Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle cases at the Fairfax County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Fairfax County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Law Procedure
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce with the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures, respond to interrogatories, and conduct depositions if necessary. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve property division, support, and custody issues without a trial.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and trial briefs for the final hearing before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge.
Family Law Standards and Potential Outcomes
In Fairfax County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution standard for property division and the “best interests of the child” standard for custody.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault after separation period | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + legal fees |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + trial costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Monthly ongoing | Establishment/modification fees |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent | Motion + hearing costs |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Recognition
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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
Fairfax County Case Results
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 divorces resolved through settlement, custody agreements, and successful litigation of complex property division 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 represent clients throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
Family law lawyer near Fairfax County. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (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 Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
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). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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. Fairfax County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Falls Church Family Law Lawyer | Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.