Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws 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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at the Arlington County Circuit Court. Our Arlington location is by appointment only.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law in Arlington County is defined by the Virginia Code. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, based on 11 statutory factors. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings direct experience with these statutes.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, refer to these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) – The official Virginia family law statutes.
- Arlington County General District Court website – For local court procedures, forms, and contact information.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District 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 Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with our firm. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney prepares and files the divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- handle Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if children are involved.
- Attend Court Hearings: Attend any pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If no settlement is reached, prepare for trial before a judge at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
- Finalize the Decree: Once all issues are resolved, the court enters a final decree of divorce, legally dissolving the marriage.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific costs and timelines rather than criminal penalties. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement typically takes 2-4 months, while a contested divorce can take 9-18 months.
| Matter | Classification | Typical Timeline | Primary Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | Filing fee: ~$86 + service fees | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + potential experienced costs (e.g., business valuator) | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Determination | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Arlington J&DR Court |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | Forensic accountant, mediation ($100-$300/hr) | Arlington Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement with the law provides a distinct advantage in negotiating and litigating property division cases in Arlington County. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to family law.
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
Documented 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, custody agreements, and property division settlements handled at the Arlington County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are accessible to residents of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse.
Availability: 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Arlington County Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process (~$12), private process server ($50-$100), potential Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is typically excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers factors like each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases are filed in Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more. Fault grounds can affect property division and support.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for family law information.
Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer – Information for the neighboring locality.
Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your Arlington County family law matter.