Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
In 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 cases at the Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise (Va. Code § 20-91). Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which our attorney Mr. Sris 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 Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County follow a structured process. The Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial Filing: File the divorce complaint or custody petition at the Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) with the required filing fee.
- Service of Process: Serve the other party with the filed documents via sheriff, private process server, or certified mail as required by Virginia law.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures and other required information. Attempt to negotiate a settlement agreement on property, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings: Attend scheduled hearings for temporary orders (pendente lite), mediation sessions if ordered, and the final trial if no agreement is reached.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Arlington County, family law matters involve legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property, child support guidelines based on income, and the “best interests of the child” standard for custody.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property | Varies by asset value and contributions |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payment based on combined income and custody time | Percentage of gross income |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support payments | Based on need and ability to pay |
| Custody/Visitation | Best Interests of Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal custody, physical custody, visitation schedule | May affect child support and living arrangements |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally helped amend Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us direct insight into this critical area of family law. We maintain a 100% favorable outcome rate across 115 documented case results in Arlington County.
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, favorable settlements, and court rulings in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse for clients in 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. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in a nearby area, see our Alexandria City Family Law 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 current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.