Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months without minor children or 1 year with children) and fault grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody decisions follow the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 Annulment) – Official Virginia divorce statutes from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Arlington County General District Court – Official court website with forms, fees, and procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial disclosures and other evidence through the formal discovery process.
- Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a settlement agreement.
- If no agreement is reached, present your case at trial before an Arlington County Circuit Court judge.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries court costs starting at $86 for filing, with additional fees for service, motions, and possible Guardian ad Litem appointments for custody cases.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Property division per agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + service + motion fees | Court-ordered property division, possible spousal support |
| Complex Divorce (business assets) | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees ($500-$2,500+) | Business valuation, forensic accounting, retirement asset division |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Custody order, parenting plan, child support |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Authority
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 firm brings substantial knowledge to Arlington County family law matters. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 represented clients in divorce, child custody, and property division matters before Arlington County Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
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 in 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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law hub page.
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Alexandria City.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense attorney in Arlington County.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about our managing attorney.
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.