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. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters. By appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. The Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce filings at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on best interests of the child), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving our firm direct insight into its application.
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 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, 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. Arlington County 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.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options. Bring relevant documents.
- Filing the Complaint or Petition: Your attorney files the appropriate pleading (divorce complaint, custody petition) at Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court with required fees.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures, conduct discovery if needed, and negotiate a settlement agreement covering property, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Final Resolution: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders, mediation if ordered, and final hearing or trial if settlement is not reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and custody determinations based on the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault grounds | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | Uncontested: 2-4 months; Contested: 9-18+ months |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital assets & debts | Based on 11 statutory factors, not 50/50 |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payment based on combined income | Modifiable upon substantial change |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Considers 10 factors; J&DR Court jurisdiction |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Duration & amount vary widely | Temporary (pendente lite) & permanent awards |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law cases in Arlington County. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provides a unique, authoritative understanding of Virginia’s equitable distribution law. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to Arlington County family 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
Documented 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 these matters. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and court victories in divorce, custody, and support cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, 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 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
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, see our Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys’ backgrounds.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.