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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court. Our Arlington location serves clients by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases, while Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses standalone custody and support issues.
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). Mr. Sris personally amended § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into Virginia’s property division framework. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, consult the official Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court procedures and forms, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County family law matters follow specific local procedures. The Circuit Court handles divorce and property division, while the J&DR Court addresses custody and support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, complete interrogatories, and conduct depositions if needed. This process establishes the marital estate for equitable distribution.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- Prepare for trial: If settlement fails, prepare for trial by organizing evidence, identifying witnesses, and developing legal arguments for the judge’s consideration.
- Obtain the final decree: After trial or settlement approval, the court issues a final divorce decree that addresses all issues including property division, support, and custody.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Timelines
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific filing costs and timelines based on case complexity, with equitable distribution following Virginia’s 11-factor analysis under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | 6-month/1-year separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + motion fees | Discovery, hearings, possible trial |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-asset divorce | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
| Child Custody Case | Best interests standard | 3-9 months | Filing fees + GAL costs | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
Results may vary based on case specifics, court schedules, and individual circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC.
Mr. Sris’s direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law provides unique insight into equitable distribution cases. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Northern Virginia with case-specific approaches case-specific to Arlington County Circuit Court procedures.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful resolution of complex equitable distribution cases involving business assets, retirement accounts, and high-value marital estates.
Results may vary based on case specifics, court schedules, and individual circumstances.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County courts. 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 and mediation.
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 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.
Related Virginia Family Law Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law assistance in nearby areas, see our Alexandria family law lawyer page. For other legal services in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience with family law cases.
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.