MJ

Matthew J. Yao, Family Law Attorney in Fairfax, Virginia

Over 16 years of legal practice · focused on Family Law, Immigration, and Trusts

Yao Law Firm PC

Fairfax, VA

Practicing family law in Fairfax since 2010.

16+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Matthew J. Yao is an attorney based in Fairfax, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Family Law, Immigration, and Trusts. Matthew has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Yao Law Firm PC.

Based in
Fairfax, VIRGINIA
Experience
over 16 years
Known for
Family Law · Immigration · Trusts
  • Handles Family Law, Immigration, and Trusts matters from Fairfax, VIRGINIA.
  • Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).

About Matthew J. Yao: Matthew J. Yao is an attorney based in Fairfax, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Family Law, Immigration, and Trusts. Matthew has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Yao Law Firm PC.

Areas of practice

Matthew's practice areas in Fairfax

Matthew concentrates on family law, immigration, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Matthew takes family law 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Immigration cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Matthew takes immigration 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Matthew takes trusts 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Biography

Matthew J. Yao, family law attorney serving Fairfax

Matthew J. Yao is an attorney based in Fairfax, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Family Law, Immigration, and Trusts. Matthew has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Yao Law Firm PC. Matthew works from Fairfax, Virginia and takes on family law matters across the region.

Matthew J. Yao, Esq. is an attorney and owner of Yao Law Firm, P.C. His practice is focused primarily on Estate Planning and Probate matters. Mr. Yao is an attorney that likes numbers, which is an unusual combination that has made him a highly sought-after administrator of Trusts, Estates, and Conservatorships.

Dedicated to providing excellent service to his clients, Mr. Yao has received recognition and awards from SuperLawyers, BestLawyers, and Virginia Business LegalElite, among others. His clients appreciate his responsiveness and his talent for explaining difficult concepts in simple terms.

Mr. Yao is proud to be a double Hoo, graduating from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce in 2007 and the UVA School of Law in 2010. He resides in Fairfax, Virginia with his wife Ellen and their son Moses, where they are very involved with their local church.

How Matthew handles family law matters

Matthew J. Yao, Esq. is an attorney and owner of Yao Law Firm, P.C. His practice is focused primarily on Estate Planning and Probate matters. Mr. Yao is an attorney that likes numbers, which is an unusual combination that has made him a highly sought-after administrator of Trusts, Estates, and Conservatorships. Dedicated to providing excellent service to his clients, Mr. Yao has received…

The kind of cases Matthew takes

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, immigration, and trusts matters in Fairfax and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Matthew studied and practices

  • University of Virginia

    J.D. · 2010

  • University of Virginia

    B.S. · 2007

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

  • Virginia

    2010 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in University of Virginia and B.S. in University of Virginia.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in University of Virginia and B.S. in University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Matthew's legal honors and published work

Matthew has received 25 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Immigration Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — in America

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — from 2021-2025 for work in:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law - 2025

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Immigration Law - 2025

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates - 2025

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law - 2024

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Immigration Law - 2024

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates - 2024

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law - 2023

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Immigration Law - 2023

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates - 2023

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law - 2022

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law - 2021

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Elder Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — SuperLawyers, Rising Star - 2015-2025

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, Top 10 Under 40, Virginia - 2014-2022

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — American Institute of Legal Counsel, 10 Best Estate Planning Attorney, Virginia - 2018-2022

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Attorney and Practice Magazine, Top 10 Estate Planning Attorney - 2018-2022

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — The National Advocates, Top 40 Under 40, Virginia - 2015-2021

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Best Attorneys of America - 2018-2022

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Immigration Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Best Lawyers in America — in America (2026). Best Lawyers in America — from 2021-2025 for work in: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law - 2025 (2026).

Locations

Matthew J. Yao's office in Fairfax

Matthew's primary office is at 3900 Jermantown Road, Suite 300, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Yao Law Firm PC

3900 Jermantown Road, Suite 300

Fairfax, Virginia 22030

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew J. Yao

Matthew has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew J. Yao — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew'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; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a family law attorney in Fairfax, Virginia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law 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 Matthew

Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law 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. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Matthew J. Yao

  • How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a family law case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Matthew offer a free consultation?

    Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.

  • How long do family law cases in Virginia typically take?

    Simple family law 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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Fairfax?

    Matthew 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 — Matthew 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 Matthew?

    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. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Matthew accepting new family law clients right now?

    Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving Fairfax, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia

Matthew handles family law matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Fairfax handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.