Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at the Arlington County Circuit Court; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise (Va. Code § 20-91). Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate pleading (divorce complaint, custody petition, etc.) with the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court and pays the filing fee.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange financial documents and other relevant information. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement agreement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to hearings (pendente lite, custody evaluation) and potentially a trial before a judge for a final decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law involves specific procedures and standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Typical Timeline | Potential Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault based on separation | 2-4 months | Court fees ($86+) + legal fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or contested no-fault | 9-18 months | Court fees + discovery costs + experienced fees (e.g., business valuator) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies; pendente lite hearing in 21-60 days | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (11 factors) | 12-24 months if complex | Forensic accountant: $200-$400/hour |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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. Mr. Sris personally played a key role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement with the law provides a distinct advantage in complex property division cases.
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, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via major local routes. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding neighborhoods of 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.
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; pendente lite motion: additional court costs.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Sibling locality
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current guidance regarding your specific situation.