Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division. Our Arlington location serves clients by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
Virginia requires either a 6-month separation (with signed agreement and no minor children) or a 1-year separation for no-fault divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment. The equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, lists 11 factors the court must consider when dividing marital property fairly—not necessarily equally. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving our firm unique insight into its application.
Child custody decisions follow Va. Code § 20-124.3, which outlines 10 factors focused on the child’s best interests. Child support calculations use the Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. To access court forms, filing information, and local rules for Arlington County, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County has two courts handling family matters. Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400). Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Final hearing or trial: For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing. For contested matters, prepare for trial where a judge decides unresolved issues.
Arlington County Divorce Costs and Timelines
In Arlington County, divorce carries court filing fees starting at $86 with timelines ranging from 2-4 months for uncontested cases to 12-24 months for complex equitable distribution matters.
| Proceeding | Court | Typical Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce Filing | Arlington Circuit Court | $86 filing + $12 service | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | $86+ filing + attorney fees | 9-18 months |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Arlington Circuit Court | Additional court costs | Hearing in 21-60 days |
| Guardian ad Litem (custody) | Arlington J&DR Court | $500-$2,500+ | Varies by case |
| Mediation | Court-referred or private | $100-$300/hour per party | 1-3 sessions |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court scheduling.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us unique insight into property division law. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide.
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. Our experience includes successful resolution of complex equitable distribution cases involving business assets, retirement accounts, and stock options.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County, Virginia
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (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.
Related Legal Services
For Virginia family law overview, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law help in nearby Alexandria, visit our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.