Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 documented case results in Fauquier County with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division in Fauquier County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests standard), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation when minor children are involved.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Fauquier County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Family Law Procedures
Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. The 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.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Fauquier County Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend scheduling conference: Appear at the court-ordered scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery, mediation, and trial.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions as ordered by the court.
- Attempt mediation: Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation to try to reach a settlement agreement.
- Proceed to trial if needed: If no settlement is reached, present your case at trial before a Fauquier County Circuit Court judge.
Fauquier County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Fauquier County, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at $86 and additional costs for service, motions, and professional services.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Circuit Court | $86 | Service: $12-$100 | 2-24 months |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Circuit Court | Additional fee | Hearing preparation | 21-60 days |
| Custody Petition | J&DR Court | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 3-12 months |
| Child Support | J&DR Court | Varies | Income verification | 1-3 months |
| Mediation | Either Court | Not required | $100-$300/hour per party | Varies |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
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
Fauquier County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 documented case results in Fauquier County across all practice areas, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful resolution of complex equitable distribution cases involving business valuation, retirement assets, and high-net-worth marital estates.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street), accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We provide family law lawyer services near Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fauquier 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 Fauquier 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). 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.
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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring communities including Fairfax County family law and Prince William County family law. For other legal needs in Fauquier County, see our criminal defense and DUI defense services. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.