Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, child support, and custody. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, providing unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current statutory language, refer to the official Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) maintained by the Virginia General Assembly. Court procedures and local rules are available on the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Law Procedure
Family law matters in Fairfax County are split between two courts. The Fairfax County Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce with the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, including grounds and requested relief.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service.
- 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 a motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to resolve issues without a trial, potentially drafting a property settlement agreement.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge for a final decision on all contested issues.
Virginia Divorce and Family Law Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Governing Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault: adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction. | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution of marital property based on 11 factors including contributions, duration, debts, tax consequences. | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Support | Calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income, number of children, custody arrangement, and healthcare costs. | Va. Code § 20-108.1, § 20-108.2 |
| Child Custody | Based on best interests of child considering 10 factors including parental role, child’s relationships, and history of abuse. | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Spousal Support | Awarded based on 13 factors including marital standard of living, duration, age/health, and earning capacity. | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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 to family law matters in Fairfax County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unparalleled insight into property division cases. This legislative experience, combined with a background in accounting and information systems, offers a distinct advantage in complex financial divorces involving business valuation, stock options, and retirement assets.
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 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters ranging from uncontested divorces to complex equitable distribution cases involving business valuation and high-net-worth assets.
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 clients throughout Fairfax County and surrounding communities including Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. As a family law lawyer near Fairfax County, we provide convenient access to experienced legal representation.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (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.
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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Falls Church Family Law Lawyer | Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.