Family Law Lawyer Arlington County, VA

You’re at the kitchen table in your Arlington apartment, going over a separation agreement. The terms seem fair, but you’re not sure if the custody schedule truly protects your relationship with your kids. Maybe you’re the one who was served with divorce papers, and your mind is racing with questions about property, support, and what the next few months will look like. Family law matters don’t come with a playbook, and the Arlington County courts can feel like an intimidating maze. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a practical, client-focused approach to these exact situations. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

How a Family Law Attorney Can Help You

In any divorce, custody battle, or support dispute, a lawyer does more than fill out forms. They help you see the big picture—balancing the legal strategy with what’s best for your family in the long run. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel are experienced in the full range of Virginia family law, including contested and uncontested divorce, equitable distribution, child custody and visitation, spousal support, and child support modifications. They can negotiate a separation agreement that avoids prolonged litigation or, if a trial is necessary, present your case effectively in the Arlington County Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

One of the most valuable things an attorney brings to the table is perspective. You may feel pressured to settle quickly to get the process over with, but a misguided agreement can cause problems for years. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients evaluate offers, understand what a judge is likely to order, and push for an outcome that protects their rights. They also handle emergency custody petitions, protective orders, and contempt/enforcement actions when the other parent isn’t following a court order. Wherever you are in the family law process, having an attorney on your side means you don’t have to face the system alone.

What to Expect from the Family Court Process in Arlington

Arlington County family law matters are heard in two courts. The Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective order cases. The Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorces, equitable distribution of property, and spousal support. If you have children and are getting divorced, custody and support will typically be decided as part of the divorce case in Circuit Court, though some initial temporary hearings may be in the J&DR court.

The divorce process starts with filing a Complaint in the Circuit Court. If the divorce is uncontested—meaning both parties agree on all issues—the case can move relatively quickly after the required separation period is met. If there are disputes over custody, property division, or support, the court may schedule multiple hearings, allow discovery, and possibly appoint a Guardian ad Litem to represent the children’s interests. Mediation is sometimes used to settle disagreements without a full trial. Throughout, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel guide clients through each step, explaining what to expect and making sure deadlines are met.

Possible Resolutions in Family Law Matters

Most family law cases in Arlington resolve without a final trial. A settlement agreement—often called a Property Settlement Agreement or Separation Agreement—can cover everything from who keeps the house to a detailed parenting plan. When both sides sign off, the judge reviews the agreement and, if it’s fair and voluntary, incorporates it into the final divorce decree. That avoids the stress, cost, and unpredictability of trial.

If a full agreement isn’t possible, the judge will decide the contested issues. In a divorce trial, the court applies Virginia’s equitable distribution law to divide marital property fairly—not necessarily equally—and determines child custody based on the best interests of the child, considering ten statutory factors. Spousal support is decided based on the financial need of one spouse and the ability of the other to pay, along with several other factors outlined in Virginia Code § 20-107.1. No matter which path a case takes, the goal is a resolution that provides stability and clarity for the future.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris founded the firm in 1997 and has been serving clients in Virginia family law matters ever since. He is a former prosecutor with experience in trial work, and his background gives him a thorough understanding of courtroom dynamics and case strategy. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that updated the equitable distribution statute affecting retirement plan division in divorces. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys collaborate with Mr. Sris on family law cases, bringing their own extensive courtroom experience to each matter. They appear regularly in the Arlington County courts and are familiar with the procedures and expectations of the local bench. When you work with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., you get the focused attention of an experienced legal team that understands both the law and the human side of family disputes. For a full statutory breakdown of Virginia divorce and custody law, see our comprehensive analysis on srislawyer.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Arlington County

Do I need a lawyer for a simple uncontested divorce?

Even in an uncontested divorce, hiring a lawyer helps ensure that your separation agreement is legally sound and that your rights are protected. A simple oversight in a property settlement can create problems later—especially with retirement accounts, real estate titles, or tax consequences. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can draft or review the agreement, file all necessary documents, and represent you at the final hearing so the judge can enter the decree without delays.

How is child custody decided in Arlington County?

Virginia judges decide custody based on the best interests of the child using ten statutory factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child and the child’s needs. The court looks at the role each parent has played in the child’s life, their willingness to support the other parent’s relationship with the child, and any history of abuse. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases, but if custody is part of a divorce, the Circuit Court will make the final decision.

What property is divided in a Virginia divorce?

Virginia is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly but not always equally. Marital property includes most assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Separate property—such as premarital assets, inheritances, and gifts from third parties—generally stays with the original owner. The court considers eleven factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to decide how to divide marital assets and whether to award spousal support.

Can a family law case be settled without going to court?

Yes, many family law cases in Arlington resolve through negotiated settlements or mediation without a trial. If both spouses can agree on the division of assets, custody, and support, they can sign a separation agreement. The judge will then review and approve it, finalizing the divorce without contested hearings. Even when emotions run high, a skilled attorney can often help the parties reach a compromise that spares everyone the uncertainty of litigation.

How do I start a divorce or custody case in Arlington County?

The first step is to consult an attorney who can evaluate your situation and explain your options under Virginia law. If you decide to move forward, your lawyer will prepare and file the appropriate document—typically a Complaint for divorce in the Arlington County Circuit Court, or a petition for custody in the J&DR Court. The other party must then be served. From there, temporary orders for support, custody, or use of the family home may be put in place while the case proceeds.

Request a Consultation

Family law matters can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle them on your own. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel. We represent clients throughout Arlington, including Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Crystal City, and Pentagon City. Consultations are by appointment.

Outbound primary sources: Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) | Arlington County Circuit Court

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