Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County family law matters, including divorce, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. You need a lawyer who understands local court procedures to protect your rights regarding property, support, and custody.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50.
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 of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Fairfax County Family Court Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The 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 with the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Attend the initial scheduling conference where the judge sets deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial.
- Complete discovery, exchanging financial disclosures and responding to document requests.
- Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law involves equitable distribution of property, not penalties. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month or 1-year separation | Fairfax County Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | Fairfax County Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Fairfax County Circuit Court | 12-24 months (complex) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Fairfax County J&DR Court | Varies |
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. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a deep understanding of its application in Fairfax County courts.
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 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces with favorable property division, successful custody modifications, and enforced support orders.
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.
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?
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 can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing for no-fault divorce.
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 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).
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. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Separate property 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, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases are in J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with an agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
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.