Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia, handling divorce, custody, and support matters under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Our Fairfax location serves clients by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child support uses guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1, and custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests per Va. Code § 20-124.2. Spousal support considers 13 factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). The Fairfax County General District Court website provides local forms, rules, and contact information.
Fairfax County Family Court Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial Filing: File a complaint for divorce or a petition for custody/support with the appropriate Fairfax County court and pay the filing fee.
- Service of Process: Have the other party served with the legal papers by a sheriff, private process server, or accepted method.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures and other information. Attempt to negotiate a settlement on all contested issues.
- Court Hearings: Attend scheduled hearings for temporary orders, motions, and, if necessary, a final trial before a judge.
Family Law Standards and Potential Outcomes
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties, with outcomes based on statutory factors and the child’s best interests for custody.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Court Authority | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fairfax County Circuit Court | 11 statutory factors, contributions, marriage duration |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Fairfax County J&DR Court / Circuit Court | 10 factors, child’s needs, parental fitness |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Fairfax County J&DR Court / Circuit Court | Combined gross income, custody arrangement, healthcare costs |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Based on Need & Ability (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Fairfax County Circuit Court | 13 factors, standard of living, earning capacity |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
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. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a deep understanding of property division for Fairfax County clients.
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
Documented 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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse. We serve 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 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.
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Fairfax City and Falls Church. If you need other legal assistance in Fairfax County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.