Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Arlington County Family Law Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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 review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the initial pleading: File the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, support) with the Arlington County Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and information exchange: Engage in the discovery process to exchange financial documents, asset information, and other evidence relevant to property division, support, and custody.
- Negotiation and settlement attempts: Participate in settlement conferences or mediation to attempt to reach an agreement on all issues without a trial.
- Trial preparation and presentation: If settlement fails, prepare for trial by organizing evidence, preparing witnesses, and developing legal arguments for presentation before the judge.
- Post-trial motions and enforcement: After a final order is entered, address any necessary post-trial motions or take steps to enforce the court’s judgment if the other party does not comply.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution standard for property division and specific guidelines for support, with no-fault divorce available after a required separation period.
| Issue | Legal Classification / Standard | Potential Outcome / Range | Court Costs / Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault-based | Dissolution of marriage; determination of all related issues | Circuit Court filing fee: ~$86; service fees extra |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property and debts | Valuation experts: $2,500+; additional litigation costs |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly amount based on combined gross income and number of children | Guideline calculation; potential income imputation disputes |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary based on 13 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support; amount and duration vary | Financial analysis often required |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal and physical custody arrangements; parenting plan | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+; mediation fees |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are based on Virginia law and typical case scenarios. Each case is unique.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our firm-wide case result total is 4,739+ with a favorable outcome rate of 93%+. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. 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
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 is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via major local highways. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding neighborhoods of 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
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.