Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach based on our experience in Fairfax County courts.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on statutory factors, not necessarily equally.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Fairfax County Family Court Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Fairfax County 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary legal documents with the Fairfax County Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Discovery and information exchange: Both parties exchange financial documents and other relevant information through formal discovery processes to identify marital assets and liabilities.
- Negotiation and settlement discussions: Your attorney will engage in settlement negotiations, which may involve mediation, to try to reach an agreement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and trial preparation: If settlement is not possible, your attorney will prepare for and represent you at court hearings, including pendente lite motions and, if necessary, a full trial.
- Final decree and post-judgment matters: Once an agreement is reached or a judge decides the case, a final decree is entered. Your attorney can also assist with post-judgment modifications or enforcement.
Legal Standards and Potential Outcomes
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and custody determinations based on the child’s best interests.
| Matter | Legal Classification | Key Factors / Guidelines | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | No-fault (separation) | 6-month separation (no minor children + agreement) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or No-fault | Adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony conviction; or separation periods | 9-18 months |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital property division | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months (complex) |
| Child Support | Guideline calculation | Based on combined gross income, childcare costs, health insurance | Established at hearing |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies |
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 has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a deep understanding of its application in Fairfax County courts.
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
Documented Case Results in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 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.
Family Law Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent individuals throughout the Fairfax County area and surrounding communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | (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). Filed at Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
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.