Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County family law matters, including divorce, custody, and support, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Our firm provides full representation for your family law needs. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods and fault-based grounds like adultery. Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, governs how marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the child’s best interests, while child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
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, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). To access forms and local rules for Fairfax County, refer to the Fairfax County Circuit Court website.
Fairfax County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Fairfax County are split between two courts. The Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action at the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse 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, motions, and potential trial dates.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures, respond to interrogatories, and conduct depositions as ordered by the court.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
Family Law Standards & Potential Outcomes
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody determined by the child’s best interests.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month or 1-year separation (Va. Code § 20-91) | 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Court fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Varies with complexity | Attorney fees + forensic accountant if needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Set within 21-60 days for temporary orders | Court fees + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Established at initial hearing | Court filing fees |
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 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, demonstrating deep involvement in the development of state family law.
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 1789 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.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We represent individuals and families throughout the Fairfax County area and surrounding communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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?
Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases involving business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process (~$12), private process server fees ($50-$100), pendente lite motion costs, and potential Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+).
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, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases are heard in J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, 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 lawyer pages. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.