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. You need a 6-month or 1-year separation for a no-fault divorce. Our Fairfax location serves you by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, child support, and custody. The key law is Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. This statute lists 11 factors the court must consider when dividing marital property fairly, not necessarily equally.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family laws, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Fairfax County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Fairfax County General District Court website.
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 Filing: File your divorce complaint or custody petition at the correct Fairfax County court with the required filing fee.
- Serve Documents: Have the other party served with the legal documents by a sheriff, private process server, or through accepted alternative methods.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete Discovery: Exchange financial documents and other relevant information through the formal discovery process to prepare for settlement or trial.
- Attempt Settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- Proceed to Trial: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a judge who will make final rulings on all contested matters.
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 separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault or Fault | Circuit Court | Separation period or fault proof required |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Circuit Court | 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | J&DR or Circuit Court | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Guidelines Calculation | J&DR or Circuit Court | Based on combined gross income and custody schedule |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Award | Circuit Court | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
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 has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving the firm unique insight into property division cases. Our tagline is “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
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 Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location is close to the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. We serve clients throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse.
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).
Related Legal Services
For more information, see 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 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.