Your Fairfax Divorce Partner: Experienced Legal Counsel
At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we provide dedicated and knowledgeable legal counsel to individuals navigating the complexities of divorce and family law in Fairfax, Virginia. With decades of focused experience, our attorneys understand that family law matters are not just legal challenges—they are profound life transitions. We are committed to protecting your rights, your family, and your future through strategic, client-focused representation in Fairfax County and throughout Northern Virginia.
At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., our seasoned attorneys provide comprehensive legal services tailored to the specific circumstances of your divorce. We understand that whether your separation is amicable or contentious, you need clear, authoritative guidance to navigate Virginia law and protect your interests. Our firm is equipped to handle the full spectrum of divorce cases in Fairfax County, ensuring your rights are vigorously defended at every turn.
Filing for divorce in Fairfax, Virginia, involves navigating a complex set of laws and procedures established under Title 20 of the Code of Virginia. The outcome of your case will have lasting implications for your financial future and your parental rights. As your legal counsel for your family law case, our role is to demystify this process, provide steadfast support, and advocate relentlessly on your behalf. We serve clients across Northern Virginia (NoVA), offering dedicated family law representation grounded in decades of practical experience.
An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all major issues such as property division, spousal support, and child custody, is the most direct path to dissolving a marriage. Our uncontested divorce lawyers in Fairfax can facilitate this process by drafting, reviewing, and filing a comprehensive Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) that accurately reflects your wishes and complies with Virginia law, ensuring it is enforceable by the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
When spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues, the case becomes a contested divorce. These situations demand a higher level of legal strategy and, often, litigation. Our contested divorce lawyers in Fairfax are skilled negotiators and formidable litigators. We meticulously prepare each case for the possibility of trial, engaging in thorough discovery, financial analysis, and strategic planning to protect your interests in matters of asset division, spousal support, and custody disputes.
Divorces involving substantial assets—such as businesses, professional practices, real estate portfolios, and complex investments—require a sophisticated legal approach. Our high-net-worth divorce attorneys in Fairfax have the experience necessary to address intricate financial matters, including business valuations, tracing separate vs. marital property, and uncovering hidden assets. We work to ensure a fair and equitable division of property as mandated by Virginia’s Equitable Distribution Act (§ 20-107.3).
Divorce for military personnel and their spouses presents unique challenges. Issues like the division of military retired pay, the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), and compliance with the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) require specific knowledge. Our military divorce attorneys serving Fairfax understand these complexities, as well as how to create parenting plans that accommodate the realities of deployment and relocation (PCS).
Virginia law allows for a “no-fault” divorce, most commonly based on a one-year separation (or six months if there are no minor children and a separation agreement is in place). This is governed by Virginia Code § 20-91. We guide clients through the requirements for a no-fault divorce in Fairfax, ensuring all legal prerequisites are met. For couples who wish to live apart and formalize their financial and parental arrangements without dissolving the marriage, a legal separation attorney from our firm can draft a binding Property and Separation Agreement.
For clients seeking less adversarial methods, we are proficient in alternative dispute resolution. Divorce mediation in Fairfax involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps couples reach an agreement. In a collaborative divorce, both parties and their attorneys commit to resolving issues outside of court. We provide the legal counsel needed to ensure your rights are protected within these cooperative frameworks.
Beyond divorce, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers experienced counsel across the full spectrum of family law. Our attorneys understand that legal issues concerning your children and your financial security are often intertwined with divorce proceedings. We provide integrated legal services, ensuring that every facet of your family’s transition is handled with the same high level of dedication and seasoned legal insight.
Our family law firm in Fairfax, VA, is a resource for individuals and families facing a wide range of legal challenges. We believe in providing holistic solutions that address not only the immediate conflict but also lay the groundwork for a stable future.
Disputes over child custody and visitation are among the most emotionally charged aspects of family law. Our Fairfax child custody lawyers focus on the “best interests of the child” standard, as defined in Virginia Code § 20-124.3. We work diligently to create durable and practical parenting plans that protect your relationship with your children, whether through negotiation or, when necessary, litigation in the Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. We handle all aspects of custody, including legal custody (decision-making), physical custody (where the child lives), and visitation rights.
Child support in Virginia is determined by statutory guidelines found in Virginia Code § 20-108.2. These guidelines consider the parents’ gross incomes, the costs of health insurance and work-related childcare, and the custody arrangement. Our child support attorneys in Fairfax ensure that income is calculated correctly and that the final support order is fair and complies with state law. We also handle cases involving modification of support orders when financial circumstances change.
Spousal support, or alimony, is not automatic in a Virginia divorce. A court will consider numerous factors listed in § 20-107.1, such as the duration of the marriage, the contributions of each party, and the needs and abilities of both spouses. Our spousal support lawyers in Fairfax advocate for our clients’ financial interests, whether they are seeking support to maintain their standard of living or arguing against an unfair obligation.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state. This means marital property must be divided fairly, though not necessarily 50/50. Our property division attorneys are adept at identifying, classifying, and valuing marital assets and debts to ensure our clients receive their fair share. This is a cornerstone of protecting your financial settlement in a divorce.
