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Jonathan M. Dana

Managing Partner

202-466-8960
jdana@ftlf.com

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“Working with clients to secure their futures and to bring stability back to their lives is the reason I have been doing this work for over 30 years and I still feel that passion every day.”

Jonathan M. Dana

For the person going through a family crisis like divorce, it can be difficult to think strategically. Empathetic and understanding, Jonathan Dana helps clients work through their emotions to make sound decisions for the future. As a trusted advisor, Jonathan engages clients in a business-like approach to decision-making, analyzing costs and benefits to arrive at pragmatic solutions.

With more than 30 years of experience in family law, Jonathan has developed wide-ranging expertise. Clients appreciate Jonathan’s vast knowledge of complex property and support issues. Jonathan’s clientele features the city’s top attorneys, lobbyists and corporate professionals as well as their spouses.

Jonathan is widely recognized for his high ethical standards and his commitment to achieving resolution without exacerbating family conflict. An adept communicator and problem solver, Jonathan settles the majority of cases through negotiation, mediation, or the collaborative law process. But when litigation is necessary to bring matters to resolution, Jonathan excels as a skilled advocate in the courtroom.

One of two managing partners at Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP, Jonathan has been continually recognized as a leader in family law. He has been named to the Washingtonian Magazine’s List of Top Divorce Lawyers for over a decade. Jonathan is consistently selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers.

Jonathan is always available to take your call to learn more about your unique situation and priorities.

Representative Matters

  • Compton v. Hutchins – Lead counsel on precedent setting case clarifying the definition of joint custody in the District of Columbia.

Honors/Awards

  • Best Lawyers® in America (2006-2021)
  • Selected to the Washington, DC, Super Lawyers “Top 100 Lawyers” list – Family Law (2019-2020)

Published Works

  • Jonathan M. Dana, Safeguarding Your Children’s College Education in a Divorce, Bethesda Magazine (September 2013)
  • Jonathan M. Dana, The Gift of a Joyful Holiday Season, Bethesda, Maryland (November 2012)

Introduction

For the person going through a family crisis like divorce, it can be difficult to think strategically. Empathetic and understanding, Jonathan Dana helps clients work through their emotions to make sound decisions for the future. As a trusted advisor, Jonathan engages clients in a business-like approach to decision-making, analyzing costs and benefits to arrive at pragmatic solutions.

Overview

With more than 30 years of experience in family law, Jonathan has developed wide-ranging expertise. Clients appreciate Jonathan’s vast knowledge of complex property and support issues. Jonathan’s clientele features the city’s top attorneys, lobbyists and corporate professionals as well as their spouses.

Jonathan is widely recognized for his high ethical standards and his commitment to achieving resolution without exacerbating family conflict. An adept communicator and problem solver, Jonathan settles the majority of cases through negotiation, mediation, or the collaborative law process. But when litigation is necessary to bring matters to resolution, Jonathan excels as a skilled advocate in the courtroom.

One of two managing partners at Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP, Jonathan has been continually recognized as a leader in family law. He has been named to the Washingtonian Magazine’s List of Top Divorce Lawyers for over a decade. Jonathan is consistently selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers.

Jonathan is always available to take your call to learn more about your unique situation and priorities.

Representative Matters

  • Compton v. Hutchins – Lead counsel on precedent setting case clarifying the definition of joint custody in the District of Columbia.

Honors/Awards

  • Best Lawyers® in America (2006-2021)
  • Selected to the Washington, DC, Super Lawyers “Top 100 Lawyers” list – Family Law (2019-2020)

Published Works

  • Jonathan M. Dana, Safeguarding Your Children’s College Education in a Divorce, Bethesda Magazine (September 2013)
  • Jonathan M. Dana, The Gift of a Joyful Holiday Season, Bethesda, Maryland (November 2012)

Videos

What Are the Top Pitfalls to Avoid in Divorce?

Posted By: Jonathan M. Dana

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What Are the Top Pitfalls to Avoid in Divorce?
Jonathan Dana – Partner Family Law

Washington, DC Divorce Lawyer, Jonathan Dana discusses the pitfalls to avoid in divorce.

The top pitfall to avoid is making a bad decision. Clients come in and they have a point of view and that is the point of view they are wed to. Once they understand the process, once they have the information, once they are understanding their circumstances better, they can make a better decision.

The second pitfall to avoid is not being reactive but being strategic. A lot of times people are anxious to get the divorce done so they will make a decision quickly whereas waiting and understanding their circumstances better is going to end up in a better decision for them.

The third pitfall to avoid is listening to the choir. A lot of times clients have different people giving them advice. At the end of the day you need to have your own strength. Therefore, you can say to those people telling you what to do: “I’m okay. I know what I am doing. I am going to make a good decision because it’s my life and I need to take ownership of it.”

The fourth pitfall to avoid in divorce is to not get stuck and not become so inflexible that you can’t see any other options in trying to settle the case.

My goal is to make sure I do the best job I can possibly do for my clients. It is a result that will allow them to position themselves well for the future and to move on with their lives.

Practices

  • Family Law

Education

  • J.D., Antioch School of Law (1984)
  • B.A., University of Wisconsin (1977)

Bar/Court Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland

Publications / Blog Posts

  • Securing Your Future
    January 26, 2021
  • Smart Financial Tips for the Beginning of the New Year – 2021
    January 13, 2021
  • Washingtonian Names Four FTLF Attorneys Top Divorce Lawyers
    December 21, 2020
  • FTLF Selected as 2021 “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report-Best Lawyers®
    November 24, 2020
All Articles by this Attorney

Professional Memberships

  • Annual Judicial Conference of the District of Columbia, Voting Delegate (1984 – 1995)
  • Charles Fahy American Inn of Court, Participant (1990)
  • D.C. Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Member
  • D.C. Bar, Family Law Division, Member (1984 – Present)
  • D.C. Bar, Family Law Section, Past Co-Chair
  • D.C. Bar, Steering Committee, Co-Chair (1995 – 1996)
  • D.C. Bar, Treasurer (1988 – 1990); (1993-1995)
  • D.C. Volunteer Lawyers Project, Board Member
  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Member

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