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 our managing attorney personally amended. We have 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas. Our firm, founded in 1997, offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747, with in-person meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, child support, and custody. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into this complex area of law.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current statutory language, refer to the official Virginia Code: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For Fairfax County court procedures and forms, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Law Procedure
Family law matters in Fairfax County are split between two courts. The Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Fairfax County 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 Strategy: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your specific situation, goals, and the applicable Virginia statutes.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the appropriate complaint (e.g., for divorce, custody) with the Fairfax County Circuit Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Engage in the discovery process to exchange financial information and evidence. Attempt to negotiate a settlement agreement covering all issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Resolution: Attend any necessary pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement is not reached, prepare for and attend a final trial before a judge in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Virginia Divorce and Family Law Standards
In Fairfax County, Virginia family law follows equitable distribution principles; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Legal Matter | Classification / Standard | Key Factors / Timeline | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | No-fault (Separation) | 2-4 months from filing | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | Court costs + possible experienced fees (e.g., business valuator) |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property | Considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Division of assets/debts; no set formula |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on income | Virginia guidelines using combined gross income | Monthly obligation based on calculator |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary based on need/ability | Considers 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration and amount vary widely |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on prior cases and do not aim for a similar result in your matter.
Firm Authority 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 attorney experience to each case. Our unique credential includes Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This deep, statute-level involvement provides a foundational advantage in complex property division cases.
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
Documented Case Results in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 total 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 and other matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Fairfax County Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. As a family law lawyer near Fairfax County, we represent individuals in Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. In-person meetings are 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.
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.
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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Falls Church and Prince William County. If you have other legal needs in Fairfax County, consider our criminal defense or DUI defense attorneys. Learn more about our legal team.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.