Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Fairfax County, Virginia
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. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 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.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia family law statutes: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) (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 a divorce complaint with the Fairfax County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process, which may involve forensic accountants for complex assets.
- Participate in voluntary mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party) to try to reach a settlement agreement.
- If no agreement is reached, present your case at trial before a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge.
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and potential spousal support determined by 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month or 1-year separation | Fairfax County Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | Fairfax County Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Fairfax County J&DR Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Fairfax County J&DR Court | Ongoing |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Fairfax County Circuit Court | Case-specific |
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 legal experience. 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
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.
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). Family law lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse. We serve Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and 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.
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).
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Falls Church and Prince William County. For other legal needs in Fairfax County, see our criminal defense and DUI/DWI pages. 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.