Nathan J. Olson

When you or someone you know needs assistance with family law matters, I can offer compassionate and skilled legal representation. I am committed to helping all of my clients understand the legal aspects of their specific situations to ensure the best resolution of each individual case.

My practice is devoted entirely to family law matters including divorce, property division, support, custody and visitation matters, and protective order hearings and subsequent appeals.  I have also expanded my practice to include drafting prenuptial agreements and handling uncontested adoption cases.

Currently, I am certified in mediation by the Supreme Court of Virginia.  My certifications include the Family Court and Circuit Court.  In my role as mediator, I assist both parties in reaching an amicable resolution while avoiding litigation. During my 18+ years of practicing family law, I can say with confidence that mediation is a far better path to take than costly litigation.  

I strive to provide thoughtful, practical, and zealous representation while remaining mindful of your costs. My objective is to offer you an honest and objective assessment of your case and to provide you with information about the alternative ways that your case can be resolved without the expense or stress of a trial.  However, I understand that not all cases can be settled, and should your case go to trial, I am a determined litigator who will skillfully advocate your position in court.

Given our proximity to Washington, D.C., I have a particular interest in assisting government employees or their spouses in family law matters.  I routinely represent employees of the U.S. Department of State and the Foreign Service, and I have experience in handling the complex custody and support issues that are associated with these types of cases.  I also have significant experience dividing government and military retirement plans and pensions.

I am a licensed Guardian ad Litem for children, and in that role, I advocate for children in certain family law matters. As a child of divorced parents, I understand the impact that separation and divorce can have on a family. This experience allows me to help identify and understand family law issues on a personal level, while my legal training allows me to advance your cause in the courtroom.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, I authored 36 children’s books, which are now used in schools and school libraries. This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and has given me the ability to explain complex issues in simple, straightforward terms.

I became a partner at Cooper Ginsberg Gray, PLLC in June 2015.  I first joined the firm as an intern in September 2005 when I was still in law school and became an associate attorney with the firm in October 2006. 

Outside of the office, I am an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School, where I currently co-teach a Family Law course focused exclusively on Virginia law.   

I am licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I represent clients in Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Arlington Counties, as well as Alexandria and Falls Church. 

If you would like to schedule a consultation appointment with me, please call our office at (703) 934-1480 or complete our initial consultation form

FAIRFAX FAMILY ATTORNEY

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Partner, Cooper Ginsberg Gray, PLLC (2015 – present)
• Associate Attorney, Cooper Ginsberg Gray, PLLC (2006 – 2015)

EDUCATION

• Juris Doctor Degree, George Mason University School of Law (2006)
• Bachelor of Arts Degree (magna cum laude), University of Tulsa (1999) 

LEGAL ORGANIZATIONS

• Supreme Court of the United States
  • Member (2020 – present)
• Supreme Court of Virginia
  • Certified Mediator – Circuit Court (2020 – present)
  • Certified Mediator – Family Court (2019 – present)
• Virginia State Bar
  • Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course, Faculty Member (2017 – 2022)
  • Bar Council (2015 – 2016; 2018 – 2024)
  • Standing Committee on Professionalism (2015 – present)
  • Young Lawyers Conference
    • Secretary (2013 – 2014); Incoming President (2015 – 2016); President (2016 – 2017)
    • Board of Governors (2009 – 2017)
• Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University
  • Adjunct Professor, Family Law (2016 – present)
  • Adjunct Professor, Family Law Drafting and Practice (2013 – 2015) 
• Vagabond Family Law Society (2019 – present)
• Fairfax Bar Association
• Arlington County Bar Association, Board Member (2022-Present)

RECOGNITION

• AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
• Best Lawyers in America (2022-present)
• Recognized multiple times in Northern Virginia Magazine, Arlington Magazine, Virginia Business Magazine and Washingtonian as one of the DC Metro Area’s top family law attorneys
• Super Lawyers (2021-2024)
• Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2015 – 2017)

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS/PUBLISHED WORKS

• Second Saturday Workshop, Presenter (2020– present)
• Prince William County Bar Association, Spousal Support Essentials CLE (February 2022)
• Fairfax Bar Association Family Law Section, Child Custody Relocation Cases, Presenter (2019, 2020)
• Virginia CLE, “So You Want to Mediate” Presenter (2019)
• Virginia State Bar Admission and Orientation Ceremony, Presenter (2015, 2016)
• Exceptional Parents Magazine; Family Law News, Child Support for the Emancipated Special Needs Child (2013)
• Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Everything You Wanted to Know about Child Support and Spousal Support, Presenter (2013) 
• Author of 36 children’s books (science, biography and similar non-fiction topics)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Fairfax Law Foundation (2022-Present)
• Volunteer, City of Fairfax Chocolate Lover’s Festival (2008-Present)
• Fairfax Bar Association, Law Related Education Committee (2022-Present)

BAR ADMISSIONS

• Virginia (2006)