Debra Powers, ADR Attorney in Fairfax, Virginia
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Alimony, and Child Custody · 5.0/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
Partner
Fairfax, VA
Practicing adr in Fairfax since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 6 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Debra Powers?
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Quick answer
Debra Powers is a partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on ADR, Alimony, and Child Custody. Debra has over 31 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
- Based in
- Fairfax, VA
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- ADR · Alimony · Child Custody
- Handles ADR, Alimony, and Child Custody matters from Fairfax, VA.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Debra Powers: Debra Powers is a partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on ADR, Alimony, and Child Custody. Debra has over 31 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Debra takes on
Debra concentrates on adr, alimony, child custody, child support, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Debra handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Alimony
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Child Custody
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Child Support
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Divorce
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DV Protection
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Family Law
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General
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Military
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Prenup
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ADR cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Debra takes adr matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.
Alimony cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Debra takes alimony matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Debra takes child custody matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.
Child Support cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Debra takes child support matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.
Divorce cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Debra takes divorce matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Debra Powers — adr lawyer in Fairfax
Debra Powers is a partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on ADR, Alimony, and Child Custody. Debra has over 31 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
Debra has been devoted to representing clients in matters of family law throughout northern Virginia for two decades. She focuses on negotiating and drafting agreements and she regularly appears in court for motions and trials involving all aspects of divorce and post-divorce litigation in Fairfax Circuit Court and the surrounding jurisdictions. She compassionately helps families navigate difficult issues such as child support, child custody, divorce, property division, premarital agreements, and spousal support.
Debra knows all too well the emotions involved when a family is embroiled in a legal dispute. She provides her clients not only legal advice, but also guidance and support so they do not feel lost or overwhelmed by the process itself. She communicates and discusses options with her clients through every step so together they can determine the best way forward in their unique case. This is crucial in empowering clients to make well-informed decisions about their future.
Debra has received a number of accolades from the legal community for her client-focused nature, professionalism with her colleagues, advocacy skills, and knowledge of the law.
Honors and Awards
• Tier 1 firm, Washington, DC for Family Law by U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms,” 2021
• Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent
• Virginia Business, Legal Elite in Family Law/Domestic Relations, 2014, 2020
• Super Lawyers, Virginia, since 2016
• Super Lawyers, Washington DC, since 2016
• Super Lawyers Virginia Rising Stars, 2008
• Northern Virginia Magazine Top Lawyers (Premarital Agreements, Visitation Rights), 2011 and 2013
• Fairfax Bar Association President's Award, 2003 and 2009
Publications
• Preserving the Record for Appeal for the Family Law Attorney,"The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association," Vol. 26, No. 4, 2017
CLE Seminars and Speaking Engagements
• Author/Contributor, Keeping the Pipeline Flowing and Employment Best Practices, VSB's Diversity Conference, Second Annual Forum on Diversity in the Legal Profession, 2019
• Author/Panelist, Keeping the Pipeline Flowing: Minority Attorneys Advancing Personal Success, Positively Impacting the Practice of Law, and Improving the Administration of Justice, VSB's Diversity Conference, First Annual Forum on Diversity in the Legal Profession, 2018
• Pretrial Matters, VTLA Advanced Family Law Retreat - Advanced Trial Advocacy, 2017
• Tax Consequences After the Divorce, Divorce Law: Common Mistakes in Dividing Assets, National Business Institute, 2016
• Effective Use of Illustrative Aides & Exhibits at Trial and How to Admit in Family Law Cases, The New Rules of Evidence in the New Digital Age, VTLA Annual Tort Seminar, 2015
• The ABCs of the PKPA, UCCJEA, Hague, and PKPA - The Alphabet of Custody Jurisdiction, FBA, 2014
• Ethics, Divorce Litigation from Start to Finish, National Business Institute, 2014
Pro Bono Activities
• Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Attorney of the Day Program
• Rule 6.1 Society of Legal Services of Northern Virginia
• Fairfax Bar Association’s Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year, 2019
Professional Associations and Memberships
• Virginia State Bar
- Diversity Conference, Board of Governors
- Family Law Section, Board of Governors
- Disciplinary Committee, 2006 - 2012
• Virginia Bar Association
• Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
- Board of Governors, 2008 - 2018
- Past Chair, Family Law Section, 2008 - 2010
• Virginia Women Attorneys Association
- Past President, Northern Virginia Chapter, 2007
• Fairfax Bar Association
• Fairfax Law Foundation, Firm Fellow
• Prince William County Bar Association
• Loudoun County Bar Association
How Debra handles adr matters
Debra has been devoted to representing clients in matters of family law throughout northern Virginia for two decades. She focuses on negotiating and drafting agreements and she regularly appears in court for motions and trials involving all aspects of divorce and post-divorce litigation in Fairfax Circuit Court and the surrounding jurisdictions. She compassionately helps families navigate…
The kind of cases Debra takes
Debra reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, alimony, and child custody matters in Fairfax and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Virginia School of Law
J.D. Law · 1994
Westhampton College, University of Richmond
B.A. · 1991
Jurisdictions
Debra's state bar admissions
Pennsylvania
1995 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1995 · ACTIVE
Debra studied at J.D. Law in University of Virginia School of Law and B.A. in Westhampton College, University of Richmond.
Law school and academic background
Debra completed J.D. Law in University of Virginia School of Law and B.A. in Westhampton College, University of Richmond. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Debra runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Debra has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Debra Powers's office in Fairfax
Debra's primary office is at 9990 Fairfax Boulevard, Suite 430, Fairfax, VA, 22030. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Debra Powers — 5.0/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Debra. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Fairfax.
5.0
6 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Debra Powers claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Debra Powers — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Debra usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Debra charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Debra will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Fairfax, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Debra
Debra discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Debra confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Debra's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Debra Powers
How much does it cost to hire Debra for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Debra walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Debra offer a free consultation?
Debra charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Debra's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Debra gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Debra take my case if I'm outside Fairfax?
Debra is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Debra will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Debra?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Debra will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Debra accepting new adr clients right now?
Debra's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Fairfax, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia
Debra handles adr matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in Virginia
If Debra's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Fairfax handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
