Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris) and requires a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault grounds. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters in Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia family law statutes define divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support obligations. 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).
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases.
Official Virginia family law statutes: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly).
Arlington County court information: Arlington County General District Court website.
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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Your attorney files the appropriate pleading (divorce complaint, custody petition, etc.) with the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court and pays the filing fee.
- Both parties exchange financial documents and other evidence. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement agreement on property, support, and custody.
- If settlement fails, your attorney prepares for and represents you at pendente lite hearings, mediation, and, if necessary, a final trial before a judge.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, potential spousal support based on 13 statutory factors, and child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Offense/Matter | Classification/Legal Standard | Potential Outcomes | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | Dissolution of marriage | Court costs, attorney fees, potential spousal/child support | Property division, custody determination |
| Divorce (Fault) | Adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction | Dissolution of marriage, possible fault-based considerations | Court costs, attorney fees, potential spousal/child support | Property division, custody determination, potential impact on support |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property under 11 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of assets and debts | Valuation costs, potential equalization payments | Determines financial post-divorce position |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under 10 factors (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal and physical custody arrangements | Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+) | Parenting time schedule, decision-making authority |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on combined gross income and custody arrangement | Monthly support obligation | Ongoing financial responsibility | Subject to modification with changed circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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
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 handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the Arlington County Courthouse area.
We serve Arlington, 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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) 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.
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
We also serve clients in Alexandria City.
If you need other legal services in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about our attorneys.
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.