
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-91 for grounds and Va. Code § 20-107.3 for property division. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, support, and property division. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally under Va. Code § 20-107.3. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
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). Information about Fairfax County court procedures and forms is available on the Fairfax County General District Court website.
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.
- File a complaint for divorce or a petition for custody/support with the appropriate Fairfax County court.
- Serve the other party with the legal papers according to Virginia rules.
- Attend any required pendente lite hearings for temporary orders.
- Complete discovery, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Proceed to trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and custody determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | Filing: ~$86 + service fees | Fairfax Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney + experts | Fairfax Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Fairfax J&DR Court |
| Child Support | Guideline calculation | Establishment hearing | Filing fees | Fairfax J&DR Court |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on prior cases and do not aim for a similar result in your matter.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
Mr. Sris
Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York. Former prosecutor; founded firm in 1997; background in accounting and information systems provides an advantage in complex financial cases; successfully amended Virginia 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 1,789 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. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County and the surrounding communities. We serve 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Fairfax County Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion court costs, a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per 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, under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court considers 11 statutory factors. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is 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 filed in Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or 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 neighboring areas like Falls Church and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI defense. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
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.