Details of divorce documents filed Serena Fairfax Revealed growing tensions in her marriage to former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, including disputes over finances and parenting responsibilities. The couple were found dead in their home on Thursday. Police say Justin shot her before taking his own life.
What Serena Fairfax said in her divorce papers
According to TMZ, Serena claims Fairfax has stopped paying critical household expenses, including failing to pay his share of the mortgage, children’s private school tuition and extracurricular fees. She also claimed that she had become the sole financial provider and primary caregiver for their two children.
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The couple separated on June 1, 2024, but continued to live under the same roof, documents state. A postnuptial agreement was signed in December 2024 to divide assets and determine spousal support.
According to the publication, the document states “there is no expectation or expectation of reconciliation.”
Serena further told the court she planned to buy out Fairfax’s share of the Virginia home and seek primary custody of the children, as well as visitation rights with the children.
‘A messy divorce’
Authorities confirmed the couple’s relationship had been strained in the months leading up to Thursday’s tragedy.
“This was an ongoing domestic dispute surrounding what appeared to be a complicated or messy divorce,” Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis told reporters outside the home in Annandale, Virginia. “At some point, they were living together and they were living in separate bedrooms.”
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“I know he’s been served with some documents recently. Apparently those documents indicate when his next court appearance will be,” Davis continued. “This may have been a spark and detectives will find out what led to this tragedy.”
Call the police in advance and conduct surveillance at home
Davis said police had only responded to the home once before, in January, when Justin claimed his wife assaulted him. However, investigators said surveillance video contradicts that account.
Davis said Serena “installed numerous cameras in her home at some point during the divorce proceedings,” apparently refuting his accusations.
He added that the cameras may still be recording at the time of the shooting.
There were children present at the time of the incident
The couple’s two children, a teenage boy and a girl, were at the home when the shooting occurred. Their son called 911 shortly after midnight.
“We’re going to do whatever it takes for them,” Davis added of the kids.
Authorities later confirmed that Serena’s body was found in the basement, while Fairfax was found in a bedroom after shooting himself.
Divorce proceedings are ongoing
Police stressed that legal proceedings between the estranged couple were ongoing and court dates were imminent.
Davis added: “I am aware that they are separated and living together and I am aware that divorce proceedings are ongoing and scheduled to appear in court in the near future.”
Fairfax, who served as lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022, was once considered a rising political figure and has previously faced controversy, including sexual assault allegations that he denied.
Meanwhile, Serena continues to run her dental practice while navigating the legal and financial complexities of separation.
