Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into this critical statute.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). These laws establish the framework for resolving family disputes in Fauquier County courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For accurate legal information, consult these official government sources:
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia family law statutes
- Fauquier County General District Court – Local court information and procedures
Fauquier County Family Court Procedures
Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your family law matter, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- Filing the appropriate petition: File the necessary petition (divorce, custody, support) at Fauquier County Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court with required fees.
- Discovery and negotiation phase: Exchange financial disclosures, participate in mediation if ordered, and negotiate settlement terms regarding property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders, participate in settlement conferences, and proceed to trial if no agreement is reached.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Fauquier County, family law matters involve significant financial and personal consequences including property division, support obligations, and custody determinations.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Court costs: $86+; Attorney fees vary | 2-24 months |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on combined income | Ongoing until emancipation |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent payments | Duration varies by case |
| Property Division | 11 factors for equitable distribution | Division of marital assets and debts | Resolved with divorce |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our 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), providing unique insight into this critical area of 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 Fauquier County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fauquier County with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful resolutions in divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton), accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We provide family law lawyer services near Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
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 Fauquier 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 Fauquier 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). Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Fauquier County J&DR Court handles standalone custody 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 Fauquier County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law representation
Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer – Family law services in neighboring Fairfax County
Fauquier County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation in Fauquier County
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our experienced attorney
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.