Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system where marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. The primary 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 personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct experience with the statute’s application in Arlington County cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly website
Official Legal Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County family law cases are filed at Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
Arlington County Family Law Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while 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 case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your specific family law situation, goals, and legal options.
- Document gathering and financial disclosure: Collect all relevant documents including marriage certificate, financial records, property deeds, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the appropriate pleadings: File the necessary documents with Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the required filing fees and ensuring proper service.
- Discovery and negotiation phase: Engage in the discovery process to exchange information and attempt to reach settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend scheduled court hearings for temporary orders, and if necessary, proceed to trial for final judgment on unresolved issues.
Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 + service fees | 6-month/1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or Fault | 9-18 months | $86 + additional costs | Possible mediation |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86 + experienced fees | Forensic valuation |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Filing fees apply | Guardian ad Litem possible |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide, our attorneys bring substantial knowledge to Arlington County family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our firm with unique insight into property division matters.
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. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in divorce, child custody, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters before Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent family law clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact our family law lawyer near Arlington County for assistance.
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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. 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.