Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia, handling divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce, with fault grounds including adultery and cruelty. Our Fairfax location serves clients by appointment only.
In Fairfax County, family law matters are heard in the Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support issues.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs the division of marital property. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the “best interests of the child” factors for custody determinations. Child support is calculated using guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – Official Virginia statute.
- Fairfax County Circuit Court – Official court website for divorce filings.
Fairfax County Family Law 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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a Complaint for Divorce with the Fairfax County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the required filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an Answer.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings. For an uncontested case, a brief hearing is held before a judge enters the Final Decree.
Family Law Standards and Timelines
In Fairfax County, family law follows equitable distribution principles, with no-fault divorce available after a 6-month or 1-year separation.
| Matter | Governing Law | Typical Timeline | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-91 | 2-4 months | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-91, § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | May involve discovery, hearings, trial |
| Child Custody | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies | Based on child’s best interests |
| Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months (complex) | Division of marital property and debts |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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, demonstrating deep legislative involvement in 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 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 Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. 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.
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 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). Filed at Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page.
- Falls Church City Divorce & Family Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Fairfax.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.