Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
In Arlington County, Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law in Arlington County is defined by 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 based on the child’s best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
Arlington County Family Law Court Process
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 for divorce or other family law action with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse or the other party by a sheriff, private process server, or through their attorney.
- If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process, which may include interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to try to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a judge in Arlington County Circuit Court, who will issue a final order.
Arlington County Family Law Procedures & Timelines
In Arlington County, family law follows Virginia’s equitable distribution standard; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 + service | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | Discovery & possible trial |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Arlington J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Varies | Best interests of child standard |
| Child Support | Arlington J&DR Court | 1-3 months | Varies | Based on VA guidelines & income |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Arlington Circuit Court | 12-24 months | ~$86 + experienced costs | Business valuation often needed |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. Mr. Sris, the founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law provides a distinct advantage in Arlington County cases.
Our firm’s tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to family law matters in Arlington’s unique legal environment.
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
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.
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 cases involving divorce, child custody disputes, support modifications, and complex property division.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County, Virginia
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse area.
We serve the Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington communities.
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.
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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.