Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer — How Can We Protect Your Family’s Future?
Fairfax County family law matters, including divorce and child custody, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in these sensitive cases. Our Fairfax County location is minutes from the Fairfax County Circuit Court, where family law judges handle a high volume of cases each year.
You need a lawyer who understands the specific procedures and expectations of the Fairfax County family law courts.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), Va. Code § 20-124.2 (child custody factors), and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property). These laws provide the framework for resolving family disputes in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia Legislative Information System. For Fairfax County court procedures, forms, and scheduling, refer to the Fairfax County Circuit Court website.
Fairfax County Family Court Process
Family law cases in Fairfax County are heard in the Circuit Court. The court has specific local rules and forms that must be followed precisely. Judges expect timely filing and thorough preparation.
- File a Complaint: File the initial complaint (for divorce, custody, or support) with the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office and pay the required filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: Ensure the other party is properly served with the complaint and a summons, as required by Virginia court rules.
- Attend Initial Hearings: Attend any initial hearings or status conferences scheduled by the court to establish a case schedule.
- Complete Discovery: Exchange financial documents and other relevant information through the discovery process, which may include interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt Settlement: Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to Trial if Necessary: If settlement is not possible, present your case at a bench trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge, who will issue a final order.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Fairfax County, family law cases do not carry criminal penalties like jail time, but they determine critical issues such as asset division, child custody, and financial support.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital assets and debts. |
| Spousal Support | Based on need and ability to pay (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support payments, amount and duration vary. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.2) | Legal and physical custody arrangements case-specific to the child’s needs. |
| Child Support | Virginia Child Support Guidelines | Monthly support based on parents’ incomes and custody schedule. |
Results may vary. Each family law case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Our Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We have handled thousands of family law matters across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington DC. Our founding attorney personally contributed to the amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
An uncontested divorce in Fairfax County typically takes 3-6 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce can take 12-24 months or longer, depending on the issues involved and court scheduling.
How is child custody determined in Virginia?
Virginia courts determine custody based on the child’s best interests. Factors include each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s own reasonable preferences if they are of sufficient age and maturity.
What is the difference between legal and physical custody?
Legal custody involves the right to make major decisions about a child’s upbringing, such as education and healthcare. Physical custody determines where the child lives. Both can be shared jointly or awarded primarily to one parent.
How is spousal support calculated in Virginia?
Virginia courts consider several factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, and each party’s contributions to the family’s well-being.
What is equitable distribution in a Virginia divorce?
Equitable distribution is the process of dividing marital property and debts during a divorce. Virginia law (Va. Code § 20-107.3) requires a fair, but not necessarily equal, division based on factors like each spouse’s contributions and the marriage’s duration.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved favorable outcomes in family law cases firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our attorneys work to protect our clients’ rights and secure arrangements that serve their families’ best interests.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Help in Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location is a short drive from the Fairfax County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Fairfax County and surrounding communities like Vienna, Reston, and McLean.
Family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
10521 Judicial Dr, Suite 100
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Related Legal Help
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, consider our Arlington family law lawyer or Alexandria family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Fairfax County, see our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer page. Learn more about Attorney Samantha Powers.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.