Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. The firm has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas. We handle divorce, child custody, spousal support, and complex property division matters filed at the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Family law cases in Fairfax County are governed by Virginia statutes including those for divorce grounds, child support guidelines, and custody determinations.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are found in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows the equitable distribution principles of Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. Child support is calculated using the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Spousal support factors are listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia laws, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official legislative website. 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 divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. 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.
- Initial Filing: File a Complaint for Divorce or other initiating pleading with the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee.
- Service of Process: Have the other party served with the legal papers by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial documents and other information. Attempt to negotiate a settlement through mediation or direct attorney discussion.
- Court Hearings: Attend any pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, a final trial before a judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Timeline / Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce | Separation Period | 6 months (no minor children + agreement) or 1 year |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Calculated based on combined gross income and custody schedule |
| Filing Fee (Divorce) | Circuit Court Fee | Approximately $86 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally played a key role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the development of state family law.
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 divorces, custody modifications, and complex property division matters resolved in Fairfax County courts.
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 and the surrounding 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 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 orders are usually set within 21-60 days.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
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 in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
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.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with an agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with one year or more of imprisonment.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Falls Church and Prince William County. If you need other legal help in Fairfax County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.