Special proceedings in Arlington County, Virginia, are governed by Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) and include divorce, custody, support, and protective order matters. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. You need a Special Proceedings Lawyer Arlington County who understands the local courts and procedures.
Special Proceedings Lawyer Arlington County, Virginia
Special proceedings in Virginia family law are legal actions that are not ordinary civil lawsuits but are governed by specific statutes under Va. Code Title 20. These include divorce (Va. Code § 20-91), equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3), child custody (Va. Code § 20-124.2), child support (Va. Code § 20-108.1), and spousal support (Va. Code § 20-107.1). In Arlington County, these matters are heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and in the Arlington County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court for custody, support, and protective orders. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly — official site for Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court rules and procedures, see the Arlington County Circuit Court official site.
In Arlington County Circuit Court, prosecutors and family court judges routinely expect parties to have a signed property settlement agreement before the final divorce hearing. In our experience defending family law cases in Arlington, failing to have a separation agreement can significantly delay the process.
- Identify the type of special proceeding (divorce, custody, support, or protective order).
- File the appropriate motion or petition at the correct court.
- Serve the other party with the filed documents.
- Attend all scheduled court hearings.
- Obtain a final order from the court.
In Arlington County, family law special proceedings carry a range of outcomes from no-fault divorce after a separation period to fault-based grounds with specific legal standards.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-fault divorce (6-month separation) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Division of marital property |
| No-fault divorce (1-year separation) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Division of marital property |
| Fault divorce (adultery) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | May affect spousal support |
| Fault divorce (cruelty) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | May affect spousal support |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. The firm has 115 documented case results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Our location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 is approximately 0.5 miles from the Arlington County Circuit Court, with access via I-395 and US-50. Serving the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Proceedings in Arlington County
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Arlington County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Arlington County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution… High-asset or international-element cases can extend longer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
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). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Arlington County General District Court.
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 experienced 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. 115 total documented case results across all practice areas (favorable outcome in all reported instances)
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; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against special proceedings charges?
Defense strategies for special proceedings in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under See Family Law general statutes — verify specific section for Special Proceedings to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing special proceedings charges in Virginia?
If facing special proceedings charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
What are the penalties for special proceedings in Virginia?
Penalties for special proceedings in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under See Family Law general statutes — verify specific section for Special Proceedings, consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia family law attorney for case-specific guidance.
Learn more about our services: family law Lawyer VA. Explore related pages: Separation Lawyer Madison County, Separation Agreement Lawyer Fauquier County, Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Orange County, Marital Settlement Agreement Lawyer Prince William County. Also see: Assault Lawyer Arlington County, Grand Larceny Lawyer Arlington County, Felony Theft Lawyer Arlington County.
Last verified: May 2026