In Fairfax County, Virginia family law matters including divorce, custody, and support fall under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789+ documented case results in Fairfax County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — Title 20
Virginia family law is governed primarily by Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under § 20-107.3 when dividing property. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved, or 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every family law case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim.
For the official text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly — Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court procedures and forms, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce or petition for custody at Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030).
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Exchange financial disclosures and complete mandatory discovery within 21 days of the respondent’s answer.
- Attend pendente lite hearing (typically set within 21-60 days) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Participate in mediation if ordered by the court (cost: $100-$300/hour per party).
- Final hearing or submission of signed property settlement agreement for uncontested divorce (2-4 months from filing).
In Fairfax County, Virginia family law cases involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range | Key Factors | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement | None if agreement is full |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $5,000-$25,000+ | Property division, custody | Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | 3-12 months | $2,000-$15,000+ | 10 factors under § 20-124.3 | Parenting classes, evaluations |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | 30-90 days | $100-$500 motion fee | Combined gross income | Wage garnishment, tax intercept |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | 3-12 months | $2,000-$10,000+ | Duration of marriage, need | Modification possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a documented achievement that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Fairfax County, the firm has 1789+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters ranging from complex equitable distribution to custody disputes.
Mr. Sris is the primary attorney handling family law matters in Fairfax County. He is joined by Samantha Rae Powers (VA Bar 2023, FL Bar 2005, J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005, Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017, 18+ years experience) who provides additional support on complex family law cases.
In Fairfax County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters ranging from complex equitable distribution to custody disputes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is located near the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and the Fairfax County Parkway.
Family law lawyer near Fairfax County — serving Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
It depends. 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?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Total costs vary based on complexity.
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 from division.
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 matters.
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.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Fairfax County?
Yes. While Virginia allows pro se divorces, having a lawyer ensures your separation agreement is legally sound and protects your rights. The court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing, which your attorney can coordinate.