Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
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 based on best interests of the child), 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 rather than a strict 50/50 split.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County are heard in two courts: the Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support; the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your specific family law situation, goals, and legal options.
- Document gathering and financial disclosure: Collect all relevant documents, including financial records, property deeds, and any existing agreements. Virginia requires full financial disclosure.
- Filing the appropriate pleadings: Your attorney will file the necessary complaint for divorce, petition for custody, or other pleadings with the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Negotiation and settlement discussions: Engage in settlement negotiations, mediation, or collaborative law processes to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody outside of trial.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend any required court hearings for temporary orders, and proceed to trial if a settlement cannot be reached, culminating in a final court order.
Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution standard for property division and statutory guidelines for support, with no-fault divorce available after a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | No-fault after separation period | 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Court fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | Varies with complexity | Division of marital assets/debts |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Established at filing | Monthly payments based on combined income |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Can be temporary or permanent | Monthly payments, duration varies |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our Arlington County clients with representation grounded in deep statutory understanding. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of Virginia family law.
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
Documented 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 for family law matters we have handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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). 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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria. If you need assistance with other matters, see our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer pages. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.