Arlington County Family Law Attorney — What Are Your Legal Options?
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters are governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and § 20-124.2 (custody). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under equitable distribution principles, not community property. Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Custody and visitation follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support considers 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. No-fault divorce requires 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For Arlington County court procedures, check the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Arlington County Family Law
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and protective orders.
In Arlington County, prosecutors routinely request Guardian ad Litem appointments in custody disputes involving allegations of abuse. This adds $500-$2,500+ to case costs.
- File the Complaint: File for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. Filing fee approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Sheriff service costs approximately $12; private process server $50-$100.
- File Pendente Lite Motion: For temporary support and custody, file a pendente lite motion. Hearing typically set within 21-60 days.
- Attend Mediation: Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Costs $100-$300/hour per party.
- Final Hearing: Uncontested cases finalize in 2-4 months. Contested cases take 9-18 months.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law outcomes depend on the specific legal standard applied by the court.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months from filing | $86 filing fee + $12 sheriff service | Property settlement agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + discovery costs | Forensic accounting may be needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.2 | 3-6 months for initial order | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Custody evaluation may be ordered |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child turns 18 | No additional filing fee | Modification available for changed circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arlington County Family Law Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. The firm has 4,739+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington County location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney, also leads on complex family law matters. Former prosecutor. Founded firm 1997. Personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Bar: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY.
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. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County — serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Arlington County
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. 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: 12-24 months. 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?
It depends. 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.
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. Filing fee approximately $86.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.