Family Law Lawyer Fairfax County — What Are Your Rights?
A Family Law Lawyer Fairfax County can help you with divorce, custody, and support matters in Fairfax County Circuit Court. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County. A family court attorney Fairfax can guide you through the local legal process.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Family legal matters in Virginia are governed by state statutes, including those for divorce, equitable distribution of property, child custody, and support. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support), and § 20-124.2 (custody). The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
For official information, refer to the Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov) and the Fairfax County General District Court website.
- Consult with a family law lawyer Fairfax County to discuss your specific situation and goals.
- File the initial complaint (e.g., for divorce) with the Fairfax County Circuit Court clerk.
- Participate in discovery, which may include financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attend mediation or settlement conferences if ordered by the court.
- Proceed to a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders if needed.
- Finalize the case through a settlement agreement or a court trial.
In Fairfax County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not a 50/50 split, and child support is calculated using state guidelines.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month or 1-year separation; fault grounds available | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-24 months (contested) | Separation agreement, grounds for filing |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property per Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Determined during divorce proceedings | Valuation of assets, classification as marital/separate |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child per Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Can be addressed in divorce or standalone case | Parenting plans, primary physical custody |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on combined income and custody share | Established at time of order; modifiable with change | Income calculation, healthcare costs, childcare |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Can be temporary (pendente lite) or permanent | Length of marriage, standard of living, earning capacity |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. The firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, the founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing deep insight into family law matters. This experience is applied when serving as a family law lawyer Fairfax County.
Samantha Powers — Of Counsel | Virginia Bar 2023 | Florida Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience in 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
The firm has 1789 documented case results in Fairfax County across all practice areas, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. For example, the firm has secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) in Fairfax County domestic assault cases.
Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, brings his experience amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute to support complex family law cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment only.
Serving Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church area.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. Contact us for a family law lawyer near Fairfax County. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Family Law in Fairfax County: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Fairfax County, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement can take 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary orders is typically set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include sheriff service ($12), private process servers ($50-$100), pendente lite motion costs, Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Total costs vary significantly based on case complexity and contested issues.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like assets owned before marriage or received by inheritance, is typically excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s needs. Standalone custody cases go to Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court; custody within a divorce is handled by Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Fairfax County and DUI defense in Fairfax County. For help in a neighboring area, consider our family law lawyer in Falls Church.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.