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. By appointment only.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law matters in Arlington County are handled under Virginia state statutes. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 with a former prosecutor background, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct experience with this critical statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation and legal options.
- Your attorney files the appropriate petition at Arlington County Circuit Court and arranges for service.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody orders are needed.
- Complete financial discovery and participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation.
- Finalize your case through an uncontested hearing or proceed to trial for contested issues.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + motion fees | Possible Guardian ad Litem |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Business valuation often needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Motion fees apply | Mediation often ordered |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Family Law Experience in Arlington County
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 has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County, we have 115 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters.
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 in Arlington County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. These results include successful divorce settlements, custody agreements, and property division outcomes.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
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 in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact us for a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse.
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 Services
For more information about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby Alexandria, see our Alexandria 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.