Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris), requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault cases; 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 property division matters.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Arlington County cases are filed at the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, while the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support issues.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. His personal amendment to Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates direct involvement in shaping Virginia’s equitable distribution law.
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures are available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing, and a signed separation agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- File initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a pendente lite motion. Hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Complex cases may require business valuation or forensic accounting.
- Attempt settlement: Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. A signed separation agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific court costs and timelines: uncontested cases take 2-4 months, contested cases 9-18 months, and complex property division cases 12-24 months to resolve.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing, motion fees | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing, experienced fees | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings unique qualifications to Arlington County family law cases. Founded in 1997, the firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing direct insight into how courts interpret and apply these laws. This amendment experience, combined with 4,739+ firm-wide case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, establishes substantial authority in Virginia family law matters.
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 successful divorce settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and equitable property division outcomes in Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer services. For other legal needs in Arlington County, we also provide criminal defense representation and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.