Family Law Lawyer Virginia, VA
Family law matters in Virginia cover a broad range of issues—divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution of property, and protective orders. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, concentrates its practice on family law and represents individuals throughout the Commonwealth. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved over 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. To discuss a family law matter, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
What Family Law Means in Virginia
Virginia family law is governed primarily by Title 20 of the Virginia Code. The Commonwealth is an equitable distribution state: marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. Divorce may be sought on no-fault grounds after six months of separation if the parties have no minor children and have entered into a written separation agreement, or after one year of separation in other cases (Va. Code § 20-91). Fault grounds, including adultery, cruelty, willful desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment of more than one year, do not require a separation period. Circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over divorce; juvenile and domestic relations district courts handle custody, visitation, and support matters.
Child custody decisions rest on the best interests of the child. The statute lists ten factors the court must consider (Va. Code § 20-124.3), such as the child’s age and physical condition, the relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Child support is calculated under Virginia’s guidelines based on the combined gross income of the parents. Spousal support—whether temporary pendente lite or post-divorce—turns on a separate set of statutory factors, including the duration of the marriage, each party’s financial resources, and contributions to the well‑being of the family. Because these matters often involve significant long‑term consequences, working with experienced counsel is important.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Family Law Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each family law matter by first understanding the client’s goals, whether that involves negotiating a separation agreement, litigating custody and support, or protecting assets in a high‑net‑worth divorce. They are familiar with Virginia’s statutory framework and with the procedures of the circuit and juvenile courts across the state. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), the legislation that revised Virginia’s equitable distribution statute—a perspective that informs the firm’s work in property division cases.
The team works to resolve disputes through negotiation and mediated settlement where possible, always preparing each case as though it will proceed to trial. Because family law matters can evolve—a temporary custody order may need modification, a support obligation may change with a job loss—the firm remains available to clients after an initial order is entered, assisting with post‑decree modifications and enforcement.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His legislative experience includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635. Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring experience in family law litigation, negotiation, and trial advocacy. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved over 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does divorce work in Virginia?
Virginia law allows divorce on no-fault or fault grounds, with specific separation periods. A no‑fault divorce may be obtained after six months of separation if the parties have no minor children and have signed a separation agreement, or after one year of separation in all other cases. Fault grounds, such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion, do not require a waiting period. The Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce; a Complaint must be filed, and the case proceeds through discovery, possible mediation, and trial if a settlement is not reached.
What is equitable distribution in Virginia?
Virginia courts divide marital property equitably, not necessarily equally. The court first classifies assets as marital, separate, or hybrid, then values them and distributes the marital share after considering eleven statutory factors, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions to the family, and the circumstances that led to the end of the marriage. Separate property—assets owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance—is generally excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Virginia?
Virginia courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, considering ten statutory factors. These factors include the age and physical condition of the child, the relationship between the child and each parent, the role each parent has played in the child’s upbringing, and any history of family abuse. The court may order joint physical custody, joint legal custody, sole custody, or a combination. Custody orders can be modified if there has been a material change in circumstances.
Do I need a lawyer for a Virginia family law matter?
While you are not required to have a lawyer, family law cases involve complex legal and financial issues that benefit from experienced counsel. Even in an uncontested divorce, errors in property classification or support calculations can have lasting effects. In contested custody or support proceedings, having an attorney who understands local court practices and evidence rules can make a substantial difference. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can I get spousal support in Virginia?
Spousal support may be awarded based on factors including the length of the marriage, each party’s income, and contributions to the family. Virginia courts consider thirteen statutory factors, such as the earning capacity of each spouse, the standard of living during the marriage, and each party’s age and health. Support may be temporary (pendente lite) while the divorce is pending or permanent, and it can be modified if circumstances change substantially. A court may also award a lump sum or rehabilitative support.
Related pages: Virginia Divorce Representation | Virginia Child Custody Counsel | Virginia Spousal Support Guidance | Virginia Property Division Assistance
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.