Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia, handling divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Our firm has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with in-person meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 outlines grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs the division of marital property. Child custody is determined based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Law Process
Family law matters in Fairfax County are split between two courts. The Fairfax County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case specifics. Begin gathering financial documents, asset records, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the Fairfax County Circuit Court, paying the required $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate for a property settlement agreement to resolve issues like asset division and support.
- Court Proceedings: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to court for pendente lite hearings (temporary orders) and potentially a final trial on contested matters like custody or equitable distribution.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation, and child support is calculated using state guidelines.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 + service | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | Court decides property, support, custody |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Varies | Filing fees apply | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | 12-24 months (complex) | Court costs | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing deep, firsthand knowledge of this critical area of 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases involving business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Total cost varies significantly based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly by the court, but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of family abuse. Standalone custody cases are filed in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction resulting in imprisonment for one year or more.
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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and other 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. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County and the surrounding communities of Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church.
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Falls Church and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we handle related matters including criminal defense and DUI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.