Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia, handling divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. The firm has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas with a 97% favorable outcome rate.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the “best interests of the child” factors for custody determinations.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Fairfax County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Begin gathering financial documents, asset lists, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the Fairfax County Circuit Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The complaint is served on your spouse. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, a separation agreement may be drafted.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates terms for property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. For an uncontested case, attend a final hearing where the judge reviews the agreement and issues the divorce decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation, and child support is calculated using state guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Key Factors / Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (separation) or Fault-based | 6-month separation (no minor children + agreement) or 1-year separation; fault includes adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year). |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Marital property divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Court considers 10 factors including parental roles, child’s relationships, and history of abuse. |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Calculated based on combined gross income, number of children, custody arrangement, and healthcare costs. |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Based on 13 Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Considers length of marriage, standard of living, earning capacity, and contributions to the family. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative involvement in family law.
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 Representation in Fairfax County
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
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?
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
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Falls Church and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.