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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions use the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support factors are listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
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 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The 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.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion; hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery and mediation: Exchange financial documents and attend mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) if ordered by the court.
- Attend final hearing or trial: Present your case for equitable distribution, support, and custody based on Virginia statutory factors.
Family Law Penalties and Costs in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law involves court costs and fees, not criminal penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | $86 | Service fees $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | $86 | Mediation, GAL, experienced fees |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-Asset | 12-24 months | $86+ | Forensic accountant, business valuator |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Temporary Relief | 21-60 days for hearing | Additional court costs | Attorney fees |
| Guardian ad Litem | Custody Evaluation | Varies | N/A | $500-$2,500+ |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
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 attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct legislative experience provides a deep understanding of Virginia family law.
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Service
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County.
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 a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. Contested divorces typically take 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Service of process costs $12-$100. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+) for custody disputes and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia uses equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
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 relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within divorce goes to Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see 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 our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance specific to your situation.