Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters are 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 location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system (Va. Code § 20-107.3) where marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. Divorce requires either a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County family law cases are filed at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File initial pleadings at Arlington County Circuit Court with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party using the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support or custody if needed.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
- Proceed to trial before a judge if settlement negotiations fail.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court-ordered divisions of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and potential spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court | Civil/Criminal | Up to 10 days | Up to $250 | None | Wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension for child support arrears |
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months | Court costs | License suspension | Tax refund interception, passport denial |
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, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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
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. These results include divorces with complex property division, child custody determinations, and support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Family law lawyer near Arlington County. 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 about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria family law matters. If you need other legal services in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.