Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, 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. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
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 forms, filing information, and local rules.
Fairfax County Family Court Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File a complaint for divorce or a petition for custody/support with the appropriate Fairfax County court.
- Serve the other party with the legal papers, either by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend any pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody, typically set within 21-60 days of a motion.
- Complete financial disclosures and, if needed, engage in discovery including depositions and subpoenas.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to attempt resolution.
- Proceed to trial if no agreement is reached, where a judge will decide all contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation | Fairfax Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution applies | Fairfax Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | J&DR or Circuit Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guideline calculation | J&DR or Circuit Court | Established at hearing |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Fairfax Circuit Court | Can be temporary or permanent |
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 state 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 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. 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.
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). 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.
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 hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Falls Church and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we handle other legal matters such as criminal defense and DUI defense. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.