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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and complex property division. By appointment only.
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), and § 20-124.2 (custody). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory framework to build cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia General Assembly statutes.
- Arlington County General District Court – Official court website for case information and procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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 review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a property settlement agreement covering asset division, support, and custody if children are involved.
- Court Proceedings: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders if needed. If no agreement is reached, prepare for trial on contested issues like equitable distribution or custody.
- Final Decree: Present the signed settlement agreement to the court for approval in an uncontested case, or proceed to trial for a judge’s decision. Obtain the final divorce decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not criminal penalties. Financial and custodial outcomes are determined by Virginia statutes.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month or 1-year separation | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-24 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Arlington J&DR Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Arlington J&DR Court | Established at hearing |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Arlington Circuit Court | Determined at trial or agreement |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm 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. This direct legislative experience provides a deep understanding of Virginia 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
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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. 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 Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Serving neighboring Alexandria City.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Arlington.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
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.