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, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. The firm has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law in Arlington County is defined by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50.
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 brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, refer to these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – official Virginia statute.
- Arlington County General District Court website – for court forms, fees, and procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce or custody complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) formally deliver the court papers to your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach an agreement.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If no agreement is reached, the case will be set for trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves financial and custodial determinations based on equitable distribution and the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital property | Varies by asset value and statutory factors |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payment based on combined income and custody share | Obligor pays percentage of income |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support award | Amount and duration determined by court |
| Divorce Waiting Period | No-fault Separation | 6 months (no minor children) or 1 year (with minor children) | Court costs and attorney fees during process |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law cases. Founded in 1997, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in state family law.
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 for family law matters. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements in contested divorces, and successful custody modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the Crystal City, Rosslyn, and Clarendon neighborhoods.
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.
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.
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). 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.
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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Alexandria City.
Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Arlington.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more 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.