Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia family law statutes define divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support obligations. The legal framework is established in the Code of Virginia, with key sections including § 20-91 for divorce grounds and § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia divorce statutes, refer to the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County family law cases are filed at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Procedure
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 the initial complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody orders are needed. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation. Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Consider mediation to resolve issues without trial, though it’s not mandatory in Virginia.
- Prepare for the final hearing if settlement isn’t reached. Present evidence on equitable distribution, support, and custody to the judge.
- Obtain the final decree. The judge issues a final divorce decree addressing all matters. The decree becomes effective immediately unless appealed.
Virginia Divorce Penalties and Requirements
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific separation requirements: 6-month separation for no-fault without minor children, or 1-year separation with minor children.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce (no minor children) | 6-month separation + signed agreement | 2-4 months uncontested | $86 filing + $12 service | One corroborating witness |
| No-Fault Divorce (with minor children) | 1-year separation | 9-18 months contested | $86 filing + process server fees | Child support calculation required |
| Fault Divorce (adultery) | No waiting period | Varies by complexity | $86 filing + additional motion fees | Clear and convincing evidence |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced witness fees | Forensic accountant often needed |
Results may vary based on specific case facts and court decisions.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our team brings substantial knowledge to Arlington County family law matters. Our approach focuses on case-specific strategies rather than standardized solutions.
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. These results include divorces with complex property division, child custody disputes, and support modifications handled at Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary based on specific case facts and court decisions.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via major local highways. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse for clients in 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.
Virginia Family Law Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need other legal services in Arlington County, consider our criminal defense attorney or DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.