
Dennis Michael Hottell, Adoption Attorney in Fairfax, Virginia
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Managing PartneratHottell Family Law Group
Fairfax, VA
Practicing adoption in Fairfax since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you Dennis Michael Hottell?
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Quick answer
Dennis Michael Hottell is a managing partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Dennis has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hottell Family Law Group. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Fairfax, VA
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Adoption · ADR · Alimony
- Handles Adoption, ADR, and Alimony matters from Fairfax, VA.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Dennis Michael Hottell: Dennis Michael Hottell is a managing partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Dennis has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hottell Family Law Group. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Dennis's practice areas in Fairfax
Dennis concentrates on adoption, adr, alimony, child custody, and child support. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dennis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Adoption
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ADR
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Alimony
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Child Custody
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Child Support
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Civil Rights
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Divorce
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DV Defense
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DV Protection
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Family Law
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General
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International
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Prenup
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Violent Crimes
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Adoption cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Dennis takes adoption 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 Dennis agrees to represent you.
ADR cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Dennis 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 Dennis agrees to represent you.
Alimony cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Dennis 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 Dennis agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Dennis 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 Dennis agrees to represent you.
Child Support cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Dennis 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 Dennis agrees to represent you.
Biography
Dennis Michael Hottell, adoption attorney serving Fairfax
Dennis Michael Hottell is a managing partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Dennis has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hottell Family Law Group. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Dennis works from Fairfax, Virginia and takes on adoption matters across the region.
Dennis Michael Hottell is a lawyer practicing matrimonial law, family law, alimony and 47 other areas of law. Dennis received a B.B.A. degree from Gonzaga University in 1972, and has been licensed for 49 years. Dennis practices at Hottell Family Law Group in Fairfax, VA.
How Dennis handles adoption matters
Dennis Michael Hottell is a lawyer practicing matrimonial law, family law, alimony and 47 other areas of law. Dennis received a B.B.A. degree from Gonzaga University in 1972, and has been licensed for 49 years. Dennis practices at Hottell Family Law Group in Fairfax, VA.
The kind of cases Dennis takes
Dennis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, adr, and alimony matters in Fairfax and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Dennis studied and practices
Gonzaga University
J.D. · 1976
Gonzaga University
B.B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
Dennis's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1978 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1977 · ACTIVE
Dennis studied at J.D. in Gonzaga University and B.B.A. in Gonzaga University.
Law school and academic background
Dennis completed J.D. in Gonzaga University and B.B.A. in Gonzaga University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dennis runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Dennis's legal honors and published work
Dennis has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Dennis's professional memberships and bar associations
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Secretary-Treasurer, Virginia Chapter
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Life Member AAML Foundation
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Vice-President, Virginia Chapter). Member: Fairfax (Member, Family Law Section), Arlington County (Chairman, Family Law Section, 1986-1992) and American (Member, Family Law Section) Bar Associations
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Virginia State Bar (Bar Council, 1983-1991
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Committee on Judicial Ethics, 1983-1986
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Member, Board of Governors: Family Law Section, 1985-1989
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Member: Standing Committee on Legal Ethics, 1986-1989
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Virginia Law Foundation Committee on Continuing Legal Education, 1989-1996
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Committee on Publication and Public Information, 1989-1992
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Member, Disciplinary Board appointed by Virginia Supreme Court, 1991-1997)
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The District of Columbia Bar
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Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
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Locations
Dennis Michael Hottell's office in Fairfax
Dennis's primary office is at 10486 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, VA, 22030. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Dennis Michael Hottell — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Dennis. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Fairfax.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Dennis Michael Hottell claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Dennis Michael Hottell — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Dennis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Dennis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dennis'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; Dennis will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Fairfax, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Dennis
Dennis discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adoption 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. Dennis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Dennis's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Dennis Michael Hottell
How much does it cost to hire Dennis for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dennis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Dennis offer a free consultation?
Dennis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dennis's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Dennis's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple adoption 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. Dennis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Dennis take my case if I'm outside Fairfax?
Dennis 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 — Dennis 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 Dennis?
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. Dennis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Dennis accepting new adoption clients right now?
Dennis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Adoption attorneys serving Fairfax, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia
Dennis handles adoption matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adoption attorneys in Virginia
If Dennis's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Fairfax handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





