Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia, handling divorce, custody, and support matters under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. The firm has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Our Fairfax location serves clients by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and support is calculated using 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 Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms in Fairfax County, refer to the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Court Process
Family law cases in Fairfax County are heard in two courts: the Circuit Court handles divorce and property division, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support.
- File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support with the appropriate Fairfax County court.
- Serve the other party with the legal papers, often using the sheriff or a private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary orders for support or custody are needed.
- Complete discovery, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation or settlement conferences.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation, and child support is calculated using state guidelines.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney costs | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem | J&DR Court |
| Child Support | Guideline calculation | Establishment hearing | Filing fees | J&DR Court |
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in state law. 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 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 Service Area
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts on Chain Bridge Road. We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County and the surrounding communities of Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 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. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is about $86. Additional costs include sheriff service ($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, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. 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. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within a divorce goes to Circuit Court.
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 a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Falls Church and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. 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.