Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fauquier County, Virginia
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), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Fauquier County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Family Law Procedures
Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186. Fauquier 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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter and review your options.
- Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements. Your attorney will prepare the necessary pleadings.
- File the complaint or petition with the Fauquier County Circuit Court clerk’s office and pay the required filing fees.
- Have the other party served with the legal documents through sheriff service or a private process server.
- Exchange financial information through discovery. Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Attend any required hearings or trial before the Fauquier County Circuit Court judge to resolve contested issues.
Fauquier County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Fauquier County, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 and additional costs for service, motions, and potential Guardian ad Litem appointments.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | ~$86 | 2-4 months | Service fees $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | ~$86 | 9-18 months | Discovery, experienced fees |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | ~$86 | 3-12 months | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
| Support Modification | Circuit/J&DR | ~$86 | 2-6 months | Income verification |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
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 and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Fauquier County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fauquier County with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces resolved through settlement, custody agreements, and support modifications.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street), accessible via I-66, Route 29, Route 17, Route 28, and Route 211. We provide family law lawyer services near Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. 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 Fauquier 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 Fauquier 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 Fauquier County, Virginia?
Custody in Fauquier 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 Fauquier County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring communities including Fairfax County family law and Prince William County family law. In Fauquier County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.