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, and complex property division. Our Arlington location is by appointment only.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law in Arlington County, Virginia, is defined by state statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to these matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court procedures and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case specifics. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file the divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a property settlement and support agreement, potentially using mediation.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required pendente lite or final hearings. For uncontested cases, a brief hearing is held. The judge signs the final decree of divorce.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and potential spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact / Consequence | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault-based | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital property & debts | Separate property excluded; business valuation common |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline calculation | Monthly payment based on combined income | Deviations possible for special circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13-factor analysis (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent monetary award | Duration and amount vary widely |
| Contempt for Non-Payment | Civil or Criminal Contempt | Fines, wage garnishment, jail time | Enforced by the court |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm has a documented 100% favorable outcome rate on its 115 Arlington County case results. This local experience provides a clear understanding of Arlington County Circuit Court and J&DR 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
Arlington County Case Experience
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 with complex property division, child custody agreements, and support modifications handled in Arlington County Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 is by appointment only and serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and serve the communities of 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 and mediation.
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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need other legal services in Arlington, consider our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.