Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. The primary statutes governing divorce and related matters in Arlington County 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). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 with a former prosecutor background, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into the equitable distribution process.
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 procedures and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while 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: File a divorce, custody, or support complaint at the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing scheduled by the court.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence for trial.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve the case without a trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge in Arlington County Circuit Court.
Divorce Penalties and Costs in Arlington County
In Arlington County, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs, potential spousal support, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and equitable distribution of marital assets and debts.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Other Impacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Property agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + trial costs | Court decides all issues |
| Complex Divorce (Business Assets) | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced valuation fees | Forensic accountant often needed |
| Child Custody Case | Best interests standard | 6-12 months | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Parenting plan established |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Arlington County Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law matters in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our team with direct legislative insight. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to Arlington County family court proceedings.
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 dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes in divorce, custody, and support matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Office Serving Arlington County
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse for clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 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). 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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria City. If you need other legal services in Arlington County, consider our criminal defense attorneys or DUI/DWI lawyers. Learn more about our attorneys’ backgrounds.
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.