Fairfax County family law matters including divorce, custody, and support fall under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Fairfax County
Virginia family law is governed by multiple statutes. Divorce grounds are found in Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after 6 months separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1 year separation (with minor children). Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody follows the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support considers 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who brings unique insight to family law cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For the official text of Virginia’s family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and local rules, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Fairfax County Family Law
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a complaint for divorce at Fairfax County Circuit Court, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030.
- Serve the other party with process — sheriff service costs approximately $12; private process server $50-$100.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed — typically set within 21-60 days.
- Attend mediation (available but not mandatory; costs $100-$300/hour per party).
- Complete discovery including financial affidavits, tax returns, and business valuations if applicable.
- Attend final hearing with corroborating witness for uncontested divorce or trial for contested matters.
In Fairfax County, family law outcomes depend on the specific issues: divorce, custody, support, or property division. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Factors | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months from filing | Fairfax County Circuit Court | Signed separation agreement required | Corroborating witness needed |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony conviction) | 9-18 months | Fairfax County Circuit Court | 11 factors for equitable distribution | Business valuation may be needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies; pendente lite within 21-60 days | J&DR Court (standalone) or Circuit Court (within divorce) | Each parent’s role, child’s relationship, history of abuse | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing; modifiable upon material change | J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Income of both parents, custody arrangement | Guidelines worksheet required |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies; durational limits apply | Fairfax County Circuit Court | Length of marriage, standard of living, earning capacity | Modifiable upon material change |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fairfax County Family Law Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ total documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, firm founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters in Fairfax County. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and brings former prosecutor insight to family law cases.
Fairfax County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County with a 97% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and the Fairfax County Parkway. We serve clients throughout Fairfax County including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. If you need a family law lawyer near Fairfax County, we are ready to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Fairfax County
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
It depends. 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 is 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes. 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 vary based on complexity.
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 handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes. 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?
Yes. 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.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas: Fairfax City family law lawyer and Falls Church family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Fairfax County, see our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Fairfax County DUI lawyer pages. Learn more about our team on our attorney profile page. Visit our Fairfax office location page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.