Atty. Douglas Jay Sanderson

Atty. Douglas Jay Sanderson

I enjoy using my 40+ years of experience as an attorney to provide solutions-focused legal services in primarily family law/domestic relations situations, but also in commercial real estate and related business fields. I counsel and advocate for people who seek legal assistance with issues of or relating to divorces, separation agreements, child custody and visitation, equitable distribution, and support (spousal and child, as needed), as well as, on a happier note, pre-nuptial agreements.

Fairfax Fairfax 49 yrs experience 49 year
Call (571) 570-6883 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Douglas Jay Sanderson at a glance

Douglas Jay Sanderson is a Principal based in Fairfax, Virginia, practicing at McCandlish & Lillard, P.C.. They have 49+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1977. Their practice focuses on divorce, child custody, trusts, family law, and business. Admitted to practice in Virginia (1977) and District of Columbia (1978). Educated at George Washington University (J.D., 1977) and Trinity College (B.A., 1974). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Fairfax, Virginia and American Bar Associations Virginia State Bar District of Columbia Bar. Serands clients in Fairfax, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • I enjoy using my 40+ years of experience as an attorney to provide solutions-focused legal services in primarily family law/domestic relations situations, but also in commercial real estate and related business fields
  • I counsel and advocate for people who seek legal assistance with issues of or relating to divorces, separation agreements, child custody and visitation, equitable distribution, and support (spousal and child, as needed), as well as, on a happier note, pre-nuptial agreements
  • My practice includes litigation, though I strive to employ other methods of problem-solving for my clients that avoid or minimize litigation, including especially the process of Collaborative Divorce

Practice Areas Explained

Douglas Jay Sanderson's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Douglas Jay Sanderson handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Divorce

A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.

Douglas Jay Sanderson is one of 50,487 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Virginia →

Child Custody & Visitation

Douglas Jay Sanderson is one of 31,241 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in Virginia →

Trusts

Douglas Jay Sanderson is one of 104,171 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Virginia →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Douglas Jay Sanderson is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Virginia →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Douglas Jay Sanderson is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Virginia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Virginia

Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Fairfax are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Fairfax or all attorneys in Virginia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Douglas Jay Sanderson

Where is Douglas Jay Sanderson's law office located?
Douglas Jay Sanderson's law practice is located in Fairfax, Virginia. The firm is McCandlish & Lillard, P.C.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Douglas Jay Sanderson handle?
Douglas Jay Sanderson focuses on divorce, child custody, trusts, family law, business. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Virginia.
How long has Douglas Jay Sanderson practiced law?
Douglas Jay Sanderson has 49+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1977.
Where did Douglas Jay Sanderson go to law school?
Douglas Jay Sanderson earned their education at (J.D., 1977); (B.A., 1974).
How can I contact Douglas Jay Sanderson for a consultation?
You can contact Douglas Jay Sanderson directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Douglas Jay Sanderson received?
Douglas Jay Sanderson's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
George Washington University
- 1977
B.A.
Trinity College
- 1974

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Virginia
Admitted: 1977
District of Columbia
Admitted: 1978

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