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, 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. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Divorce requires either a 6-month separation with a signed agreement and no minor children, or a 1-year separation if children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia divorce statutes, see Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County family law cases are filed at the Arlington County General District Court website for procedural information and forms.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- File initial pleadings at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons by sheriff or private process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if temporary orders for support or custody are needed.
- Complete discovery including financial disclosures and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through mediation or negotiations.
- Proceed to trial before a judge if settlement fails.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries court filing fees starting at approximately $86, with additional costs for service, motions, and potential Guardian ad Litem appointments for custody cases.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court | Civil/ Criminal | Up to 10 days | Up to $250 | None | Attorney fees, enforcement |
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil Contempt | Until compliance | Court costs | License suspension | Wage garnishment, tax intercept |
| Violation of Protective Order | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Additional protective orders |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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, we provide case-specific approaches for Arlington County family law matters. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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, reduced charges, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, we represent clients in 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 (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.
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 on Virginia family law, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria family law matters. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys and our Arlington location.
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.