Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas. Our Fairfax location provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 defines divorce grounds, including no-fault separation and fault-based reasons like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris, establishes the 11-factor test for equitable distribution of marital property. Child support follows guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1, and custody decisions are 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
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – official Virginia statute.
- Fairfax County General District Court – court website for filings and procedures.
Fairfax County Family Law Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles divorce and equitable distribution. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support. Virginia requires one corroborating witness for uncontested hearings.
- File a complaint at the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
- Serve the other party with the legal documents.
- Exchange financial information through discovery.
- Attend mediation or settlement conferences.
- Proceed to trial if no agreement is reached.
- Obtain a final decree from the judge.
Family Law Procedures and Standards
In Fairfax County, family law follows equitable distribution principles; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation, and fault grounds include adultery or cruelty.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Established at hearing | Court costs |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
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 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 is near the Fairfax County courts, accessible via major highways. We serve as a family law lawyer near Fairfax County and the surrounding communities of Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – parent hub page.
- Falls Church Family Law Lawyer – sibling locality page.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – related practice area.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.