Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. 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). Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, bringing direct legislative experience to your case.
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 General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). For court procedures and forms, refer to 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. 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.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the appropriate pleadings: Your attorney files the divorce complaint or other initiating documents with Arlington County Circuit Court. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are required, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures, conduct depositions if necessary, and negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody.
- Final hearing or trial: If settlement is reached, attend an uncontested hearing for final decree. If not, proceed to trial before an Arlington County Circuit Court judge.
Divorce Penalties and Consequences in Arlington County
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific financial and custodial consequences based on Virginia’s equitable distribution standards and child support guidelines.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs | 2-4 months | Property division per agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | Court fees + attorney fees + possible support | 9-18 months | Court-ordered property division, custody, support |
| Complex Divorce (business/assets) | Equitable distribution | Fees + forensic accounting ($2,500+) | 12-24 months | Business valuation, retirement asset division |
Results may vary based on case specifics, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division law. 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
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, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, we provide convenient access for court appearances and meetings.
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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer services. For other legal needs in Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ backgrounds and experience.
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.