Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County, handling divorce, child custody, and property division matters at the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 defines divorce grounds, including no-fault separation periods of 6 months (no minor children with agreement) or 1 year. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property, considering 11 factors for a fair division. Va. Code § 20-124.3 establishes the “best interests of the child” standard for custody, evaluating 10 specific factors. Child support is calculated using guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1, based on combined gross income and custody arrangements.
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 6.1 on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Fairfax County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Court Process
Family law cases in Fairfax County are split between two courts. The Fairfax County Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road 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 Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file a Complaint for Divorce or other appropriate pleading with the Fairfax County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, a separation agreement may be submitted.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any necessary hearings for pendente lite orders. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. The court issues a final decree of divorce.
Family Law Procedures and Potential Outcomes
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific procedures and considerations rather than penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property and the “best interests of the child” standard for custody.
| Matter | Governing Law | Key Consideration | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-91 | 6-month or 1-year separation required | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Equitable distribution of property | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | 10 “best interests” factors | Varies by complexity |
| Child Support | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Based on combined income & custody | Established at filing |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in Fairfax County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. This direct legislative experience distinguishes our firm in complex marital estate matters.
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 documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful resolution of complex equitable distribution cases involving business valuation, retirement assets, and high-net-worth marital estates.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We represent individuals throughout 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: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (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. 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 Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law hub page. If you need assistance in nearby areas, consider our Falls Church family law attorney or Prince William County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Fairfax County, see our Fairfax County criminal defense attorney or Fairfax County DUI lawyer. Learn more about our legal team.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.