wishes of the child and each parent
• Child’s relationship with each parent
• Child’s adjustment to their home, school and community
• Mental and physical well-being of everyone involved

The court aims to ensure a stable, nurturing environment for the child, with both parents having frequent and continuing contact with the child.

Yes, the District recognizes common law marriages. Common law marriage is established by a couple’s express mutual consent to be married (often evidenced by the exchanging of rings and/or holding themselves out as a married couple to the public) and subsequent cohabitation. Unlike in some jurisdictions, establishing a common law marriage in DC doesn’t require a specific period of cohabitation.

In the District of Columbia, the court uses equitable distribution to divide assets and debts acquired during marriage. This division is based on fairness and considers factors including each spouse’s earning capacity, contributions to the marriage and future needs. Separate property, such as inheritances received by one spouse and kept separate, are not subject to equitable distribution.

You can enter into a prenuptial agreement in DC before you get married or a postnuptial agreement after you get married. Postnuptial agreements often cover many of the same issues as prenuptial agreements, such as property division and alimony in the event of a divorce or separation.

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements should potentially be updated when circumstances in your marriage or life change, such as:
• Having children
• Becoming ill
• Stepping back from work to be a caregiver

Alimony (or spousal support) in DC may be awarded based on the receiving spouse’s needs and the paying spouse’s ability to pay. It can be granted on a temporary, rehabilitative or permanent basis. When determining alimony, the court will consider many factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources and earning capacities, contributions to the marriage, and standards of living during the marriage.

Though not required, having an attorney when seeking a restraining order (also called a protection order) is a good idea. There are three types of protection orders in the District of Columbia:
• Civil Protection Order
• Temporary Protection Order
• Emergency Temporary Protection Order

An experienced family law attorney can help you request a protection order and represent you in court, which can improve the chances of obtaining the protection you need.

Legal separation in the District involves living apart from your spouse and may include the court ruling on issues like child custody, spousal support and asset division. Unlike divorce, a legal separation won’t dissolve your marriage or allow you to remarry. A divorce attorney can help you understand your options and decide on the best path forward for your situation.

To start the divorce process in DC, at least one spouse must have lived continuously in the District for at least six months before filing. Divorce in DC can either be:
Uncontested: When both parties agree and enter an agreement on all major issues, including asset and debt division, child custody, child support and alimony, they are eligible for an uncontested divorce in DC, which is typically a much faster, less complicated, and less expensive divorce process in which the Court does not make any material decisions in the case, but formally divorces the parties.
Contested: When spouses can’t agree on one or more critical issues, they have to submit the matter to the court to decide, making it a contested divorce. However, with an experienced DC divorce attorney even issues that begin as contested often end up being settled (and becoming an uncontested divorce).

The timeline for a divorce in Washington, DC, can vary widely. An uncontested divorce may be finalized in as little as six weeks, while contested divorces, especially those involving complex asset division or custody disputes, can take much longer, sometimes lasting over a year.

Client testimonials

Best divorce lawyer in DC

“Sarah Zimmerman is the best divorce lawyer in DC. When I first came to Sarah, I was in desperate need of immediate assistance because my attorney had quit on me and several court responses were due. Not only did I come to her under exigent circumstances, but I brought a divorce that presented extraordinary challenges because it was not limited to U.S. law and marital assets. Sarah was incredible. She picked up my case and in spite of the short time frame, devised clever, winning strategies that worked at both the trial and appeals level in the MD courts. She adroitly anticipated opposing counsel’s moves and prepared motions ahead of time so that they could immediately be filed in court. Just as important, the U.S. court decisions had to be enforceable in two other countries each having different divorce laws. To that end, Sarah worked closely with my European attorneys to ensure success in those legal systems as well. And, even though it was outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts, Sarah managed to secure 85% of a World Bank pension for me! Sarah was professional, respectful and courteous. She always performed with integrity and her work was of the highest quality. I could not have asked for better representation and never hesitate to recommend her whenever an opportunity arises.”

Top DC divorce lawyer

“I highly recommend Jonathan Dana, a top DC divorce lawyer. He’s respected, creative, responsive, reads the room and is a pleasure to work with.”

Very happy to have her in my corner

“I retained Jennifer [Davison] after realizing that I needed to change divorce lawyers at a critical stage in my divorce proceedings. In our initial consult, she was impartial and even offered advice and ways I might try to keep working with my current lawyer to prevent delays. Once engaged, she rapidly got up to speed and was always quick to respond to my questions, and was open to my feedback. Jennifer and the rest of her team gently guided me through a painful and often frustrating process, ensuring that my financial well-being was secured while avoiding a court process. She is well-versed in spousal equity issues in federal retirement and health insurance systems and ensured that required documentation was prepared.”

Honest, smart and strategic

“Marina [Barannik] did a great job getting me through a difficult divorce. I’m not going to lay out her strategic sense here, but it’s excellent: She helped me avert nasty potential pitfalls that could have been very costly, and she got me much of what I wanted in my settlement. Equally importantly, she kept me focused on the goal, which was to get negotiations done fairly and fast without getting swept into the emotional and legal morass so many people drown in. She was always there to save me from myself. Marina was the reverse of the divorce lawyer caricature: She was always looking for ways to keep my legal bills down, and she was incredibly efficient. Her strong relationship with opposing counsel really helped as well in minimizing the adversarial aspects of these negotiations. She is honest, blunt and incredibly responsive, returning my phone calls and emails fast and turning around documents in a day or two. Even though her firm is one of the biggest in DC with many more wealthy clients, I never felt like a second-class citizen.”

Knew how to handle my ex

“Katie [O’Rourke] was the perfect foil to my difficult ex. She could be strong and direct but knew when to step back to keep him at the table. She was super responsive to my texts, emails and calls, and she knows DC law, the DC court system and process, and perhaps most valuable to me, she knew how to handle my ex! I highly recommend Katie.”

Excellent lawyer!

“Mr. [Daniel] Schy helped with a few of my cases regarding custody and child support. He is extremely knowledgeable, smart and easy to work with, and he helped me understand how to navigate the legal resources. I have worked with a few attorneys before hiring him and he proved to be the best of all! He is also very kind, compassionate and decent; he genuinely wants to help. He was very assertive in understanding my position and how to create tactics to support my case. I highly recommend him with no hesitation. His skills are outstanding, and I have high regard for him! Over the years, I gained deep respect for Mr. Schy. It was an honor to have him as my lawyer!”