Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Arlington County cases are heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support issues.
Key statutes 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. in 1997 with a former prosecutor background, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into this critical statute.
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 website). For Arlington County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Procedure
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. 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.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Serve the other party and await response: The complaint must be served on your spouse. They have 21 days to file an answer. If uncontested, you may proceed to final hearing after the separation period.
- Attend pendente lite hearings if needed: For temporary support or custody matters, attend pendente lite hearings typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Negotiate settlement or proceed to trial: Attempt to reach a property settlement agreement. If agreement is not possible, the case will proceed to trial before a judge.
- Obtain final decree: Once all issues are resolved, the court will issue a final decree of divorce, officially ending the marriage.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system—marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Potential Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation. Fault: adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction. | Uncontested: 2-4 months. Contested: 9-18 months. Complex: 12-24 months. | Court filing: ~$86. Service: ~$12-$100. GAL: $500-$2,500+. |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors). | Determined during divorce proceeding. | Business valuation: $2,500-$10,000+. Forensic accountant: $200-$400/hour. |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3). | Pendente lite hearing: 21-60 days. Final: follows divorce timeline. | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour. |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income and custody arrangement. | Establishment/modification: 30-90 days after filing. | Court filing fees apply. Income withholding setup may involve employer costs. |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. | Temporary: pendente lite hearing. Final: divorce decree. | Court costs for motions. Potential tax implications. |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law matters. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to Arlington County cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our team with unparalleled insight into this critical area of law.
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 divorces with complex property division, child custody arrangements, and support modifications handled in Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Service
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 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 Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia family law hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, see our Alexandria family law attorney page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI attorney. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.