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Fauquier County Family Law Lawyer – What Are Your Rights?
Family law matters in Fauquier County are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and a documented record of favorable outcomes in family law matters across Virginia.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law covers legal issues arising from family relationships, including divorce, child custody, visitation, spousal support, and property division. The primary statutes are found in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. For instance, Va. Code § 20-91 outlines the grounds for divorce, while Va. Code § 20-124.2 details the factors the court must consider for determining the best interests of a child in custody cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For local court forms and procedures, refer to the Fauquier County Circuit Court website.
Fauquier County Family Court Process
Family law cases in Fauquier County are heard in the Circuit Court. The process typically begins with filing a complaint. The court encourages mediation for custody and visitation disputes.
- Consult with a family law attorney to understand your rights and options.
- File the necessary initial pleadings (Complaint) with the Fauquier County Circuit Court clerk.
- Participate in the discovery process, exchanging financial and other relevant information.
- Attend any court-ordered mediation or settlement conferences.
- Prepare for and attend final hearings if a settlement is not reached.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Fauquier County, family law cases do not carry criminal penalties but determine critical rights like custody, support, and property division.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Joint or sole legal/physical custody, visitation schedule |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.2) | Monthly payment based on parental income & time-sharing |
| Spousal Support | Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support, amount and duration |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital assets and debts |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Our Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally contributed to amending Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This direct involvement with the law provides a deep understanding of its application in cases like yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child custody determined in Virginia?
Virginia courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests (Va. Code § 20-124.3). Factors include each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s own reasonable preferences.
What is the difference between legal and physical custody?
Legal custody involves the right to make major decisions about a child’s health, education, and welfare. Physical custody refers to where the child lives. Parents can share joint legal custody even if one has primary physical custody.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Fauquier County?
The timeline varies. An uncontested divorce can finalize after a mandatory separation period (6 months with a separation agreement, 1 year without). Contested divorces involving trials take longer, often 9-18 months, depending on court schedules and case complexity.
How is child support calculated in Virginia?
Virginia uses official guidelines based on both parents’ gross incomes, the number of children, and the custody arrangement (Va. Code § 20-108.2). The court can deviate from the guideline amount under specific circumstances.
What is equitable distribution of property?
Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) is the fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital property and debts acquired during the marriage. The court considers factors like each spouse’s contributions and the length of the marriage.
Family Law Help in Fauquier County
Our Warrenton location serves Fauquier County and surrounding communities like Marshall, The Plains, and Remington. As a family law lawyer near the Fauquier County Courthouse, we understand local procedures. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
[Warrenton Office Address]
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Related Legal Information
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview. We also assist with Fauquier County criminal defense matters. Learn more about attorney Samantha Powers.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.