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 1,789 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 is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors outlined in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing unique insight into its application in Fairfax County.
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 court 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 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 a complaint for divorce or a petition for custody/support at the appropriate Fairfax County court.
- Serve the other party with the legal documents, either by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend any pendente lite (temporary) hearings for immediate support or custody orders, typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery, which may include financial disclosures, depositions, and property appraisals.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation or mediation; if unsuccessful, proceed to trial.
- Obtain a final decree from the judge, outlining all terms of the divorce, custody, support, and property division.
Divorce Penalties and Costs in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves significant financial and procedural requirements, including a mandatory separation period and court costs.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children + agreement) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-18 months (contested) | Court fees: ~$86 + service fees |
| Fault Divorce | Adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction | Varies, often longer due to evidentiary hearings | Higher due to discovery and trial costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Pendente lite hearing in 21-60 days; final hearing varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division based on 11 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 12-24 months for complex estates | Forensic accountant: $200-$400/hour |
| Child/Spousal Support | Guidelines based on income and needs | Establishment at initial hearing; modification possible | Ongoing financial obligation |
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 has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented history of firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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 1,789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate for family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Office
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County Courthouse, accessible via major highways. We serve as a family law lawyer near Fairfax County for 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.
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 typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Temporary support hearings are usually set within 21-60 days.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is usually excluded from division.
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 any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with an agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Falls Church and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we handle related matters such as Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI Defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.