Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-91 for grounds and Va. Code § 20-107.3 for property division. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, support, and property division. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, outlines 11 factors the court must consider. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). 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 all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your situation with an attorney to understand your rights and options.
- Filing: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Fairfax County Circuit Court or J&DR Court and pays the filing fee.
- Service & Response: The other party is served with the legal papers and has a set time to file a response.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both sides exchange information. Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement through a property settlement agreement.
- Court Proceedings: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to pendente lite hearings for temporary orders, then potentially to mediation, and finally to trial.
- Final Order: The judge issues a final decree of divorce or order resolving all issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, family law cases involve legal standards for property division, support, and custody, not criminal penalties. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Consequence | Governing Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Fair, not equal) | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on income & custody | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 factors including need & ability | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Divorce Waiting Period | 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault | Va. Code § 20-91 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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, providing unique insight into property division 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
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 minutes from the Fairfax County courts, accessible via major highways. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse. We serve Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. 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 of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $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 based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court considers 11 factors, including each spouse’s contributions and the marriage’s duration.
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 the child’s needs. Fairfax County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or 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 Falls Church and Prince William County. If you need other legal assistance in Fairfax County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.