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, personally amended by Mr. Sris; 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 is accessible for meetings by appointment only.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law matters in Arlington County are adjudicated under the Virginia Code. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings direct experience with these statutes, including Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to the equitable distribution law.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, refer to these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – Official Virginia statute.
- Arlington County General District Court Website – Court information and procedures.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support filings at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, and child support matters. 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 case specifics. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file the divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before an Arlington County Circuit Court judge.
- Final Decree and Post-Judgment: The court issues a final decree of divorce. Your attorney can assist with enforcement or modification of orders if circumstances change.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters follow equitable distribution standards; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense / Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or Fault-based | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | 6-month or 1-year separation period |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair division of marital assets/debts | 11 statutory factors considered |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Based on combined gross income & custody | Monthly obligation; subject to modification |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary, 13-factor test | Temporary or permanent award possible | Duration based on marriage length & need |
Results may vary. The information above is for general reference only.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. For Arlington County family law, Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) provides a unique strategic advantage in complex property division cases.
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
Documented 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 for family law matters we have handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County, 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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
Related Legal Resources
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.