Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas with a 97% favorable outcome rate. We handle divorce, child custody, spousal support, and complex property division.
In Fairfax County, family law matters are heard in the Fairfax County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and child support cases.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define the grounds for divorce, property division, child custody, and support. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate, up-to-date information on Virginia family law, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia statute database.
- Fairfax County General District Court – Official court website with forms and procedures.
Fairfax County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Fairfax County follow specific local procedures. The Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86).
- 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 scheduling conference: Attend the initial scheduling conference where the court sets deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation to attempt settlement.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare for trial by filing pre-trial motions, witness lists, and exhibit lists.
- Attend final hearing: Present your case at trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge who will issue a final order on all issues.
Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| 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 under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Fairfax County J&DR Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Fairfax County J&DR Court | Established at hearing |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Fairfax County Circuit Court | Determined at trial |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its specific 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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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 Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County, serving 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
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 Services
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for all Virginia family law services.
Falls Church Family Law Lawyer – Family law representation in nearby Falls Church City.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense services in Fairfax County.
Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney’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.