Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at the Arlington County Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is governed by state statutes. Divorce requires grounds under Va. Code § 20-91, including no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) or fault grounds like adultery. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Child custody uses the “best interests” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows the Virginia guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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 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: Your attorney files a divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if children are involved.
- Court Proceedings: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Final Decree: The judge issues a final divorce decree, which becomes effective after any mandatory waiting periods. The decree outlines all final orders.
Arlington County Family Law Procedures and Timelines
In Arlington County, family law cases follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after a 6-month or 1-year separation period.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 + service | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 + service + motion costs | Discovery and possible trial |
| Child Custody (standalone) | Arlington J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Varies | “Best interests” standard applies |
| Complex Property Division | Arlington Circuit Court | 12-24 months | $86 + experienced fees | Business valuation often needed |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law provides a distinct advantage in complex property division cases.
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
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 divorces resolved through settlement agreements, custody arrangements established, and support orders negotiated.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County, Virginia
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve clients throughout 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 (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. 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page
- Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.