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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children, with fault grounds including adultery and cruelty.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law matters in Arlington County are governed by specific Virginia statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes divorce grounds, while Va. Code § 20-107.3 controls equitable distribution of marital property. Child custody determinations follow Va. Code § 20-124.3’s best interests standard, and child support calculations use the Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1.
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 Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures are available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options. Bring relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, and any existing agreements.
- File the appropriate petition: Your attorney files the divorce complaint or custody petition at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400). Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are necessary, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion at Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures, participate in mediation if ordered, and negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody arrangements.
- Final hearing or trial: Attend the final uncontested hearing to present your agreement to the judge, or proceed to trial if issues remain contested at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific filing requirements and timelines: 6-month separation for no-fault without minor children or 1-year separation with minor children, with fault grounds including adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Court | Filing Fee | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | Arlington County Circuit Court | $86 + service fees | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | Arlington County Circuit Court | $86 + motion fees | 9-18 months |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property division | Arlington County Circuit Court | $86 + experienced fees | 12-24 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests determination | Arlington County J&DR Court | Varies | 3-9 months |
Results may vary based on case specifics, court schedules, and negotiation outcomes.
Firm Credentials and 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). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, we bring substantial knowledge to Arlington County family law matters. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Northern Virginia.
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 at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia family law hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer services. For other legal needs in Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.