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, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault grounds. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
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 of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 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
Arlington County Family 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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your specific family law situation, goals, and legal options.
- Collect all relevant documents, including financial records, property deeds, and any existing agreements. Full disclosure is required under Virginia law.
- Your attorney will prepare and file the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) at the Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- The complaint must be formally served on the other party, who then has time to file an answer. This initiates the formal court process.
- Both sides exchange information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement on issues like property division, support, and custody.
- If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to a trial or final hearing before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court for a decision.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Court / Timeline | Potential Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault grounds | Arlington County Circuit Court; 2-24 months | Court fees: ~$86+; Attorney fees vary |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Arlington County Circuit Court | Division of marital assets & debts |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Arlington County J&DR Court | Monthly payments based on income |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Arlington County Circuit Court | Temporary or permanent support awards |
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 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout the county.
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, and property division.
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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and 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 – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Alexandria City.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Arlington.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
- Arlington, VA Law Location – Details about our Arlington office.
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.