Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County family law matters, including divorce and equitable distribution, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3; 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 the details of your case with a case-specific approach based on our experience in Fairfax County courts.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, by a judge who considers factors outlined in Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation periods (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (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 District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other initiating pleading with the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee.
- 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 scheduling conference: Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Attend court-ordered or voluntary mediation to attempt settlement.
- Prepare for and attend trial: If settlement fails, prepare for trial by organizing evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments for the judge.
Legal Standards and Potential Outcomes
In Fairfax County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody determinations based on the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Governing Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Fair, not equal) | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines based on combined income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault separation or fault grounds | Va. Code § 20-91 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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 more than 4,739 documented case results firm-wide. 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.
Family Law Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse, accessible via major local highways.
We serve the Fairfax County area and surrounding communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church.
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
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 Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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 Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Fairfax County General District Court.
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 (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) handles all property division. 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. Fairfax County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Fairfax County 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
For more information on family law across Virginia, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
If you need family law assistance in nearby areas, consider our lawyers in Fairfax City or Falls Church.
For other legal needs in Fairfax County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense.
Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.