Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This direct legislative experience provides unique insight into the application of these laws in Arlington County courts.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Arlington County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to 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 at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. Arlington County 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 discuss your specific family law situation, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- Filing the appropriate petition: File the necessary petition (divorce, custody, support) at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) with the required filing fee.
- Discovery and evidence gathering: Exchange financial disclosures, conduct depositions if needed, and gather evidence related to assets, income, and parenting arrangements.
- Negotiation or mediation: Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- Court hearings and trial preparation: Attend scheduled court hearings for temporary orders and, if settlement fails, prepare for trial before an Arlington County Circuit Court judge.
- Final order and post-judgment matters: Obtain the final court order (decree) and address any post-judgment enforcement or modification needs as circumstances change.
Arlington County Family Law Procedures & Potential Outcomes
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes based on Virginia statutes and local court rules.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service | 6-month/1-year separation, signed agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney + possible experienced | Grounds, assets, children, settlement attempts |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Filing + possible GAL ($500-$2,500+) | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital property division | 12-24 months if complex | Filing + possible forensic accountant | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Support | Guidelines calculation | Established at hearing | Filing fee | Combined gross income, custody arrangement |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials & Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, is a former prosecutor who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide.
In Arlington County, we have 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. Our attorneys are familiar with the procedures and personnel at Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
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 Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. These results include successful divorce settlements, favorable custody arrangements, appropriate support orders, and equitable property division outcomes.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via major local routes.
We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, Shirlington and surrounding communities.
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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, see our Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, 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.