Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County family law matters, including divorce and equitable distribution, are governed by Virginia statutes such as Va. Code § 20-107.3; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, spousal support, and complex property division. We handle cases at the Fairfax County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on statutory factors, not automatically 50/50.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided. Child custody determinations are made under Va. Code § 20-124.3, based on the child’s best interests. Child support is calculated using the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1, and spousal support considers the factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – Official Virginia 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 Fairfax County 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 a Complaint: Submit the initial pleading (Complaint for Divorce, etc.) with the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office and pay the filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: Ensure the defendant is properly served with the complaint and summons.
- Complete Discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other required information through formal discovery tools.
- Attempt Settlement: Engage in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues outside of court.
- Attend Hearings: Participate in any necessary pendente lite (temporary) hearings and, if needed, a final trial.
- Obtain Final Order: The judge signs a final decree of divorce or order resolving all pending matters.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Fairfax County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody determined by the child’s best interests.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or Fault | 2-24 months | Separation period, grounds, agreement |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Varies with complexity | 11 statutory factors, contributions, debts |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Part of divorce or standalone | 10 factors under § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Established at filing or after | Combined gross income, custody schedule |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary and/or permanent | 13 statutory factors, need & ability |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on general Virginia law and are not a aim for of any specific result in your case.
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. Our approach is case-specific, built on direct legal experience and a detailed understanding of local court procedures.
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 matters resolved through dismissal, settlement, and favorable trial verdicts.
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 are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse. We serve the communities of 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.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. Contested divorces typically take 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings are usually set within 21-60 days of a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Total cost depends on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s needs. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.