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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if there are 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.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia divorce statutes from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Arlington County General District Court – Official court website for Arlington County, Virginia.
Arlington County Family Law Court Process
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.
- File initial pleadings at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office.
- Serve the complaint and summons on the other party.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders if needed.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange.
- Attempt settlement through mediation.
- Proceed to trial before a judge if settlement fails.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court costs, not criminal penalties. Divorce filing fees start at approximately $86, with additional costs for service, motions, and possible Guardian ad Litem appointments.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service fees ($12-$100) |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Discovery, experienced witnesses, trial costs |
| Child Custody | Arlington J&DR Court | 3-12 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Support Modification | Arlington J&DR Court | 2-6 months | ~$86 | Income verification costs |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into this critical area of family 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 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 firm handles divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location is near Arlington County courts, accessible via major highways. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of 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.
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 Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our Virginia family law hub page.
- Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Alexandria.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense attorney in Arlington County.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
- Arlington, VA Law Location – Our Arlington office location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from Virginia statutes and Arlington County court procedures. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.