Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce and 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. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support cases filed at the Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by several key statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody uses the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – Official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- Arlington County General District Court website – Official .gov court site for Arlington County.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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. Pay the filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the complaint and summons to your spouse or the other parent.
- If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing, typically set within 21-60 days of the motion.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process to prepare for negotiation or trial.
- Attempt to resolve issues through negotiation or mediation. A signed separation agreement can avoid a trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds (Va. Code § 20-91) | Arlington County Circuit Court | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-18 months (contested) | Separation period, grounds, agreement |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Arlington County Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex | 11 statutory factors, contributions, debts |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Arlington County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Varies | Child’s relationship with parents, parental roles, safety |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Arlington County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Established at initial hearing | Combined gross income, custody schedule, healthcare costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Arlington County Circuit Court | Can be temporary or permanent | Length of marriage, earning capacities, standard of living |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts. We serve clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We are a 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. 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). 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page for Virginia family law.
- Alexandria City Family Law Lawyer – Family law attorney in nearby Alexandria.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Arlington County.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Profile of Of Counsel attorney.
- Arlington, VA Law Location – Information about our Arlington location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.