Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes, including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases. We handle the details of Arlington County Circuit Court procedures to protect your rights and achieve a fair resolution.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. The primary statute is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. This law guides the division of assets, debts, and retirement accounts acquired during the marriage.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For official legal information, refer to the Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases. 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 review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file a divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates a property settlement agreement to resolve asset division, support, and custody.
- Court Proceedings: If agreement is reached, the court reviews it at a final hearing. If not, the case proceeds to trial where a judge decides based on Virginia law.
In Arlington County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of property, potential spousal support based on 13 factors, and child support calculated using Virginia guidelines.
| Offense / Matter | Classification / Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | No-fault (Separation) | Final Decree | Court fees: ~$86+ | Division of assets/debts |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault/No-fault | Court Trial | Fees + litigation costs | Judge decides all issues |
| Child Support | Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly obligation | Based on combined income | Enforceable by contempt |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent award | Varies by need/ability | Tax implications (payor) |
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in family law. Our approach is case-specific, built on a foundation of direct legal experience.
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 dismissed, charges reduced, and favorable settlements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via major local highways. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County, serving 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.
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page, our services in Alexandria, or related practice areas like criminal defense in Arlington County. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.