Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas. We handle divorce, child custody, spousal support, and complex property division matters filed at the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Grounds for divorce are defined in Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise. Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests as outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and forms for Fairfax County are available on the Fairfax County General District Court website.
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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file a Complaint for Divorce or other appropriate pleading at the Fairfax County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the required filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, they may sign a waiver.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for pendente lite motions. If a settlement is reached, a final hearing is scheduled. The judge signs the final decree of divorce.
Family Law Procedures and Requirements
In Fairfax County, family law matters follow specific procedures under Virginia’s equitable distribution system, with no-fault divorce available after a 6-month or 1-year separation period.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 + service | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | 6-month/1-year separation or fault ground |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | ~$86 | Filed in J&DR or Circuit Court |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis | 12-24 months complex | Included in divorce | Marital vs. separate property |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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 matters in Fairfax County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
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 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas, 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 represent clients throughout 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
(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).
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).
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Falls Church and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we handle other legal matters such as criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
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.