Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Arlington County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. The firm has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault separation periods of 6 months (no minor children with agreement) or 1 year. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property, considering 11 factors for a fair division. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the best interests of the child standard for custody determinations.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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 discuss your family law matter, review documents, and develop a strategy.
- File the necessary petition (divorce, custody, support) at Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court with the required filing fees.
- Exchange financial disclosures, conduct depositions if needed, and gather evidence related to assets, income, and parenting roles.
- Participate in settlement conferences or mediation to attempt to resolve issues without a trial.
- Prepare for trial by organizing evidence, preparing witnesses, and developing arguments for equitable distribution, custody, or support.
- Address any post-trial motions, appeals, or enforcement actions if court orders are not followed.
Family Law Procedures and Requirements
In Arlington County, family law matters follow specific procedures with associated costs and timelines set by Virginia statute.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Typical Timeline | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | ~$86 | 2-4 months | 6-month/1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | ~$86 + costs | 9-18 months | Fault or no-fault grounds |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | Varies | 3-12 months | Best interests of child |
| Child Support | J&DR Court | Varies | 1-3 months | Virginia guidelines |
| Equitable Distribution | Circuit Court | ~$86 + costs | 12-24 months | 11 statutory factors |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development. This amendment directly affects how marital property is divided in Arlington County divorces.
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 Case Experience
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 divorce, custody, support, and property division matters resolved through settlement, mediation, or trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Attorney
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of 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 Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. For family law assistance in nearby Alexandria, 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 Mr. Sris on his attorney profile page.
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.