Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that define divorce grounds, 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), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct experience with the equitable distribution statute’s application in Arlington County Circuit Court.
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 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, 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 at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses 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.
- Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the complaint to your spouse. File proof of service with the court.
- If temporary support or custody is needed, file a pendente lite motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through formal discovery. This may include interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without a trial.
- If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge. The court will issue a final decree addressing all contested issues.
Divorce Penalties and Consequences
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific financial and legal consequences under Virginia’s equitable distribution system, not community property rules.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-fault Divorce | Equitable Distribution | Court filing: $86; Service: $12-$100; GAL: $500-$2,500+ | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year | Property divided fairly, not 50/50 |
| Fault Divorce (adultery) | Fault Grounds | Same court costs; potential spousal support implications | No waiting period | May affect property division and support |
| Contested Custody | Best Interests Standard | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+; Mediation: $100-$300/hour | Varies by complexity | Parenting plan required; possible relocation restrictions |
| Child Support | Guidelines Calculation | Based on combined gross income; enforcement fees apply | Monthly payments | Income withholding order; license suspension for non-payment |
Results may vary based on individual case facts and court discretion.
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 and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters. Each case outcome depends on specific facts and circumstances.
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 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (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 about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer services. In Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ backgrounds.
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.