Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Our Arlington location is by appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law in Arlington County is primarily handled by the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-107.3 for property division, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris, and Va. Code § 20-124.3 for determining child custody based on the child’s best interests.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Initial Consultation & Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney prepares and files a Complaint for Divorce with the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint is served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Negotiate or Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: Attempt to negotiate a settlement. If temporary support or custody is needed, file a pendente lite motion; hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Discovery & Mediation: Exchange financial information. The court may order or parties may voluntarily attend mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
- Final Hearing or Trial: If an agreement is reached, a final uncontested hearing is scheduled. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
Penalties, Timelines, and Costs
In Arlington County, family law involves specific procedures rather than penalties. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement takes 2-4 months, while a contested divorce can take 9-18 months.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Court Costs | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault (Separation) | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + motion fees | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-Asset Divorce | 12-24 months | Filing fees + experienced costs | May require forensic accountants |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best Interests Determination | Varies | Filing fees + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Handled by J&DR Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Arlington County
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. Our approach is case-specific, built on deep local court experience.
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 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 for these matters. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and reductions in contested issues.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All 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 ($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 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
For more information, see our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated from court records and statutes. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.