Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at the Arlington County Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with an agreement or a 1-year separation. Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which our founder personally amended. Child custody and support are determined based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3 and state guidelines.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Arlington County Family Law 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.
- File the initial complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office.
- Serve the complaint and summons on the other party by sheriff, process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend the initial return date or pendente lite hearing for temporary orders.
- Complete financial discovery, including disclosures, interrogatories, and depositions.
- Participate in settlement conferences or court-ordered mediation.
- Proceed to a bench trial before a Circuit Court judge if settlement is not reached.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month/1-year separation | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Arlington J&DR Court | Varies |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Arlington Circuit Court | 12-24 months (complex) |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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. Our founder personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct legislative experience provides a deep understanding of Virginia family law.
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 we have handled. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse. We serve 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.
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.
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 is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Alexandria City Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby Virginia locality.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Arlington.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.