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, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. The firm has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law in Arlington County operates under the Virginia Code. Key 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). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings direct experience with these laws.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law, refer to the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Arlington County General District Court website provides local forms, fees, and procedural rules.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce and equitable distribution. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody and support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and serving the other party.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates a property settlement and parenting plan, potentially using mediation.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any required hearings for temporary orders. If an agreement is reached, the court enters a final decree of divorce.
Divorce Penalties and Costs in Arlington County
In Arlington County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of assets.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | Division of marital property & debts |
| Child Support | Court Order | Based on VA guidelines & income | Enforceable by contempt |
| Spousal Support | Court Order | Based on 13 statutory factors | Modifiable based on change in circumstances |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and evidence.
Firm Authority in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing deep insight into property division law. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes in divorce and custody matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Office in Arlington
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, serving 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). 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, 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. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.