Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Arlington County cases are heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support.
Virginia requires a separation period before filing for no-fault divorce: 6 months with a signed separation agreement and no minor children, or 1 year with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the most current statutory language and court procedures, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) — Official Virginia General Assembly website with complete divorce statutes.
- Arlington County General District Court — Official court website with forms, fees, and local rules.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Arlington 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 initial complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody is needed, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and other evidence through formal requests, including interrogatories and depositions.
- Attempt settlement or mediation to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- Prepare for trial by organizing evidence, preparing witnesses, and developing legal arguments if settlement fails.
- Attend the final hearing where the judge will issue orders on divorce, property division, support, and custody matters.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Consequences
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific financial and legal consequences including property division, potential spousal support, child support obligations, and custody determinations under Virginia’s equitable distribution system.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair but not necessarily equal division of marital property | Determined at final hearing |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Monthly payments based on need and ability to pay | Temporary: pendente lite; Permanent: final hearing |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Monthly payments according to statutory formula | Effective from filing date |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal and physical custody arrangements | Determined at final hearing or separate custody proceeding |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, we bring substantial knowledge to Arlington County family law matters. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to family law representation.
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
Arlington County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces with complex property division, child custody determinations, and support modifications handled in Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via major Northern Virginia highways.
We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
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.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
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 include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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). Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody in Arlington 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. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Arlington 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 Arlington County Circuit Court. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Our Virginia family law hub page with statewide information.
Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer — Family law representation in neighboring Alexandria City.
Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Criminal defense representation in Arlington County.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney with extensive Virginia experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.