
Dana J. Carlson, Family Law Attorney in Fairfax, Virginia
Over 45 years of legal practice · 4.3/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
PrincipalatHale Ball Murphy, PLC
Fairfax, VA
Practicing family law in Fairfax since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 6 client reviews
Practices in
Are you Dana J. Carlson?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Dana J. Carlson is a principal based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Dana has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hale Ball Murphy, PLC. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
- Based in
- Fairfax, VA
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from Fairfax, VA.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Dana J. Carlson: Dana J. Carlson is a principal based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Dana has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hale Ball Murphy, PLC. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Dana takes on
Dana concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dana handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Dana 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 Dana agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Dana J. Carlson — family law lawyer in Fairfax
Dana J. Carlson is a principal based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Dana has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hale Ball Murphy, PLC. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
Dana J. Carlson is a lawyer practicing family law. Dana J. received a B.A. degree from U.S. Air Force Academy and Wheaton College in 1976, and has been licensed for 45 years. Dana J. practices at Hale Ball Murphy, PLC in Fairfax, VA.
How Dana handles family law matters
Dana J. Carlson is a lawyer practicing family law. Dana J. received a B.A. degree from U.S. Air Force Academy and Wheaton College in 1976, and has been licensed for 45 years. Dana J. practices at Hale Ball Murphy, PLC in Fairfax, VA.
Who Dana represents
Dana reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Fairfax and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
George Mason University School of Law
J.D. · 1981
U.S. Air Force Academy and Wheaton College
B.A. · 1976
Dana studied at J.D. in George Mason University School of Law and B.A. in U.S. Air Force Academy and Wheaton College.
Law school and academic background
Dana completed J.D. in George Mason University School of Law and B.A. in U.S. Air Force Academy and Wheaton College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dana runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Dana has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Dana's professional memberships and bar associations
Loudon County (Associate Member) and Fairfax Bar Associations Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Christian Legal Society
membership
Locations
Dana J. Carlson's office in Fairfax
Dana's primary office is at 10511 Judicial Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22030. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Dana J. Carlson — 4.3/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Dana. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in Fairfax.
4.3
6 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Dana J. Carlson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Dana J. Carlson — 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 Dana usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Dana charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dana'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; Dana 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 Dana
Dana 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. Dana confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Dana'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 Dana J. Carlson
How much does it cost to hire Dana for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dana walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Dana offer a free consultation?
Dana charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dana's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Dana'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. Dana gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Dana take my case if I'm outside Fairfax?
Dana 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 — Dana 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 Dana?
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. Dana will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Dana accepting new family law clients right now?
Dana'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
Dana 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
Other top-rated family law attorneys in Virginia
If Dana'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.





