
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Fairfax County, Virginia, handling divorce, custody, and support matters under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Our Fairfax location is accessible for meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91, including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, and support is calculated using 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’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Fairfax County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
Fairfax County Family Court Process
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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 a complaint for divorce or a petition for custody/support with the appropriate Fairfax County court.
- Serve the other party with the legal documents, often using the sheriff or a private process server.
- Attend initial hearings, which may include pendente lite motions for temporary support and custody.
- Participate in discovery, which may involve financial disclosures, depositions, and experienced valuations for complex assets.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation or court-ordered mediation.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney costs | Dispute over grounds or terms |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing fees + forensic experts | Business valuation, retirement assets |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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, demonstrating deep involvement in state family law.
Mr. Sris
Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York. Former prosecutor; founded firm 1997; background in accounting & information systems provides advantage in complex financial cases; successfully amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3.
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Office
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We represent individuals in 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?
An 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 with business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Fairfax County Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process (~$12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion court costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
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, but not necessarily 50/50. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) 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, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Fairfax County J&DR Court handles standalone custody; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Fairfax City and Falls Church. If you need assistance with other matters, consider our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer or Fairfax County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
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.
