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, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas. We handle divorce, child custody, spousal support, and complex property division. Our Fairfax location is by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes 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 fairly, not necessarily 50/50. Child custody is determined based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering ten specific factors.
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). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Fairfax County General District Court website.
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 the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action at the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Ensure proper service of process on the other party, either by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion, which is typically heard within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information through the formal discovery process.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement is not reached, the case will proceed to a bench trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge.
Family Law Standards & Potential Outcomes
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and custody determined by the child’s best interests.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault (separation) or Fault | 2-24 months | Separation period, grounds, agreement |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Varies | 11 statutory factors, contributions, debts |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Ongoing | 10 factors, parent-child relationship, safety |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Monthly | Combined gross income, custody time, healthcare |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or Permanent | Need, ability to pay, standard of living, duration |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials & 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 amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. This background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in complex financial divorce cases.
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
Documented Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 total documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas, 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 Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We represent individuals throughout the Fairfax County area and surrounding communities including Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (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 typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often 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 of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $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). Attorney fees vary based 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 acquired before marriage or via inheritance is typically 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 ten factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s needs. Standalone custody cases are filed in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with 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 Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Falls Church and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated from court records and statutes. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.