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) requiring 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate across all practice areas. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
Virginia requires either a 6-month separation period (with a signed separation agreement and no minor children) or a 1-year separation period (with minor children) for a no-fault divorce. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. The equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) was personally amended by Mr. Sris, giving our firm unique insight into property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, consult the official Virginia General Assembly website: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance).
Arlington County court information and procedures are available through the Virginia court system: Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County has two courts handling family law matters. The Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support cases. The Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options.
- Document gathering and financial disclosure: Collect all relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, property deeds, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and serving the other party.
- Negotiation, mediation, or pendente lite hearings: Attempt to reach agreement on temporary support, custody, and property issues. If contested, attend pendente lite hearings within 21-60 days.
- Discovery and preparation for trial: Exchange financial information, conduct depositions if needed, and prepare for equitable distribution hearings or trial.
- Final hearing and entry of decree: Attend the final hearing before the judge. The court enters the final decree of divorce, addressing all property, support, and custody matters.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Consequences
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific financial and legal consequences including equitable distribution of marital property, potential spousal support, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and custody determinations based on the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair but not necessarily equal division | Determined at final hearing |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Based on need and ability to pay | Temporary: pendente lite; Permanent: final decree |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Monthly payments based on income shares | Effective from filing until emancipation |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal and physical custody arrangements | Can be modified with substantial change |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings substantial knowledge to Arlington County family law matters. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to family law representation.
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 Family Law Case Results
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. Our experience includes successful resolution of complex equitable distribution cases involving business valuation, retirement assets, and high-net-worth marital estates.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout 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 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 Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Divorce Lawyer | Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.