Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce requires a separation period: 6 months with no minor children and a signed agreement, or 1 year with minor children. The state follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests per Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official resources: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Annulment) and the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case specifics. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Engage in the discovery process to exchange financial information. Negotiate a property settlement agreement through mediation or attorney discussions.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If no agreement is reached, prepare for trial. Once resolved, the court will enter a final decree of divorce.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes based on Virginia’s equitable distribution system and child support guidelines.
| Matter | Classification / Standard | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs | Potential trial on grounds or property |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property | 12-24 months if complex | Business valuation: $3,000-$10,000+ | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors | Determined at final hearing | Court costs for motions | Duration and amount are discretionary |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “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
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 cases resolved through dismissal, reduction of charges, or favorable settlement.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the Arlington County Courthouse area. We serve 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 ($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). Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) 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; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve Alexandria City. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.