Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support cases at the Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes that govern divorce, property division, and child-related matters. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and forms are available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process, which may include depositions and interrogatories.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | Arlington Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing, discovery, possible trial | Arlington Circuit |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business/retirement assets | 12-24 months | $86+ filing, forensic experts, valuation | Arlington Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Arlington J&DR |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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). 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.
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 Arlington County courts. We represent clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County. 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, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.