Our client-focused legal services extend to:
Navigating the divorce process in Fairfax requires a clear understanding of the key legal steps, from the initial filing to the final decree. The journey takes place within a specific legal framework governed by Virginia law and administered by local courts. Our role is to provide the legal guidance for family matters that transforms this complex and often intimidating process into a manageable, step-by-step path toward resolution.
While each case is unique, the general process for a divorce in Fairfax County follows a structured timeline.
Preparation is the foundation of a successful legal strategy. To empower our clients from the very beginning, we have developed this practical guide. It is designed to help you organize your thoughts, gather critical information, and enter your first legal consultation with clarity and confidence. Taking these initial steps can significantly streamline the process and help you focus on what matters most.
Navigating a divorce is a journey. Use this guide as your first step toward taking control of the process.
Step 1: Gather Key Financial Documents
Collect as many of the following documents as you can for both yourself and your spouse. This information is essential for understanding the marital estate.
Step 2: Create a List of Assets and Debts
Make a simple inventory of what you own and what you owe as a couple.
Step 3: Consider Your Goals for Key Issues
Think about what a successful outcome looks like for you.
Step 4: Write Down Your Questions
The legal process can be confusing. Before your first meeting, list everything you are unsure about. No question is too small. Common questions include:
Completing this assessment provides a solid foundation for your first discussion with a family lawyer in Fairfax, enabling a more productive and efficient case evaluation.
Every divorce case in Fairfax presents a unique set of facts and challenges, requiring a tailored legal strategy. An experienced attorney does not apply a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we analyze the specific dynamics of your marriage, your financial situation, and your family goals to develop a course of action designed to protect your rights and achieve your objectives efficiently and effectively.
Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of Virginia’s family law statutes and the procedural nuances of the Fairfax County courts. We combine assertive advocacy with practical, solution-oriented thinking.
The decisions you make during your separation and divorce can have long-lasting consequences. As seasoned divorce attorneys in Fairfax, we have seen how certain missteps can complicate proceedings, increase costs, and negatively impact the final outcome. Avoiding these common pitfalls is a critical part of protecting your rights and achieving a more favorable resolution.
We provide representation for individuals facing all manner of family law challenges. Here are a few common situations we handle:
If you have a signed settlement agreement and no minor children, you can be divorced after a six-month separation. If you have minor children or no agreement, you must be separated for one year. A contested divorce can take significantly longer, often 12-18 months or more, depending on the complexity.
The cost varies dramatically. An uncontested divorce with a full agreement is the least expensive option. A contested divorce that requires extensive discovery, expert witnesses, and a trial will be significantly more costly. We discuss our fee structure and potential costs during your case assessment.
Not necessarily. If you and your spouse can reach a full agreement on all issues (an uncontested divorce), your attorney can often finalize the divorce by submitting the paperwork to the Fairfax County Circuit Court without you ever having to appear before a judge.
Legal custody refers to the right and responsibility to make major decisions for your child (e.g., non-emergency medical care, education, religious upbringing). Physical custody refers to where the child lives primarily. Often, parents share joint legal custody even if one parent has primary physical custody.
Virginia uses "equitable distribution." The court will classify property as marital, separate, or hybrid. It will then divide the marital property and debt in a manner it deems fair, considering factors outlined in the Code of Virginia. It is not an automatic 50/50 split.
Spousal support is not guaranteed. A court will weigh numerous statutory factors, such as the marriage's duration, the parties' financial resources and needs, their ages and health, and the contributions each made to the family's well-being. Adultery can be a bar to receiving spousal support.
Yes. Federal laws like the USFSPA govern how military retirement benefits are divided. Custody and visitation plans must also be flexible enough to account for deployments and relocations. It is critical to work with a military divorce attorney in Fairfax who understands these specific rules.
Your safety is the top priority. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You should then contact our office to discuss obtaining a Protective Order from the Fairfax County J&DR Court, which can legally prohibit your spouse from contacting you or coming near your home or workplace.
It is highly recommended. Even in an amicable separation, a knowledgeable attorney ensures your Marital Settlement Agreement is drafted correctly, protects all of your rights, is legally enforceable, and that you are not overlooking any important financial or parental considerations.
The first step is to schedule a confidential case review with a seasoned Fairfax family law attorney. We will review the facts of your case, explain your legal rights and options, and outline a clear path forward for filing for divorce in Fairfax, Virginia.
For dedicated, client-focused legal services and authoritative guidance on your family law matter in Fairfax County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We are here to provide the experienced legal counsel you need to navigate this transition and protect your future.
To schedule a confidential case assessment, call our Fairfax law office at 888-437-7747.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or contacting our firm. The outcome of any legal matter depends on the specific facts and legal circumstances of the case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. does not guarantee any particular outcome.
Criminal Defense & Family Law
Mr. SRIS Licensed in VA, MD, NJ, NY, DCOwner & CEO – Former Prosecutor