Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris) requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support filings at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving our team direct insight into its application.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). Arlington County court forms, filing fees, and local rules are available on the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce and equitable distribution, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your goals and gather financial documents.
- Filing: Your attorney files the complaint and serves your spouse.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange financial disclosures.
- Negotiation: Attempt settlement through mediation or attorney negotiation.
- Hearings: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders.
- Trial or Final Decree: Proceed to trial or finalize an uncontested divorce.
Divorce Penalties and Costs in Arlington County
In Arlington County, divorce carries court costs starting at $86 for filing, with total costs varying based on complexity and contested issues.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Attorney fees, enforcement actions |
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil & Criminal | Possible jail | Arrears + interest | License suspension, liens |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
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 and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unmatched insight into property division cases in Arlington County.
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. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes in divorce, custody, and support matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via major highways. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse for clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
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 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; 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need other legal assistance in Arlington County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.