Donald E. Anderson

Don has focused his practice in the area of family law since 1999.  He often handles contested family law cases, but he always emphasizes the importance of exploring other alternatives to resolving disputes, such as settlement negotiations and mediation, either of which may help the parties to a family law dispute avoid contested litigation.

Don also practices Collaborative Family Law, which is an alternative available to parties who wish to settle their separation and divorce with their attorneys in a private, open and respectful manner.  By creating an atmosphere of open communication and cooperation, the Collaborative Law process allows both parties to preserve their dignity while they work toward a settlement that is acceptable to each of them.  The Collaborative Family Law process can often involve the use of other professionals, such as financial planning professionals and mental health professionals.  Don has embraced this new alternative to the often adversarial practice of family law.

Don has been practicing law in Virginia since 1995 when he joined a small general practice firm in Fairfax, where he practiced criminal law, bankruptcy law, family law, and general civil litigation.  In 1999 he joined another small firm in Old Town Alexandria where he focused primarily on the area of family law.

Don is a member of the Family Law Sections of the Virginia State Bar and the Fairfax County Bar Association, and he has served on the Fairfax County Circuit Court Committee and Family Law Subcommittee.  He is a member of the Virginia Collaborative Professionals, a state-wide organization of Collaborative professionals in Virginia, and the Collaborative Professionals of Northern Virginia.