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. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle the details of your case with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce requires a separation period: six months with no minor children and a signed agreement, or one year otherwise. The state uses an equitable distribution system for marital property under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which our managing attorney personally helped amend. Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). For court forms and procedures in Arlington County, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County are split between two courts. The Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the Complaint: Submit your divorce or custody petition to the correct Arlington County court with the filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: Have the documents formally delivered by a sheriff, process server, or accepted service.
- Complete Discovery: Exchange financial affidavits, documents, and other required information with the other side.
- Attempt Settlement: Negotiate a property settlement and parenting agreement to avoid a trial.
- Attend Hearings: Go to any temporary support or custody hearings, and a final hearing if no settlement is reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law cases involve specific legal standards: equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and custody based on the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property | Varies by asset value and debt | 11 statutory factors considered |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Monthly payment based on combined income and custody share | Ongoing obligation until emancipation | Health insurance, childcare costs added |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary, 13 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support order | Monthly payment for defined duration | Based on need and ability to pay |
| Divorce Waiting Period | No-fault Separation | 6 months (no minor children) or 1 year | Court costs and attorney fees | Fault grounds (adultery, cruelty) have no waiting period |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on general Virginia law and are not a aim for for any specific case.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our managing attorney personally helped amend Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a distinct 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 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 Service
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. 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 involving business valuation can take 12-24 months. Temporary support hearings are usually set within 21-60 days of a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, and potentially a Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) or mediation ($100-$300/hour). Total cost depends on case complexity and whether settlement is reached.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
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, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s needs. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within a divorce goes to Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and 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 Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria. If you need other legal help in Arlington, consider our criminal defense or DUI defense attorneys. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.