Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended; 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. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors).
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings accounting and information systems background to complex financial cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and forms are available through the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
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 a divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint through the sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) within 120 days.
- Request a pendente lite hearing for temporary support or custody, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and evidence through formal procedures.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
- Proceed to trial before a judge at Arlington County Circuit Court if settlement fails.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Circuit Court final decree |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees | Circuit Court trial |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property division | 12-24 months | Filing fees + forensic experts | Circuit Court valuation hearing |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | J&DR or Circuit Court |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
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 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Local Representation in Arlington County
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 courts. 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. 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; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody and mediation.
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. 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. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Arlington County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Divorce Lawyer | Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer | Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
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.