Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires grounds under Va. Code § 20-91, such as a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Child custody uses the “best interests” standard in Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For Fairfax County court information, forms, and procedures, see the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Family Law Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The 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 a Complaint: Submit your divorce, custody, or support complaint at the Fairfax County Circuit Court clerk’s office (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210). Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: Have the complaint and summons served by the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100).
- Exchange Information: Complete discovery, exchanging financial documents and other evidence. Consider mediation to negotiate a settlement.
- Attend Hearings: Go to pendente lite hearings for temporary orders within 21-60 days. If no agreement, prepare for a final trial.
Family Law Procedures and Potential Outcomes
In Fairfax County, family law cases involve specific procedures, timelines, and costs, but no criminal penalties. Outcomes are based on equitable distribution and the best interests of the child.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 | Signed Separation Agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86+ | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court / Circuit | Varies | $86+ | Best Interests (Va. Code § 20-124.3) |
| Child Support | J&DR Court / Circuit | Varies | $86+ | Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a deep understanding of property division in Virginia divorces.
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 Experience 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 divorces, custody modifications, and support enforcement actions handled in Fairfax County Circuit and J&DR Courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Fairfax County Family Law Attorney
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse, serving 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 | (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 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. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Service of process costs $12 for the sheriff or $50-$100 for a private server. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+) for custody cases 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, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
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 go to J&DR Court; custody within a divorce goes to Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with at least one year of imprisonment.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Falls Church and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we handle other matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.