Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, outlines 11 factors the court must consider. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
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 (official Virginia General Assembly website). The Fairfax County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
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 or a petition for custody/support with the appropriate Fairfax County court.
- Serve the other party with the legal documents, typically by sheriff or private process server.
- Attend any pendente lite hearing for temporary orders regarding support or custody.
- Complete discovery, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation or mediation; if unsuccessful, proceed to trial.
- Obtain a final decree from the judge, which details all rulings on property, support, and custody.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction; child support is calculated using state guidelines; and spousal support is based on 13 statutory factors.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | Filing: ~$86 + service fees | Fairfax Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney costs + possible experienced fees | Fairfax Circuit Court |
| Child Custody Petition | Best interests of child | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Fairfax J&DR Court |
| Equitable Distribution (Complex) | Marital property division | 12-24 months | Filing fees + forensic accountant/business valuator | Fairfax Circuit 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 attorney experience. 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 1,789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include cases dismissed, charges reduced, and favorable settlements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County. We serve Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are usually set within 21-60 days of the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Fairfax County Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process (~$12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion court costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. 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 any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within a divorce goes to Circuit 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 a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
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 assistance in Fairfax County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
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.