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 our founder personally amended. We have 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas. Our firm, founded in 1997, offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault divorce. Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody determinations follow the “best interests of the child” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
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 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Law Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Fairfax County 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, custody, or support with the Fairfax County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the applicable filing fee.
- Service of Process: Have the complaint and summons formally served on the other party by a sheriff, deputy, or private process server.
- Discovery Phase: Both parties exchange financial disclosures, answer interrogatories, and may conduct depositions to gather evidence.
- Negotiation & Settlement: Attorneys negotiate to reach a property settlement agreement (separation agreement) resolving all issues.
- Court Hearings: Attend hearings for temporary orders (pendente lite), mediation sessions, or pre-trial conferences as scheduled by the court.
- Trial or Final Hearing: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge for a final decision.
Legal Standards and Potential Outcomes
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties, based on 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Governing Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 factors including need and ability to pay | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline calculation based on income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep, substantive involvement in shaping the law provides a unique advantage in complex property division cases. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach.
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 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 serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County and the surrounding communities. We serve 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
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?
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Falls Church. In Fairfax County, we handle other matters including criminal defense and DUI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.