Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris) requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault filings; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Arlington County divorce, custody, and support cases are heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) and the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to 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. The 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: File a divorce or custody complaint at the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse or the other parent by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence for equitable distribution and support calculations.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before an Arlington County Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court-ordered outcomes rather than penalties, with equitable distribution of marital property and child support based on Virginia guidelines.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney costs |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Established at hearing | Filing fees |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies by complexity | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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). The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in Arlington County. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of each client’s situation.
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 dismissals, favorable settlements, and court rulings in divorce, custody, and support matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via major highways. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
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 defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.