Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system 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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters in Arlington County Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – official Virginia statute
- Arlington County General District Court website – court information and forms
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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 a Complaint for Divorce with Arlington County Circuit Court (filing fee: approximately $86).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody within 21-60 days if requested.
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and property valuation.
- Attend mediation if ordered or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Final hearing before a judge for decree entry (uncontested) or trial (contested).
Virginia Divorce Requirements and Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific separation requirements and court costs that vary by case complexity.
| Ground | Separation Period | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-fault (no minor children) | 6 months | $86 | Service fees: $12-$100 |
| No-fault (with minor children) | 1 year | $86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Adultery | No waiting period | $86 | Evidence gathering costs |
| Cruelty/Desertion | 1 year | $86 | Witness testimony preparation |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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
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.
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.
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. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody 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 cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children with 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.
Arlington County Family Law Results
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 family law matters. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via major highways. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County. 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
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – state hub page
- Alexandria Family Law Lawyer – nearby locality
- Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer – related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – attorney information
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.