Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle cases at the Fairfax County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests), and § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Court Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File a Complaint: Submit the divorce complaint and required forms at the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office (4110 Chain Bridge Road).
- Serve the Other Party: Have the complaint and summons formally delivered by a sheriff, deputy, or private process server.
- Await Response: The other party has 21 days to file an Answer after being served.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Exchange financial documents and negotiate terms for property, support, and custody.
- Mediation or Trial: Attempt mediation to reach agreement. If unresolved, the case proceeds to a court hearing or trial.
- Final Decree: The judge signs the final decree of divorce, making all orders legally binding.
Virginia Divorce & Family Law Overview
In Fairfax County, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Signed separation agreement, no dispute | 2-4 months | Requires at least one corroborating witness at hearing |
| Contested Divorce | Dispute over terms | 9-18 months | May involve pendente lite hearings for temporary orders |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | Handled in J&DR Court; can involve Guardian ad Litem |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (11 factors) | 12-24 months if complex | May require forensic accountants for business valuation |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its 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 tagline is “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
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.
Family Law Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We represent individuals in 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
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.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee 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).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors like each parent’s role and the child’s relationships. Standalone custody is handled in J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Fairfax City and Falls Church. In Fairfax County, we handle Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI cases as well. Learn more about our attorneys or our Fairfax office.
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.