
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division. Our Fairfax location is by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise, under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child custody is determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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). The Fairfax County General District Court website provides local forms, fees, and procedural information.
Fairfax County Family Court Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support matters. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File a complaint for divorce or a petition for custody/support with the appropriate Fairfax County court.
- Serve the other party with the legal documents, often using a sheriff or private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders on support and custody, typically within 21-60 days.
- Complete financial disclosure and discovery, which may involve business valuation for complex estates.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
Family Law Outcomes and Considerations
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable property division, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and custody determined by the child’s best interests.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Separation agreement signed | 2-4 months | 6-month/1-year separation, witness |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 9-18 months | 11 statutory factors, valuation |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Established at hearing | Combined gross income, custody share |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Can be temporary or permanent | Length of marriage, need, ability to pay |
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. Our approach is case-specific and focused on your objectives.
Mr. Sris
Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York. Former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and accepts a limited number of complex family law matters.
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 Service
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts on Chain Bridge Road. 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. 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
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 support are usually set within 21-60 days of filing.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Fairfax County Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is about $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). Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
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 usually 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 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 Fairfax City and Falls Church. In Fairfax County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.