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, support, and complex property division matters filed at the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
In Fairfax County, family law matters are handled by the Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support issues.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 outlines grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods of six months (no minor children with a signed agreement) or one year (with minor children). Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs the division of marital property based on 11 fairness factors. Child custody is determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
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 Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For information about the Fairfax County courts handling family law cases, see the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Fairfax County are split between two courts. The Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Filing: File your divorce complaint or custody petition at the Fairfax County Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, depending on the matter.
- Serve the Other Party: Have the complaint served by a sheriff, private process server, or through other approved methods under Virginia law.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete Discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process to prepare for settlement or trial.
- Attempt Settlement or Mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or voluntary mediation to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to Trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge in the appropriate Fairfax County court.
Family Law Procedures and Standards
In Fairfax County, family law follows Virginia’s equitable distribution standard for property division and uses statutory guidelines for child support.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Governing Statute | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | No-fault separation | Va. Code § 20-91 | 2-4 months |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | Va. Code § 20-91 | 9-18 months |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months (complex) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Established at hearing |
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, providing unique insight into property division cases. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of each family’s situation.
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 Experience 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 matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. We serve as a family law lawyer near Fairfax County for clients in 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.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
(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
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Fairfax County and DUI/DWI defense in Fairfax County. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.