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 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas. We handle divorce, child custody, spousal support, and complex property division. Our Fairfax location is by appointment only.
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 support.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily equally—based on 11 statutory factors. Child custody determinations are made under Va. Code § 20-124.3, focusing on the child’s best interests. Spousal support is calculated using the 13 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1. Child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1, based on the parents’ combined gross income and the number of children.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Fairfax County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Fairfax County follow a structured process. 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 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 the pendente lite hearing (if needed): If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. The hearing is typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures, respond to interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence on assets, debts, income, and parenting issues.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues without a trial. A signed Property Settlement Agreement can finalize all terms.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge who will decide all contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Circuit Court | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | J&DR or Circuit | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Award | Circuit Court | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | J&DR or Circuit | Combined gross income, number of children |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving the firm unique insight into property division law. This hands-on legislative experience is a key differentiator in complex Fairfax County divorce cases involving business assets or high-value estates.
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 1,789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces with complex property division, child custody disputes, and spousal support modifications handled in Fairfax County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We represent individuals in Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. Consultations are available by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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.
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 and mediation.
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 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
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Fairfax City and Falls Church. If you need assistance with other legal matters in Fairfax County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated from court records and statutes. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.