In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters like divorce and custody are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. An Adoption Lawyer Arlington County can guide you through the child adoption process.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is governed by several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property — this statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Va. Code § 20-124.3 outlines the 10 factors for child custody decisions. An Adoption Lawyer Arlington County understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources for Arlington County Family Law
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly code site. For court information, see the Arlington County General District Court website.
What to Expect in Arlington County Family Court
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 a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support or custody if needed.
- Attend mediation to attempt settlement of property and custody issues.
- If no settlement, proceed to trial for the judge to decide unresolved issues.
- Receive final decree of divorce from the court.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court costs and fees rather than criminal penalties. Filing fees and other costs apply.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service of process: $12-$100 | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | 9-18 months |
| Custody (standalone) | J&DR Court | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hour | Varies |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arlington County Family Law Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Arlington County can claim. The firm has firm-wide 4,739+ total case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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. Examples include: domestic assault charges dismissed (nolle prosequi) in Arlington County J&DR Court; assault charges dismissed in Arlington County General District Court; deferred disposition on a not guilty plea for domestic assault.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Location
Our Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, near the Arlington County Courthouse. Accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington? We are close to the Courthouse metro station.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Arlington County
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. 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. 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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). Arlington County Circuit Court handles all property division.
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.
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.
Do I need an Adoption Lawyer Arlington County for a stepparent adoption?
Yes. Stepparent adoption in Arlington County requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court, consent from the biological parent, a home study, and a final hearing. An Adoption Lawyer Arlington County handles the adoption petition process and ensures all legal requirements are met.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.