Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fauquier County, Virginia
In Fauquier County, Virginia divorce follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 documented case results in Fauquier County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 when dividing property. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
Family law in Virginia includes divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. The primary statutes governing these areas 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).
Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) — Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris.
Fauquier County General District Court (official court website) — Fauquier County court information and resources.
Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Fauquier County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File the Complaint — File a divorce complaint at Fauquier County Circuit Court, 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186. Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse — Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a Property Settlement Agreement — If you have a signed separation agreement, file it with the court to resolve all issues without trial.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing — If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically set within 21-60 days of filing.
- Final Hearing — Attend the final hearing with at least one corroborating witness. Uncontested: 2-4 months. Contested: 9-18 months.
In Fauquier County, family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve significant financial and custodial consequences. Equitable distribution divides marital property fairly. Child support follows Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Key Statute | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + $12 service | Va. Code § 20-91 | 6-month separation required (no minor children) |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + litigation costs | Va. Code § 20-91 | 1-year separation required (with minor children) |
| Child Custody | Best interests | 3-6 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Va. Code § 20-124.2 | 10 factors considered |
| Child Support | Guidelines-based | Ongoing | Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Based on combined gross income |
| Spousal Support | 13-factor analysis | Varies | Forensic accountant: $200-$500/hour | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration depends on marriage length |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique authority in family law matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris — Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Former prosecutor. Founded firm 1997. Personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Bar: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY. Background in accounting & information systems provides unique advantage in complex financial cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fauquier County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ total case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Example case results in Fauquier County:
- Reckless driving 78/55 (Va. Code § 46.2-862) — Reduced to speeding 74/55 in Fauquier County General District Court.
- DWI 1st offense (Va. Code § 18.2-266) — Fine $800/$400 suspended, 60/60 suspended, restricted license authorized and ASAP in Fauquier County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 30 miles from Fauquier County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17.
Family law lawyer near Fauquier County — serving Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
Neighborhoods served: Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, The Plains.
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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a divorce take in Fauquier County, Virginia?
It depends. 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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Fauquier County, Virginia?
It depends. 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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). Fauquier County Circuit Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Custody in Fauquier 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. Fauquier County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Fauquier County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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). Filed at Fauquier County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100.
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Hub page for Virginia family law.
Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer — Nearby locality.
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Fairfax Office Location — Visit our Fairfax location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.