Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle cases at the Fairfax County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody is decided based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Equitable distribution statute.
- Fairfax County General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
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.
- File the initial complaint with the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. The filing fee is approximately $86.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if needed for temporary support or custody. Hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and attend mediation if ordered. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party.
- Attend the final hearing or reach a settlement agreement. A property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + litigation costs | Circuit Court |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-asset | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Best interests | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | J&DR Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on 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 legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. 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 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
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. 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.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
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). Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Fairfax County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Falls Church Family Law Lawyer – Serving nearby locality.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area, same locality.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
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.