Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests standard), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia General Assembly statutes.
- Arlington County General District Court – Official court website with forms and procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. 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 for divorce, custody, or support at the court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons via sheriff, private process server, or authorized adult.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary orders, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing.
- Complete discovery, exchanging financial documents through interrogatories and requests for production.
- Attempt settlement or mediation to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial before a judge if settlement negotiations fail.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and custody determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court | Civil/Criminal | Up to 10 days | Up to $250 | Attorney’s fees, enforcement actions |
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil Contempt | Possible jail until purge | Court costs | License suspension, tax intercept |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Authority and Experience
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing unique insight into property division cases. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Case Results in Arlington County
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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and 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 and mediation.
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 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Alexandria.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Arlington.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
- Arlington, VA Law Location – Our Arlington office location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.