Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. 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
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (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 Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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 the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary documents (divorce complaint, custody petition, etc.) with the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information and other relevant documents. Your attorney will negotiate with the other side to try to reach a settlement agreement on issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and trial preparation: If settlement is not possible, your attorney will prepare for and represent you at necessary court hearings, including pendente lite motions for temporary orders and, if needed, a final trial.
Divorce Costs and Timelines in Arlington
In Arlington County, an uncontested divorce with a signed agreement typically takes 2-4 months and costs start with an $86 filing fee, while a contested divorce can take 9-18 months with additional costs for motions, experts, and trial.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Potential Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Process server ($50-$100), agreement drafting |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Discovery, experienced witnesses (forensic accountant: $5,000+), trial costs |
| Child Custody Petition | Arlington J&DR Court | 3-8 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+), mediation ($100-$300/hr) |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Arlington Circuit Court | Hearing in 21-60 days | Additional motion fee | Attorney time for hearing preparation |
Results may vary. The information above is based on typical cases but each situation is unique.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. 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 equitable distribution.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at the 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 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Serving neighboring Alexandria City.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Arlington.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our Of Counsel attorney.
- Arlington, VA Law Location – Details about our Arlington office.
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.