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, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and complex property division. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 statutory factors. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia family law statutes: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce). Arlington County court information: Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation & Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files a Complaint for Divorce with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint is served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement.
- Court Hearings & Final Decree: Attend necessary hearings. If no settlement, the case proceeds to trial.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court-ordered divisions of assets, support obligations, and custody arrangements based on statutory factors, not criminal penalties.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair division of marital assets & debts | Arlington County Circuit Court |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support order | Arlington County Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal & physical custody arrangement | Arlington County J&DR Court |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly support order | Arlington County J&DR Court |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse. We serve 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 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.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve Alexandria family law clients. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.