Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County family law matters, including divorce and equitable distribution, are governed by Virginia statutes such as Va. Code § 20-107.3; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle cases at the Fairfax County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Equitable distribution statute.
- Fairfax County General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Fairfax County Family Law Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support. Virginia requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Fairfax County Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial and other relevant information. Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement agreement on issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Trial: If settlement is not reached, your case will proceed to court hearings, including pendente lite motions for temporary orders, and potentially a final trial before a judge.
Family Law Standards and Timelines in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, family law follows equitable distribution principles with no-fault divorce available after a 6-month or 1-year separation period.
| Matter | Governing Law | Typical Timeline | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-91 | 2-4 months | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Court decides property division, support |
| Child Custody | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies | Based on child’s best interests |
| Child Support | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Established at filing | Calculated via state guidelines |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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 1,789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County and serve the communities of 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.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Fairfax County General District Court.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody in Fairfax County is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Fairfax County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas (97% favorable outcome rate)
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Fairfax County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Falls Church Family Law Lawyer – Serving nearby Falls Church City.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Fairfax.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.