Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key 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). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to § 20-107.3 demonstrates deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia family law statutes: Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) (official Virginia General Assembly). Fairfax County court information: Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Circuit Court 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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Fairfax County Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on the other party by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Attend the court’s scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial.
- Complete discovery, including exchanging financial documents, answering interrogatories, and conducting depositions.
- Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation to try to reach a settlement agreement.
- If no settlement is reached, present your case at trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge.
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific procedures and standards rather than penalties: Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month/1-year separation | Fairfax Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | Fairfax Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Fairfax Circuit Court | 12-24 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Fairfax J&DR Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Fairfax J&DR Court | Established at hearing |
| Spousal Support | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Fairfax Circuit Court | Determined at trial |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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 and firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique authority in complex property division cases. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to family law representation in Fairfax County.
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
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 for family law matters. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes in divorce, custody, and support cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). As a family law lawyer near Fairfax County, we represent clients throughout 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 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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). Filed at Fairfax County Circuit Court.
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Fairfax City and Falls Church. If you need other legal services in Fairfax County, consider our criminal defense lawyer or DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
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 guidance.