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 for grounds and Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. 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 offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise. 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 full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). The Fairfax County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
Fairfax County Family Court 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.
- Consult with an attorney to understand your rights and options under Virginia law.
- File the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Fairfax County Circuit Court or J&DR Court and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the legal papers, either by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Engage in discovery, which may include financial disclosures, depositions, and requests for documents.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation, mediation, or a settlement conference.
- If settlement is not reached, proceed to a final hearing or trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, family law cases involve legal standards for property division, support, and custody, not criminal penalties. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Marital property divided fairly | Separate property excluded |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Based on combined income & custody schedule | Medical & childcare costs added |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Duration & amount vary by case | May be modifiable |
| Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Parenting time schedule | Legal & physical custody decisions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing unique insight into property division cases. 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 cases dismissed, charges reduced, and favorable settlements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Fairfax County
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. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are usually set within 21-60 days of the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service ($12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion court costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per 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, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Separate property is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 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 grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Fairfax City and Falls Church. In Fairfax County, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about your attorney on the Mr. Sris profile page.
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.