Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division in Fairfax County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. This statute governs how marital property is divided fairly during divorce. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Fairfax County court information, procedures, and forms, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Court Procedures
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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter and develop a case strategy.
- Gather financial documents, asset information, and any existing agreements. Your attorney will prepare the necessary legal filings.
- File the appropriate petition (divorce, custody, support) at Fairfax County Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
- Exchange information with the other party, engage in settlement discussions, and consider mediation if appropriate.
- Attend hearings for temporary orders, participate in settlement conferences, and prepare for trial if necessary.
- Obtain a final court order or settlement agreement that addresses all issues: property division, support, and custody.
Family Law Standards and Procedures
In Fairfax County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month or 1-year separation periods, and fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + motion fees | Discovery, hearings, possible trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies by complexity | Filing fees + possible GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Va. Code § 20-124.3 factors apply |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Establishment: 1-3 months | Filing fees | Modified with substantial change |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months if complex | Filing fees + possible experts | Business valuation often needed |
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 has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division 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
Fairfax County Case Experience
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. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Fairfax County Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent clients throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
Family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse. 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.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
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 from division.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody 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 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). All divorces are filed at Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Fairfax City and Falls Church. In Fairfax County, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience or visit our Fairfax office page for location details.
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 on your family law matter.