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 grounds and Va. Code § 20-107.3 for property division. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, support, and property division. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, outlines 11 factors the court must consider. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise. 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 (official Virginia General Assembly). Information about Fairfax County court procedures and forms can be found on the Fairfax County General District Court website.
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 District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your situation with an attorney to understand your rights and options.
- Filing: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Fairfax County Circuit Court or J&DR Court and pays the filing fee.
- Service & Response: The other party is served with the complaint and has 21 days to file an answer.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information and other evidence. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement agreement.
- Court Proceedings: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to hearings (pendente lite) and potentially a trial before a judge.
- Final Order: The court enters a final decree of divorce or order resolving all issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, family law cases involve legal standards for property division, support, and custody, not criminal penalties. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital property | Division of assets & debts | Business valuation may be required |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payment based on income & custody | Ongoing financial obligation | Enforceable by contempt |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support award | Ongoing financial obligation | Modifiable based on change in circumstances |
| Custody/Visitation | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal & physical custody schedule | May affect child support | Parenting plan required |
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 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 distinct advantage in complex property division cases.
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 cases dismissed, charges reduced, and favorable settlements.
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 Courthouse. We serve Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary matters are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
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 fees for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
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, 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, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Cases can be in J&DR Court (standalone) or Circuit Court (within a divorce).
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 felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Falls Church and Prince William County. If you need other legal services in Fairfax County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris or our Fairfax office.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.