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 with a 97% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), child support uses Va. Code § 20-108.1 guidelines, and custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.2.
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 (Domestic Relations). The Fairfax County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
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 with the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through a sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody orders are needed during the case.
- Exchange financial disclosures and participate in discovery, which may include business valuations.
- Attempt mediation or settlement conferences to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial before a Circuit Court judge if settlement is not reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, divorce and 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; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property | Varies by asset value and contributions | 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | Monthly payment based on combined income and custody share | Based on Virginia guidelines | Health insurance, childcare costs, extraordinary expenses |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Award | Temporary or permanent support based on need and ability to pay | Varies widely | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Legal and physical custody arrangements | Minimal direct costs | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
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 attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing unique insight into property division cases. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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 Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We represent families throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. Consultations are available 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
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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 Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Fairfax City and Falls Church. If you need other legal services in Fairfax County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense attorneys. Learn more about Mr. Sris or visit our Fairfax office location page.
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.