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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended § 20-107.3, giving our firm unique insight into Virginia’s property division laws.
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 Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, 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.
- Initial Filing: File a complaint for divorce or petition for custody/support with the appropriate Arlington County court, paying the filing fee.
- Service of Process: Have the other party served with the legal papers by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Discovery Period: Exchange financial affidavits, documents, and respond to interrogatories. Virginia requires full financial disclosure.
- Settlement Negotiation: Attempt to reach agreement through negotiation, mediation, or settlement conference to avoid trial.
- Court Hearings: Attend pendente lite (temporary) hearings if needed, then final hearing or trial if settlement isn’t reached.
- Final Order: The judge signs a final decree of divorce or order resolving all issues.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month/1-year separation + agreement | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 + service |
| Contested Divorce | Disputed issues require court decision | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Arlington J&DR Court | Varies | ~$86 |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Arlington J&DR Court | Establishment hearing | ~$86 |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property | Arlington Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex | Included in divorce |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Family Law Experience
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in Arlington County. We focus on case-specific approaches for divorce, custody, and property division.
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 across all practice areas in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful resolutions in contested divorces, custody modifications, and complex property division cases.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
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.
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.
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). 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.
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 throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law assistance in nearby Alexandria, see our Alexandria City Family Law Lawyer page. In Arlington County, we also handle Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.