In Virginia, divorce is governed by equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Divorce Lawyer Virginia helps you handle property division, custody, and support. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 when dividing assets. A dissolution of marriage lawyer Virginia explains how these factors apply to your specific situation, including separate property exclusions and valuation of retirement accounts.
For official divorce grounds and procedures, review Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are available at the Fairfax County Circuit Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce at Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Exchange financial disclosures including income, assets, debts, and retirement accounts within 21 days.
- Attend pendente lite hearing (if needed) for temporary custody, support, and exclusive use of marital home.
- Complete mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) if custody or property issues remain unresolved.
- Final hearing or entry of final decree after separation period satisfied (6 months no children; 1 year with children).
In Fairfax County, Virginia, divorce outcomes depend on equitable distribution factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, with no fixed penalty but potential for significant property transfer and support obligations.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court Authority | Timeline | Cost Range | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable distribution | Circuit Court | 9-18 months contested | $86 filing fee | Business valuation, retirement assets |
| Child Custody | Best interests (10 factors) | J&DR or Circuit Court | 21-60 days temporary | $500-$2,500+ GAL | Parental roles, history of abuse |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on income | J&DR or Circuit Court | Ongoing | Varies by income | Health insurance, daycare costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Varies | Duration of marriage, earning capacity |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in every Virginia divorce. This achievement provides a unique advantage for clients seeking a Divorce Lawyer Virginia who understands the statutory framework from the inside out.
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) — Former prosecutor, founded firm 1997. Personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Bar admissions: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY. Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on complex family law cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fairfax County, the firm has achieved dismissals and favorable resolutions in numerous family law matters. A Divorce Lawyer Virginia from SRIS, P.C. brings this track record to your case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 5 miles from Fairfax County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 29.
Divorce lawyer near Fairfax County — serving 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. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Yes, Virginia requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or 1-year separation if you have minor children.
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.
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50.
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.
It depends on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors.
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.
It depends on the type of divorce and complexity. Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86.
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.
Yes, Virginia recognizes fault grounds including adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), and felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment).
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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.