Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds and Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Our Fairfax location is by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
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). The Fairfax County General District Court website provides forms, filing information, and local rules.
Fairfax County Family Court Process
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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Consult with an attorney to assess your grounds for divorce and identify marital assets.
- File a complaint for divorce with the Fairfax County Circuit Court. The filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Engage in discovery, which may include financial disclosures, depositions, and subpoenas.
- Attempt mediation or negotiation to reach a property settlement and parenting agreement.
- Attend final hearing if uncontested, or proceed to trial if issues remain contested.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, divorce does not carry criminal penalties, but financial and custodial outcomes are determined by Virginia law. Child support is calculated using state guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation | Fairfax Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | Fairfax Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Fairfax J&DR Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Fairfax J&DR Court | Established at hearing |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique 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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into 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
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 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 on Chain Bridge Road. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse, 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
(703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
An 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 with business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. 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?
The Fairfax County Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion court costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) 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, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds: 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). Cases are filed at Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in Fairfax City and Falls Church. If you need assistance with other matters, see our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer or Fairfax County DUI lawyer pages. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
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.