Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and § 20-91 (divorce grounds). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50 under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing unique insight into property division cases. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
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). Arlington County family law cases are filed at the Arlington County General District Court website for initial filings and the Circuit Court for divorce trials.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. The 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.
- File a complaint for divorce or separate maintenance with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody arrangements if requested.
- Complete discovery including financial disclosures, interrogatories, and depositions if contested.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation.
- Proceed to trial before a Circuit Court judge if settlement cannot be reached.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries court filing fees starting at $86, with additional costs for service of process, pendente lite motions, and Guardian ad Litem appointments for custody cases.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + motion fees | Discovery, possible trial |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing + experienced fees | Forensic accountant, business valuation |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Filing fees + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Guardian ad Litem, home study |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Family Law Experience in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County, we have 115 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters.
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 in Arlington County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via major highways. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Family law lawyer near Arlington County courts. 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.
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.
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). 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.
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 information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law assistance in nearby areas, see our Alexandria City Family Law Lawyer page. In Arlington County, we also handle Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI Defense. Learn more about Bryan Block, our Of Counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.