Fairfax County family law cases under Va. Code § 20-91 require a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results in Fairfax County. A Physical Custody Lawyer Fairfax County can help you protect your parental rights.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Fairfax County
Virginia family law is governed by multiple code sections. Divorce grounds fall under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed separation agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Equitable distribution of marital property is controlled by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody follows the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. A primary physical custody lawyer Fairfax County understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a unique credential in Virginia family law.
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Fairfax County court information, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Fairfax County Family Law
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 the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030). Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Negotiate a Settlement: Work with your attorney to negotiate a property settlement agreement covering property division, custody, support, and spousal support.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically set within 21-60 days of motion filing.
- Final Hearing: Present your case at a final hearing. Uncontested cases with a signed agreement take 2-4 months. Contested cases take 9-18 months.
In Fairfax County, family law cases involve property division, custody, support, and spousal support determinations under Virginia law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 2-24 months | Circuit Court | 6-month or 1-year separation |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | 3-12 months | J&DR or Circuit Court | 10 statutory factors |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | 2-6 months | J&DR or Circuit Court | Combined gross income |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | 3-12 months | Circuit Court | Duration of marriage, earning capacity |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair but not equal | 6-24 months | Circuit Court | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fairfax County Family Law Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has documented firm-wide 4,739+ case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. This experience gives our clients a unique advantage in property division cases. A Physical Custody Lawyer Fairfax County from our firm understands the local court procedures and judges.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all Fairfax County family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience in Virginia family law.
Fairfax County Family Law Case Results
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 guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax County Family Law Office
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and the Fairfax County Parkway.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Fairfax County? Our office serves clients throughout Northern Virginia.
We serve: 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
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Fairfax County
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce takes 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets takes 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support and custody are typically set within 21-60 days of motion filing. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12, while private process server fees range from $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases are 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. The firm has 1,789 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 97% favorable outcome rate.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), and felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Cases are filed at Fairfax County Circuit Court. Filing fee is approximately $86, with additional costs for service of process and Guardian ad Litem if needed.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law services in nearby localities, see our Fairfax City Family Law Lawyer and Falls Church Family Law Lawyer pages. For other legal services in Fairfax County, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer Fairfax County and DUI/DWI Lawyer Fairfax County pages.
Learn more about our attorneys: Bryan Block and Mr. Sris.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.