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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division. Our Arlington location serves clients by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children (Va. Code § 20-91). Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, considering 11 factors for a fair, not necessarily equal, division. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Divorce grounds.
- Arlington County General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court addresses standalone custody and support cases. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File a Complaint for Divorce with the Circuit Court Clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days if temporary orders are needed.
- Complete financial discovery, including disclosures of assets and debts.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Proceed to trial before a judge if no agreement is reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific costs and timelines rather than criminal penalties; an uncontested divorce with an agreement takes 2-4 months, while a contested case can take 9-18 months or longer.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + attorney fees | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best Interests | Varies | Filing fees + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | J&DR Court |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing + valuation experts | Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court decisions.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorces. He personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our approach is case-specific, built on direct knowledge of Arlington County court procedures.
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
Documented 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 family law matters. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. 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 are available at (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 a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary orders is usually set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Service of process by sheriff costs around $12; a private server is $50-$100. Additional costs include pendente lite motion fees, a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within a divorce is handled by Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer – Nearby locality.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Of Counsel attorney.
- Arlington, VA Law Location – Office information.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.