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. 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, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into this complex area of law.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Fairfax County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Law Procedures
Family law cases in Fairfax County are handled in two different courts depending on the issues involved. Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road) 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.
- File the initial complaint: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse or the other parent by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Attend scheduling conference: Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial dates.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation to attempt settlement.
- Prepare for and attend trial: If settlement fails, prepare exhibits, witness lists, and legal arguments for a bench trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge.
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 | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation; Fault grounds available | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-24 months (contested) | Separation period, grounds, residency requirements |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Determined during divorce proceedings | 11 statutory factors including contributions, duration, debts |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Can be established within divorce or separately | 10 factors including parental role, child’s relationships |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Monthly ongoing obligation | Income of both parents, number of children, custody arrangement |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent | Need, ability to pay, standard of living, duration |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials & Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our Fairfax County family law clients with representation grounded in deep statutory understanding. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to family law matters in Northern Virginia.
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 ranging from uncontested divorces to complex equitable distribution cases involving business assets and retirement accounts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent clients throughout Fairfax County including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
Family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse. 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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
Related Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Falls Church family law lawyer or Prince William County family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Fairfax County, see our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer or Fairfax County DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance specific to your situation.