---
title: "Melissa S. Cardoce | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/melissa-s-cardoce-va-fairfax-county-juvenile-and-domestic-relations-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Melissa S. Cardoce

Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
- State: Virginia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### cell phones and electronic devices

Scope: statewide

Virginia courts commonly restrict cell phones and other electronic devices in court buildings; counsel and litigants should check the local court policy before arrival.

Evidence excerpt: Most courts in Virginia do not allow you to bring a cell phone or other electronic device into the building.

[Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Official roster](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia official judicial roster](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge of the 19th Judicial District Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in Fairfax County, Virginia, elected in 2021 by the Virginia General Assembly
- Judge: Elected 2021; previously held the role of a substitute judge in the General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
- Attorney: Senior Associate, Powell Radomsky, PLLC (2019–2021) Associate, Powell, Piper & Radomsky, PLLC (2017–2021) Attorney, Arif & Associates, PC (2008–2017)

### Education

- George Mason University School of Law (Antonin Scalia Law School) — J.D. (2008)
- Political Science & Government, Florida International University — B.A. (2003)

### Additional information

- Email: melissa.cardoce@
- Virginia Women Attorneys Association
- Practice focus: Family law matters, including divorce, child custody, protective orders, and support; also held the role of a court‐appointed Guardian ad Litem.
- Married mother of two children.