Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support obligations. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Legal Resources
For authoritative information on Virginia family law, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Virginia divorce statutes
- Fairfax County General District Court website – Court procedures and information
Fairfax County Family Court Procedures
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
Steps in a Fairfax County Divorce Case
- File a divorce complaint with the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process, which may involve forensic accountants for complex assets.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to resolve issues without trial.
- If settlement fails, proceed to trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge for final resolution of all issues.
Virginia Family Law Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation; fault grounds available | 2-4 months uncontested; 9-18 months contested | $86 filing fee + service costs |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors) | 12-24 months for complex assets | Varies with experienced valuations |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 (10 factors) | Pendente lite hearing in 21-60 days | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Establishment at filing; modification as needed | Court costs for modifications |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary orders in 21-60 days; final at divorce | Motion filing fees apply |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Fairfax County Family Law
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us unique insight into property division cases that few other firms can match.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
Fairfax County Family Law Case Results
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. Our experience includes successful resolution of complex equitable distribution cases involving business valuations, retirement assets, and high-net-worth marital estates.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent clients throughout 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.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Fairfax County General District Court.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody in Fairfax County is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Fairfax County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Fairfax County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party
Related Legal Services
If you need assistance with other legal matters in Fairfax County, consider these related services:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law representation
- Fairfax City Family Law Lawyer – Family law services in Fairfax City
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our former Virginia State Trooper
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.