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 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
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 full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). The Fairfax County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
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.
- Consult with an attorney to understand your rights and options under Virginia law.
- File the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, or support) with the correct Fairfax County court and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the legal papers according to Virginia rules.
- Participate in discovery, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attend settlement conferences or mediation to attempt resolution.
- Proceed to a court hearing or trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
Family Law Procedures and Potential Outcomes
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes based on Virginia statutes. No-fault divorce requires a separation period. Property is divided equitably, not necessarily equally.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Signed separation agreement, 6-month/1-year separation | 2-4 months | Requires full agreement on all issues |
| Contested Divorce | Dispute over grounds, property, custody, or support | 9-18 months | May involve pendente lite hearings for temporary orders |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 statutory factors) | Varies | Can be part of divorce or standalone in J&DR Court |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (11 factors) | 12-24 months if complex | May require business valuation or forensic accounting |
| Child/Spousal Support | Guidelines (child) or 13 factors (spousal) | Established at hearing | Subject to modification based on changed circumstances |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have 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 distinct 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
Case Experience in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces, custody matters, and complex property division cases handled in Fairfax County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
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 individuals throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support and custody are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion court costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case 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. Separate property, such as assets owned before marriage or received by inheritance or gift, is typically excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases are heard in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (with no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Fairfax City and Falls Church. If you need assistance with other matters, see our Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Fairfax County DUI/DWI Lawyer pages. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.