Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington family law lawyers handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We provide full representation at Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, and desertion.
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 best interests standard), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 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 Code
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on law.lis.virginia.gov. For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website via vacourts.gov.
Arlington County Family Law Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. 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 & Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation. Gather financial records, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File Complaint: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court. The filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve Spouse & Await Response: The complaint is served. Your spouse has 21 days to file an answer.
- Pendente Lite Hearing (if needed): For temporary support or custody, a hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of the motion.
- Negotiate or Mediate: Attempt to reach a property settlement agreement through negotiation or mediation.
- Trial or Final Hearing: If no agreement, the case proceeds to trial. If uncontested and the separation period is met, a final hearing is scheduled.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody determinations using the child’s best interests standard.
| Issue | Legal Classification / Standard | Financial Impact / Consequence | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (separation) or Fault (adultery, cruelty, etc.) | Court costs, attorney fees, potential spousal support | Separation period: 6 months (no minor children) or 1 year |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of marital assets & debts; not necessarily 50/50 | 11 statutory factors; separate property excluded |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly payment based on combined gross income & custody share | Health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary expenses added |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | 10 statutory factors considered by the court |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary based on 13 factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent monetary support | Duration and amount vary widely by case |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and firm-wide 4,739+ total case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing our Arlington County family law team with unparalleled insight into property division cases.
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
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 family law matters. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes 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 serves clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 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 a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Total cost varies significantly based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, under Va. Code § 20-107.3. The court considers 11 factors. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court evaluates 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need other legal services in Arlington, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyers or Arlington County DUI/DWI attorneys. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.