Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
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 Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is based on specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Arlington County courts apply these laws to local cases.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. This means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, based on 11 statutory factors. For divorce, Virginia allows no-fault grounds after a 6-month separation (with a signed agreement and no minor children) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more (Va. Code § 20-91). Child custody decisions are made based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which lists 10 factors for the court to consider.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, refer to these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – Official Virginia family law statutes from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Arlington County General District Court Website – Official court information, forms, and procedures.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County follow specific local procedures. Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) 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.
- Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Document Gathering and Financial Disclosure: Collect all relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, property deeds, retirement account statements, and information about children.
- Filing the Complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney will prepare and file the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) at the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response Period: The complaint is served on the other party, who then has 21 days to file an Answer. Negotiation or mediation may occur during this period.
- Discovery and Pendente Lite Hearings: Both sides exchange information through discovery. If needed, temporary hearings for support or custody (pendente lite) are scheduled.
- Settlement or Trial: The case may settle through negotiation or mediation. If not, it proceeds to trial before a judge at Arlington County Circuit Court for a final decision.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific costs, timelines, and legal standards rather than criminal penalties.
| Matter | Classification | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + discovery costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-asset divorce | 12-24 months | Filing fees + experienced fees ($500-$2,500+) | Business valuation, retirement assets |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best interests determination | 3-9 months | J&DR filing fees | Guardian ad Litem may be appointed |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials and Local 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 amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our Arlington County family law practice direct insight into this critical area of law. Our tagline reflects our approach: 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 for these matters. These results include divorces resolved through settlement, favorable custody arrangements, and successful equitable distribution outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, accessible to residents of 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
Explore more legal information:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub – Overview of family law across Virginia.
- Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer – Family law information for neighboring Alexandria.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Arlington.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our Of Counsel attorney.
Last verification: February 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.