Family Law Lawyer Falls Church, VA
You are facing a divorce in Falls Church and aren’t sure what the future holds for your children or your finances. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we help individuals in Falls Church navigate family law matters—from custody disputes to property division. Since 1997, our approach has been to provide clear guidance and experienced representation. Call (888) 437-7747 to talk about your options. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
How We Handle Family Law in Falls Church, VA
Every family’s situation is different. Some people need an active advocate to protect their rights in a contested divorce; others want to resolve things quietly through negotiation or mediation. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys tailor the approach to what works for you. For couples who can agree on the major issues, we help prepare a separation agreement and guide an uncontested divorce through the Falls Church Circuit Court. When disputes over custody, support, or property make agreement impossible, we are prepared to put the matter before the court and fight for a fair result.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state—meaning the court divides marital property fairly, not necessarily equally—under Va. Code § 20‑107.3. Whether your case involves a family business, retirement accounts, a home, or just the regular assets of a marriage, we take the time to understand what’s at stake for you. We also handle temporary support and custody orders so you have stability while the case is pending.
What to Expect During Your Family Law Case
The process begins when one party files a complaint (in Virginia, not a “Complaint” but simply a “Complaint”) with the Falls Church Circuit Court at 300 Park Avenue. The other side is then served and has a chance to respond. For custody and support issues involving minor children, the Falls Church Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may also be involved.
Once the case is underway, both sides exchange information about income, assets, debts, and parenting. Settlement negotiations often continue throughout. Mediation can help bridge gaps. If no agreement is reached, the judge will hear the evidence and decide. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. Throughout each step, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys keep you informed and help you make decisions that protect your long-term interests.
What’s at Stake in a Falls Church Family Law Matter
A family law case can reshape your personal and financial life. A judge can decide who lives in the family home, how much spousal support is paid, what the parenting plan looks like, and how property is divided. Mistakes made early in the process—like giving away temporary custody or agreeing to a support amount that doesn’t reflect your true income—can be difficult to undo later. Having experienced counsel from the start gives you a realistic picture of what’s possible and helps you avoid missteps. We don’t promise specific outcomes—every case is unique—but we work hard to reach a resolution that puts you in the strong $1 to move forward.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced family law since the firm opened in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background gives him a thorough understanding of how the court system works—and how to present a case effectively.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional depth and perspective. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys offer extensive combined legal experience. They have handled matters across a wide range of family law issues. Results may vary. When you work with our firm, you get a team that listens, explains the law clearly, and stands with you throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Falls Church, Virginia?
An uncontested divorce in Virginia can be finalized a few months after meeting the required separation period, while a contested divorce may take longer depending on the issues in dispute. The court’s calendar and the complexity of the asset division or custody battle both affect the timeline. If you and your spouse have signed a separation agreement and have no minor children, you may be able to obtain a divorce after a six-month separation. Without an agreement, the waiting period is one year. From filing to final decree, uncontested cases often move relatively quickly, but contested matters can extend well beyond a year. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your specific timeline.
How is child custody decided in Falls Church?
Virginia judges decide custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, and each parent’s ability to support the other’s relationship with the child. The Falls Church Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles custody when it is not part of a divorce. In a divorce, the Falls Church Circuit Court will also rule on custody. The court may consider the preferences of an older child and will always look for any history of abuse. We help parents present a full picture of their role in the child’s life so the court can make a well-informed decision.
What if my spouse won’t agree to a divorce?
Virginia allows a no-fault divorce based on one year of separation (or six months with a signed agreement and no minor children), so a spouse’s refusal to cooperate does not block the divorce. You do not need the other side’s permission. After meeting the separation period, you can file a complaint and move forward. If your spouse contests the divorce by raising disputed property or custody issues, the judge will resolve those matters. Your lawyer can also seek temporary support and custody orders while the case is pending.
Do I need a lawyer for a family law case?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer in a Virginia family law case, but having an experienced attorney helps you understand your rights and avoid outcomes that could harm you for years. Court procedures can be unfamiliar, and a misstep on paperwork, support calculations, or evidence can have lasting consequences. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle the legal details so you can focus on moving forward. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What does equitable distribution mean in Virginia?
Virginia is not a community property state; instead, the court divides marital property equitably—meaning fairly, but not necessarily 50‑50—under Va. Code § 20‑107.3. The judge considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the reasons the marriage ended. Separate property (items owned before marriage, gifts, and inheritances) generally stays with the original owner. Our lawyers help identify what is marital and what is separate, and then work toward a fair division that protects your interests.
Can I get temporary support while my divorce is pending?
Yes, a Virginia court can enter a pendente lite order for temporary spousal support, child support, and custody while the divorce is ongoing. To obtain such an order, you file a motion asking the Falls Church Circuit Court—or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for custody and support only—to set interim arrangements. The judge looks at the immediate financial needs of the family and the parties’ current incomes. This temporary order stays in place until a final decree is entered or the court modifies it later.
Related Reading:
Family Law Lawyer Fairfax County, VA |
Family Law Lawyer Fairfax (City), VA |
Family Law Lawyer Prince William County, VA |
Family Law Lawyer Manassas (City), VA
Virginia Family Law Resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 – Domestic Relations |
Virginia Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.