Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled by the Fairfax County Circuit Court; 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 complex property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in 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. Child custody is determined by 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 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia statute.
- Fairfax County General District Court – Court website for filings and procedures.
Fairfax County Family Law Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Begin gathering financial documents, asset records, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the Fairfax County Circuit Court, paying the required $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The complaint is served on your spouse, who has 21 days to file an answer. If uncontested, a separation agreement may be drafted and signed.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates terms for property division, support, and custody, potentially using mediation.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. For an uncontested case, a final hearing is scheduled. The judge reviews the agreement and enters the final decree of divorce.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law involves equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and potential spousal support determined by 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Key Factors / Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 11 factors including contributions, debts, duration of marriage |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Based on combined gross income and number of children |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary, 13 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Needs, earning capacity, standard of living, duration |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | 10 factors including parent-child relationship, parental capacity |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 the surrounding communities. 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page.
- Falls Church Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area, same locality.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
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.