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, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault grounds; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means 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. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation and fault-based reasons like adultery or cruelty.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, refer to the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) to establish jurisdiction.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief; hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to attempt settlement before trial.
- Proceed to final hearing or trial: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to a final hearing before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and potential spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | 6-month/1-year separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + motion fees | Adultery, cruelty, desertion grounds |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-asset divorce | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Business valuation, retirement assets |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
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 and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law.
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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent clients 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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need other legal services, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. 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.