Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at the Arlington County Circuit Court; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise (Va. Code § 20-91). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3—a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file a Complaint for Divorce or other appropriate pleading with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The complaint is served on your spouse, who has 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, a separation agreement may be submitted.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates terms for property division, support, and custody, often using mediation.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders if needed. For uncontested cases, a final hearing is scheduled. The judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law involves specific procedures and standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, or desertion.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Court / Timeline | Potential Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (Separation) | Arlington Circuit Court; 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | Arlington Circuit Court; 9-18 months | Fees + possible experienced costs (e.g., business valuator) |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on income | Arlington J&DR or Circuit Court | Monthly payments per VA guidelines |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property | Arlington Circuit Court | Division of assets/debts; valuation costs |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. Our tagline is “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
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 cases involving divorce, child custody, and property division.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Service
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the Arlington County Courthouse area. We serve 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; pendente lite motion: additional court costs.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, see our Alexandria family law lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider criminal defense or DUI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.