In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases follow equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Guardianship Lawyer Arlington County can help protect your family’s future.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 when dividing assets. A legal guardian petition lawyer Arlington County can assist with guardianship matters for children or incapacitated adults. For divorce, Virginia requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
For official legal references, consult Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Arlington County General District Court website.
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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a complaint for divorce or petition for custody/support at the appropriate Arlington County court.
- Serve the other party with legal papers through sheriff service or private process server.
- Exchange financial disclosures and relevant documents within 21 days of the initial hearing.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary orders on support, custody, and use of property.
- Participate in mediation if ordered by the court or agreed upon by both parties.
- Proceed to final hearing or trial if settlement is not reached through negotiation or mediation.
In Arlington County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and support calculations under Virginia law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Statute | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | Arlington County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 | Corroborating witness required for uncontested divorce |
| Divorce (Fault) | Adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year) | Varies by grounds | Arlington County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 | No waiting period for adultery; desertion requires 1 year |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | 3-6 months (contested) | Arlington County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Guardian ad Litem may be appointed for contested cases |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child emancipates | Arlington County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Modification available for material change in circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Duration varies | Arlington County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Modification available for material change in circumstances |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (11 factors) | Part of divorce proceeding | Arlington County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) excluded |
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 4,739+ total documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the Virginia equitable distribution statute — a unique achievement that demonstrates deep legislative knowledge and influence in family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Arlington County, the firm has 115 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include: a domestic assault charge (Va. Code § 18.2-57.2) resolved by nolle prosequi in Arlington County J&DR Court; an assault and battery charge (Va. Code § 18.2-57.2) resolved by deferred disposition on a not guilty plea without stipulation in Arlington County J&DR Court; and an assault charge (Va. Code § 18.2-57) dismissed in Arlington County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. If you need a family law lawyer near Arlington, we serve clients throughout Arlington County. 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. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a divorce take in Arlington 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington 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.
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.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.