Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County family law matters, including divorce, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more (Va. Code § 20-91). Child support is calculated using state guidelines based on combined gross income (Va. Code § 20-108.1), and custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – Official Virginia statute.
- Fairfax County General District Court – Official court website for filings and procedures.
Fairfax County Family Court Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial Filing: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Fairfax County Circuit Court clerk’s office, located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030.
- Serve the Other Party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse or the other parent by a sheriff, private process server, or through their attorney if they accept service.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. A hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete Discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to establish the marital estate and each party’s needs and resources.
- Attempt Settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- Proceed to Trial: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge, who will issue a final order.
Family Law Procedures and Potential Outcomes
In Fairfax County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of property, potential spousal support, and child support based on state guidelines; no-fault divorce requires a separation period.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 9-18 months | Court fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Court fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Determined at hearing | Court fees + attorney fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces, custody matters, and support cases resolved in Fairfax County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent individuals in Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service ($12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is typically excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within a divorce is handled by Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more (Va. Code § 20-91).
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page.
- Falls Church City Divorce Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area in Fairfax.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.