Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs the equitable distribution of marital property, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody determinations are made based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1, and spousal support considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
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). For Fairfax County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Fairfax County are split between two courts. The 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 or other initiating pleading with the Fairfax County Circuit Court clerk’s office. Pay the filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information through interrogatories, requests for production, 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, the case proceeds to trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge for a final decision on all contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law involves specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault or Fault-based | Circuit Court | Separation period or fault proof |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Circuit Court | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | J&DR or Circuit Court | 10 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-124.3) |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | J&DR or Circuit Court | Combined gross income, custody share |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Award | Circuit Court | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a deep understanding of property division for our Fairfax County clients.
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 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 Fairfax County Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse. We serve the Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and 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 Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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 Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Fairfax County General District Court.
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). Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) handles all property division. 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
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Falls Church and Prince William County. If you need other legal services in Fairfax County, see our pages for Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI Defense. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.