
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. 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 is by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Arlington County divorce requires filing at the Arlington County Circuit Court located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support), and § 20-124.2 (custody). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
Arlington County Family Court Procedure
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.
- Consult with an attorney to assess your grounds for divorce and immediate needs.
- File a Complaint for Divorce with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through a sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend any pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody within 21-60 days if filed.
- Complete discovery, which may include financial disclosures, depositions, and business valuations.
- Attend mediation or settlement conference, then proceed to final hearing or trial if unresolved.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential support obligations, and equitable distribution of marital assets and debts.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | Property division, support orders |
| Child Support | Civil Obligation | Guideline-based monthly payments | Contempt for non-payment |
| Spousal Support | Civil Obligation | Court-determined based on 13 factors | Modification possible with change |
| Contempt of Court | Civil/Criminal | Fines, attorney fees, possible jail | Enforcement of court orders |
Results may vary. The information above is based on Virginia statutes and Arlington County procedures.
Virginia Family Law Experience
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. This direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law provides unique insight for clients in Arlington County.
Mr. Sris
Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney | Virginia Bar | Maryland Bar | District of Columbia Bar | New Jersey Bar | New York Bar
Former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. Personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). Background in accounting and information systems provides advantage in complex financial divorce 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
Arlington County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces with complex property division, child custody agreements, and support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact us for directions and appointment scheduling.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse. 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: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
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, which Mr. Sris personally amended.
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 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children with 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 City Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Arlington, VA Law Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from Virginia statutes and Arlington County court procedures. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
