Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system (Va. Code § 20-107.3) where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. No-fault divorce requires either a 6-month separation with a signed agreement and no minor children, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), 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
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County family law cases are filed at the Arlington County General District Court website for procedural information and forms.
Arlington County Family Law 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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your specific family law situation, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- File the necessary petition (divorce, custody, support) at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) with the required filing fee.
- Ensure proper service of process on the other party through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) as required by Virginia law.
- If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial documents, participate in mediation if ordered ($100-$300/hour per party), and negotiate settlement through your attorney.
- Attend the final hearing for uncontested matters or proceed to trial for contested issues before the Arlington County Circuit Court judge.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 and additional costs for service, motions, and professional evaluations.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Arlington Circuit Court | $86 | Service: $12-$100 | 2-4 months (uncontested) |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Arlington Circuit Court | Additional court costs | Hearing preparation | 21-60 days for hearing |
| Child Custody Petition | Arlington J&DR Court | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 3-6 months |
| Mediation | Court-ordered or private | N/A | $100-$300/hour per party | Varies by complexity |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Family Law Experience in Arlington County
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, our attorneys bring legislative insight and courtroom experience to Arlington County family law matters. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Northern Virginia with a focus on complex property division and custody 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
Arlington County Family Law Case 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. Our attorneys have successfully handled complex equitable distribution cases involving business valuation, retirement assets, and international property division in Arlington County Circuit Court.
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 Northern Virginia highways. We serve as your Arlington County family law lawyer near the courthouse and throughout Arlington, 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.
Related Legal Services
For full Virginia family law information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby Alexandria, see our Alexandria family law lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer services. 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.