Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault filings. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. The Commonwealth is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50. Grounds for divorce include both no-fault separation periods and fault-based reasons like adultery or cruelty.
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 personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This direct legislative experience provides a unique advantage in complex property division cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Arlington County court procedures and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Schedule a meeting with our Arlington location to review your case, goals, and required documents like financial statements and marriage certificates.
- Filing Pleadings: Your attorney files the divorce complaint or custody petition at the appropriate Arlington County court and arranges for service of process.
- Temporary Orders: If needed, attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support, custody, or use of marital property while the case is pending.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Complete financial disclosures, participate in mediation if ordered, and negotiate a settlement agreement.
- Final Resolution: Attend a final uncontested hearing to present your agreement to the judge, or proceed to trial if settlement is not reached.
Divorce Penalties and Consequences in Arlington County
In Arlington County, divorce does not carry criminal penalties but establishes binding legal orders for property division, support, and custody with significant financial and personal consequences.
| Legal Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Division of marital assets & debts | Business valuation may be required |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent payments | Modifiable based on changed circumstances |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Monthly payments based on income | Enforceable by contempt proceedings |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Relocation restrictions may apply |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law matters in Arlington County. Founded in 1997, the firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law.
Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Arlington County, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We understand the specific procedures and expectations of Arlington County Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
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
Arlington County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. These results include successful property division settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and negotiated support agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via major local routes. We serve as your Arlington County family law lawyer near the courthouse and surrounding communities.
We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — all 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 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). 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 about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in nearby Alexandria, our Alexandria family law attorney can assist. In Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorney team.
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 specific to your situation.