Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at the Fairfax County Circuit Court; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters. We offer a case-specific approach based on over 120 years of combined attorney experience.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months without minor children or 1 year with children) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody is determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – Official Virginia statute from the General Assembly.
- Fairfax County General District Court Website – Court information, forms, and contact details.
Fairfax County Family Law 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.
- 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 divorce complaint with the Fairfax County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney will negotiate a property settlement agreement to resolve issues like asset division and support.
- Court Proceedings: If agreement is reached, an uncontested hearing is scheduled. If not, the case proceeds to pendente lite hearings and potentially a full trial on contested issues.
- Final Decree: The court issues a final decree of divorce, incorporating any agreements or court orders on property, support, and custody matters.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties, with outcomes based on statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Governing Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Fair, not equal) | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines based on income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented 97% favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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 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 Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County and the surrounding communities of 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.
Fairfax Location — 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 Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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 Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Fairfax County General District Court.
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). Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) handles all property division. 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 Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Falls Church Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Falls Church.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Fairfax County.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.