Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws 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. We provide full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters in Arlington County Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. The court divides marital property fairly under Va. Code § 20-107.3, considering 11 statutory factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) — official Virginia General Assembly statutes.
- Arlington County General District Court website — court information, forms, and procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
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 review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File a divorce complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court (fee: ~$86). Serve your spouse through sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- If temporary support or custody is needed, file a pendente lite motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody.
- Attend the final uncontested hearing with a corroborating witness, or proceed to trial if contested. The court enters the final decree of divorce.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court costs, attorney fees, and potential support obligations rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + trial costs | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Arlington J&DR Court |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis | 12-24 months if complex | Business valuation: $2,500-$10,000+ | Arlington Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
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, giving our Arlington County family law practice direct insight into this critical law.
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 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. These results include divorces, custody modifications, and support enforcement matters handled in Arlington County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County courts, accessible via major highways. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse for clients in 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — state-wide hub page.
- Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — firm attorney.
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.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.