Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws 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 filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Arlington County cases are heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support issues.
Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct insight into its application.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For accurate legal information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – Official Virginia family law statutes
- Arlington County General District Court website – Court information, forms, and procedures
Arlington County Family Law Procedures
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.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint at the Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Serve the other party with legal documents: The complaint must be served on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearings if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend pendente lite hearings typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Participate in discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate settlement through mediation or attorney discussions to resolve property division, support, and custody.
- Final hearing or trial: Attend the final uncontested hearing if settlement is reached, or proceed to trial before an Arlington County Circuit Court judge if issues remain contested.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific requirements rather than penalties: Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault divorce; fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement, 6-month/1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + possible experienced fees | Possible pendente lite hearings, mediation |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Marital property division | 12-24 months | $86 filing + business valuation + forensic accounting | 11-factor analysis under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best interests determination | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10-factor analysis under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
Results may vary based on individual case facts and circumstances.
Family Law Experience in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. We maintain a 100% favorable outcome rate across 115 documented case results in Arlington County.
Our approach focuses on case-specific strategy rather than standardized solutions. We understand that Arlington County Circuit Court judges have particular preferences regarding evidence presentation and settlement conferences.
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 results include successful equitable distribution settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and negotiated support agreements.
Results may vary based on individual case facts and circumstances.
Family Law Representation in Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. 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 are by appointment only at our Arlington location.
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 (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.
Related Legal Resources
Explore more legal information:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law information
- Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer – Family law in neighboring Alexandria
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense in Arlington County
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about our managing attorney
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.