Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia, handling divorce, child custody, and property division under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Spousal support considers 13 factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
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 (Domestic Relations). The Fairfax County General District Court website provides local forms, filing fees, and procedural 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.
- Consult with an attorney to assess your grounds for divorce and immediate needs.
- File the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, or support) with the Fairfax County Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- 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 or mediation. If unsuccessful, the case proceeds to a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders, then trial.
- Attend the final hearing. For an uncontested divorce, this involves presenting the signed agreement and witness testimony to the judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, divorce and family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Signed Separation Agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + litigation costs | Dispute over grounds or terms |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-Asset | 12-24 months | Filing fees + experienced valuations | Business, retirement assets |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best Interests | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | 10 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-124.3) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing deep insight into property division 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 Service
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse, serving Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. Consultations are available by phone 24/7 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 can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Fairfax County 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, a 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, based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property acquired before marriage, by inheritance, or gift 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. Standalone custody cases are filed in Fairfax County J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Fairfax City and Falls Church. If you need assistance with other matters, consider our Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Fairfax County DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.