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, child custody, support, and property division. We handle cases at the Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific state codes. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines, and § 20-124.2 for determining the child’s best interests in custody cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Domestic Relations). For Arlington County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County are heard in two courts: the Circuit Court for divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) Court for 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 under Virginia law.
- Filing the Complaint or Petition: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary legal documents, such as a divorce complaint or custody petition, with the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Discovery and Financial Disclosure: Both parties exchange financial information and other relevant documents. This phase may involve subpoenas, depositions, and working with financial experts for complex assets.
- Negotiation and Settlement: Your attorney will negotiate with the other party or their counsel to reach a settlement on issues like property division, support, and custody, potentially using mediation.
- Trial Preparation and Court Hearing: If settlement is not possible, your case proceeds to a court hearing or trial before a judge at the Arlington County Courthouse, where evidence is presented and a final judgment is issued.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, dividing marital property fairly based on 11 statutory factors. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court Authority | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Circuit Court | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | J&DR or Circuit Court | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | J&DR or Circuit Court | Combined gross income, custody time |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Award | Circuit Court | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Divorce Grounds | No-Fault or Fault | Circuit Court | Separation period or fault grounds (adultery, cruelty, etc.) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and more than 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 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
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. These results include cases involving divorce, child custody disputes, complex property division, and support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 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. 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). 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.