A Joint Custody Lawyer Fauquier County helps parents establish shared custody arrangements under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 documented case results in Fauquier County with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Your child’s best interests guide every custody decision in Fauquier County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-124.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines joint custody under Va. Code § 20-124.2 as a shared custody arrangement where both parents retain legal responsibility for their child. Joint legal custody means both parents make major decisions together about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Joint physical custody means the child spends significant time with each parent, though not necessarily equal time. Fauquier County courts evaluate 10 statutory factors to determine the best interests of the child when deciding custody. A Joint Custody Lawyer Fauquier County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can explain how these factors apply to your specific situation.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This demonstrates the firm’s deep understanding of Virginia family law. The firm has been representing families since 1997 with combined attorney experience of over 120 years.
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Fauquier County court procedures and forms, visit the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all divorce and custody matters. Fauquier County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody cases. The court requires parents to attend mediation before a contested custody hearing. Judges in Fauquier County typically favor joint custody arrangements when both parents demonstrate willingness to cooperate.
- File a petition for custody at Fauquier County Circuit Court or J&DR Court at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186.
- Attend the initial hearing where the court sets a mediation schedule and temporary custody order.
- Complete court-ordered mediation within 30-60 days of the initial hearing.
- Submit a proposed shared custody arrangement and parenting time schedule to the court.
- Attend the final hearing where the judge enters the custody order based on the child’s best interests.
In Fauquier County, Virginia family law cases involve custody determinations under Va. Code § 20-124.2 with no criminal penalties but significant civil consequences for non-compliance.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Cost Range | Impact on Parenting | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Legal Custody | Best interests of child | 2-4 months uncontested | $500-$2,000 | Shared decision-making | Requires cooperation |
| Joint Physical Custody | Best interests of child | 4-8 months contested | $2,000-$5,000 | Shared parenting time | May require parenting plan |
| Custody Modification | Material change in circumstances | 3-6 months | $1,500-$4,000 | Changes to existing order | Must show significant change |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and has handled 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts property division in divorce cases. This achievement demonstrates the firm’s authority in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Fauquier County, the firm has 73 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include successful custody arrangements and favorable divorce outcomes for local families.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all Fauquier County family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has been practicing family law since 1997.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 total documented case results in Fauquier County across all practice areas with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts. The Fairfax office is approximately 30 miles from the Fauquier County Circuit Court at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186, accessible via I-66 and Route 29.
If you need a shared custody arrangement lawyer Fauquier County or a joint legal and physical custody lawyer Fauquier County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today.
We serve clients in Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Fauquier County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months. Contested divorce takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation take 12-24 months. Virginia requires 6-month separation without minor children or 1-year separation with minor children before filing no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Fauquier County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Sheriff service of process costs about $12. Private process server costs $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody typically costs $500-$2,500. Mediation costs $100-$300 per 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, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Separate property from before marriage, inheritance, or gifts is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Fauquier County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require 6-month separation without minor children or 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery with no waiting period, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Cases are filed at Fauquier County Circuit Court.
Can I get joint custody if the other parent opposes it?
Yes. Fauquier County courts can order joint custody even when one parent opposes it if the court finds it serves the child’s best interests. The court evaluates each parent’s willingness to cooperate, ability to communicate, and history of involvement with the child before making a decision.
How do I modify a custody order in Fauquier County?
You must show a material change in circumstances since the last custody order. Examples include a parent relocating, changes in the child’s needs, or concerns about the child’s safety. File a motion at Fauquier County Circuit Court or J&DR Court to request a modification hearing.
What factors does Fauquier County consider for shared custody?
The court considers 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 including each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s age and needs, each parent’s ability to provide stability, any history of abuse, and the child’s preference if age-appropriate. The distance between parents’ homes also affects shared custody feasibility.
Return to Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
See also our Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer and Prince William County Family Law Lawyer pages.
Related services: Criminal Defense Lawyer Fauquier County and DUI Lawyer Fauquier County.
View attorney profile: Bryan Block.
Visit our Fairfax office location.
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.