Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. 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. Our Arlington location serves clients by appointment only.
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 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.
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 Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). The Arlington County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and contact details.
Arlington County Family Court 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.
- 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 (e.g., Complaint for Divorce) with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the required filing fee.
- Service of process and response: The other party must be formally served with the legal documents. They then have a set time to file an Answer with the court.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both sides exchange relevant information (discovery). Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement on issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to court hearings, including pendente lite (temporary) hearings and potentially a final trial before a judge.
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. A contested divorce can take 9-18 months and involves additional costs for motions, discovery, and potentially a trial.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Filing fee (~$86), service fees ($12-$100) |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fees, motion costs, discovery, experienced fees |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Arlington J&DR Court | Varies | Filing fees, Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Property Division | Arlington Circuit Court | 12-24 months | Business valuation, forensic accountant fees |
Results may vary. The information above is based on typical cases and statutory guidelines. Your specific situation will determine the actual timeline and costs.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep involvement in the law itself provides a unique advantage in complex property division cases.
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 Experience 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 in your case.
Local Family Law Office in Arlington
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 is near the Arlington County courts. We serve clients in 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. All meetings are 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 a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary matters are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Arlington County Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody cases ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is usually excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers factors like each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, see our Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington, consider our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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 specific to your case.