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, support, and property division. Our Arlington location is by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. The primary statutes are Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support), and § 20-124.2 (custody). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, bringing direct legislative insight to your case.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – Official Virginia statute.
- Arlington County General District Court Website – Court information and procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your situation with an attorney to understand grounds, assets, and goals.
- Filing: Your attorney files the complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court (fee: ~$86).
- Discovery & Negotiation: Exchange financial information and negotiate a settlement agreement.
- Court Proceedings: Attend hearings for temporary orders, and if needed, a final trial.
- Final Decree: The judge signs the final decree of divorce, resolving all issues.
Divorce Penalties and Procedures in Arlington
In Arlington County, divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds. Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + motion costs | May involve discovery, hearings, trial |
| Complex Divorce (Business Assets) | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Filing fees + experienced fees ($500-$2,500+) | Forensic accounting, business valuation |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to Va. Code § 20-107.3 provides direct insight into Virginia’s equitable distribution law. 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
Arlington County Case Experience
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 include matters resolved through dismissal, settlement, or favorable judgment.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Available for 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Temporary support hearings are usually set within 21-60 days of a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include process service ($12-$100), motion fees, and potentially a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+). Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party. Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 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 cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Nearby locality.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
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.