Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at the Arlington County Circuit Court; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is governed by specific state codes. Divorce requires grounds under Va. Code § 20-91, such as a 6-month or 1-year separation. Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. Child custody and support are determined under Va. Code §§ 20-124.2 and 20-108.1, focusing on the child’s best interests.
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 Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, 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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve issues without trial.
- 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.
- Document gathering and financial disclosure: Collect all relevant documents, including financial records, property deeds, and any existing agreements. Full disclosure is required under Virginia law.
- Filing the complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court: 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.
- Service of process and response period: The complaint must be served on the other party, who then has 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, both parties may sign a separation agreement.
- Discovery and negotiation: The discovery process exchanges information. Negotiation or mediation may occur to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Trial or final hearing: If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to a trial or final hearing before a judge at Arlington County Circuit Court to decide all contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law involves equitable distribution of property, not penalties, with outcomes based on statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome / Consequence | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault Grounds | Dissolution of marriage | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property | Varies by asset value; business valuation costs: $2,500+ |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support orders | Monthly payments based on need and ability to pay |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Guardian ad Litem fees: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly support obligation | Calculated per state formula |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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 played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement with the law provides a deep understanding of property division for Arlington County clients.
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 successful resolutions in divorce, custody, and support matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Lawyer
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via major local routes. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding neighborhoods of 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 Services
For more information on family law across Virginia, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer services. In Arlington County, we also assist with criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about your attorney on the Mr. Sris profile page.
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.