Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia, where divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution by Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, under Va. Code § 20-107.3. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. 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
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 Case Assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Fairfax County Circuit Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial and other relevant information. Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement agreement on issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Trial: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to court for hearings on temporary matters (pendente lite) and, if necessary, a final trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and spousal support determined by 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Governing Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Fair, not necessarily equal) | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines based on combined gross income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
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 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County. 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
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.