Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. Our Arlington location serves you 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 requires meeting specific statutory grounds under Va. Code § 20-91, such as a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault cases. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody determinations use the “best interests of the child” standard in Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly Code website (Title 20). For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court official website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific Arlington County procedures that apply.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files the appropriate documents (divorce complaint, custody petition) with the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information and other evidence. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement agreement on property, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend required hearings. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before an Arlington County judge for a final decision.
Arlington County Family Law Procedures & Potential Outcomes
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court procedures and financial considerations, not criminal penalties. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months, with filing fees starting at approximately $86.
| Matter | Court / Classification | Typical Timeline | Financial Considerations | Other Impacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Filing fees: ~$86 + service costs | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fees + potential experienced costs (e.g., business valuator) | May involve pendente lite hearings for temporary orders |
| Child Custody Petition | Arlington J&DR Court | Varies | Filing fees; Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Decided based on child’s best interests |
| Equitable Distribution | Arlington Circuit Court | 12-24 months (complex) | Court divides marital property fairly per Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Separate property (pre-marriage, gifts) is excluded |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Arlington County Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into this critical area of law. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across our practice.
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 Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters we have handled. These results include successful resolutions in divorce, custody disputes, and property division cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation in Arlington
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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). 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, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need other legal services in Arlington, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyers or Arlington County DUI/DWI attorneys. Learn more about our attorneys’ backgrounds.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.