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 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. We handle divorce, child custody, spousal support, and complex property division matters in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 defines grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods of six months (no minor children with a signed agreement) or one year (with minor children). Va. Code § 20-107.3 establishes the equitable distribution framework for dividing marital property, considering 11 statutory factors. This key statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the “best interests of the child” standard for custody determinations.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Fairfax County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Fairfax County Circuit Court website.
Fairfax County Family Court 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.
- File the initial complaint: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support with the Fairfax County Circuit Court clerk’s office. Pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons formally served on your spouse or the other parent by a sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the formal discovery process, which may include interrogatories and depositions.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge for a final ruling.
Family Law Standards and Timelines
In Fairfax County, family law matters follow specific legal standards and timelines set by Virginia statute.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | No-fault separation | 2-4 months | Signed separation agreement required |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Discovery, hearings, potential trial |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months (if complex) | Business valuation, retirement assets |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | Parenting roles, child’s relationships |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Established at hearing | Combined gross monthly income |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative involvement in family law. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to serving clients in Fairfax County and beyond.
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
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).
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 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, accessible via major local highways.
We serve clients in 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Falls Church and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we handle other legal matters including criminal defense and DUI defense. 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.