In Fauquier County, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 documented case results in Fauquier County. A Permanent Alimony Lawyer Fauquier County can help you understand spousal support options.
Under Virginia law, spousal support (alimony) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, which lists 13 factors the court considers. Permanent alimony, also called indefinite spousal support, may be awarded when a spouse cannot become self-supporting due to age, disability, or other circumstances. A Permanent Alimony Lawyer Fauquier County can explain how these factors apply to your case. The court may order long-term spousal maintenance for marriages lasting 15 years or more, especially when one spouse sacrificed career opportunities for the family. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving him unique insight into Virginia family law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Fauquier County court information, see the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a complaint for divorce at Fauquier County Circuit Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary spousal support if needed.
- Attend mediation to attempt settlement of support issues.
- If no settlement, attend a hearing where the court applies the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
- Receive a final decree of divorce with spousal support terms.
In Fauquier County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property and spousal support determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Issue | Classification | Duration | Cost Range | Impact | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | 6-month separation required | Signed separation agreement needed |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | 1-year separation if minor children | May require Guardian ad Litem |
| Spousal Support | Equitable | Indefinite or limited | Varies by income | 13 factors considered | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
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 legal experience and has documented 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, a credential that provides unique authority in family law matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law cases in Fauquier County. His background as a former prosecutor and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provide unique insight into Virginia family law.
In Fauquier County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 30 miles from Fauquier County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 29. A Permanent Alimony Lawyer Fauquier County is available to assist clients near Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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: 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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Fauquier County, Virginia?
It depends. 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. Additional costs may include forensic accountants for business valuation.
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). Fauquier County Circuit Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Custody in Fauquier 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. Fauquier County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Fauquier County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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 Fauquier County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Can I get permanent alimony in Fauquier County?
Yes. Permanent alimony, also called indefinite spousal support, may be awarded when a spouse cannot become self-supporting due to age, disability, or other circumstances. The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Marriages lasting 15 years or more often result in long-term spousal maintenance. A Permanent Alimony Lawyer Fauquier County can evaluate your case.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also our Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer and Prince William County Family Law Lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Fauquier County, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer Fauquier County and DUI/DWI Lawyer Fauquier County pages.
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.