Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County family law matters, including divorce and equitable distribution, are governed by Virginia statutes such as Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, spousal support, and complex property division. Our Fairfax location serves clients by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – Official Virginia family law statutes.
- Fairfax County General District Court – Court website for filing information and procedures.
Fairfax County Family Law 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 with the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Attempt mediation: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a settlement agreement on property division, support, and custody.
- Proceed to trial: If no agreement is reached, present your case at trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and potential spousal support determined by 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month or 1-year separation | Fairfax County Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | Fairfax County Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Fairfax County Circuit Court | 12-24 months (complex) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Fairfax County J&DR Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Fairfax County J&DR Court | Establishment hearing |
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 legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing unique insight into property division cases.
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. We represent individuals 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: (888) 437-7747 | (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.
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).
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – State-wide hub page.
- Falls Church Family Law Lawyer – Serving neighboring locality.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Fairfax.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
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.