Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on 11 statutory factors. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific 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. 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.
- Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the Complaint or Petition: Your attorney files the appropriate pleading (divorce complaint, custody petition, etc.) with the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial documents and other relevant information. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement agreement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Final Resolution: If settlement is not reached, your case proceeds to hearings and potentially a trial before a judge at the Arlington County Courthouse for a final decision.
Penalties, Costs, and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law involves specific costs and legal standards: no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction.
| Matter | Classification | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + motion costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property Division | 12-24 months | Filing fees + experienced fees | May require business valuators, forensic accountants |
| Child Custody/Support | Best Interests of Child | Varies | Filing fees + GAL fees ($500-$2,500+) | Handled by J&DR Court; uses VA guidelines |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
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. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
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. These results include cases involving divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters resolved in Arlington County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the Arlington County Courthouse area. We serve 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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer Hub | Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer | Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile | Arlington, VA Law Location
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.