Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The court considers contributions, duration of marriage, and economic circumstances.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases. The firm’s deep understanding of Virginia’s equitable distribution system comes from direct involvement in shaping the statute.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve issues without trial.
- File initial pleadings at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office with required fees.
- Serve the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend initial hearing for temporary orders regarding support and custody.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through mediation or negotiation.
- Proceed to trial if settlement fails for judge’s decision on all issues.
Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries court filing fees starting at approximately $86, with total costs varying based on case complexity and whether matters are contested.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86+ | Process server: $50-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business valuation cases | 12-24 months | $86+ | Forensic accountant: $2,000-$10,000+ |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. The firm’s tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to family law matters.
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 divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters resolved through settlement or trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County, we provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 with 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 Services
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria family law cases. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense matters and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.