Details from divorce documents filed by Cerina Fairfax reveal mounting tensions in her marriage to former Virginia Lt Gov Justin Fairfax, including disputes over finances and childcare responsibilities.
The couple was found dead at their home on Thursday, with police saying that Justin fatally shot her before killing himself.
Cerina alleged that Fairfax had stopped contributing to key household expenses, including failing to pay his share of the mortgage, children’s private school tuition, and extracurricular costs, TMZ reported.
She also claimed she had become the sole financial provider and primary caregiver for their two children.
A post-nuptial agreement was signed in December 2024 to divide assets and determine spousal support.
Cerina further told the court she intended to buy out Fairfax’s share of their Virginia home and sought primary physical custody of their children, with visitation rights for him.
Authorities confirmed the couple’s relationship had been strained for months leading up to the tragedy on Thursday.
“This has been an ongoing domestic dispute surrounding what seems to be a complicated or messy divorce,” Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis told reporters outside the family’s home in Annandale, Va.
The couple’s two children, a teenage boy and girl, were inside the home when the shooting occurred.
