Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months without minor children or 1 year with children) and fault grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Fairfax County court information, see the Fairfax County General District Court website.
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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint with the Fairfax County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and serving the other party.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge.
Fairfax County Family Law Procedures and Costs
In Fairfax County, family law cases involve specific procedures and costs, including court fees and potential timelines that vary by case complexity.
| Proceeding | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Fairfax Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 | Service fees ($12-$100) |
| Contested Divorce | Fairfax Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 | Mediation, experienced witnesses |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Fairfax J&DR Court | 3-9 months | $86 | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Pendente Lite Hearing | Fairfax Circuit Court | 21-60 days | Additional motion fee | Court costs |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law.
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
Fairfax County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful resolutions in complex divorce, custody, and equitable distribution matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer Near Me
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). 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.
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 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. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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 Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Fairfax County General District Court.
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). Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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. Fairfax County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Fairfax 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 Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Falls Church family law and Prince William County family law. In Fairfax County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.