Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, under Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, lists 11 factors the court must consider. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children) per Va. Code § 20-91. Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website for Title 20, Chapter 6.1. For court-specific forms and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court official website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process, which may include interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Attempt to resolve issues through negotiation or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to avoid a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, proceed to a bench trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court to decide all contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Impact / Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault | Filing fee: ~$86; Timeline: 2-24 months | Requires legal grounds & residency |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Varies by asset complexity | Business valuation may be required |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Based on income shares model | Subject to modification |
| Spousal Support | 13-factor test (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Duration & amount case-specific | Can be modifiable or non-modifiable |
| Custody Determination | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting plan required |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on past cases and depend on the specific facts of each situation.
Firm Credentials and Authority
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. Our tagline is “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. These results include cases dismissed, charges reduced, and favorable settlements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the Arlington County Courthouse area. 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. 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need other legal services in Arlington, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.