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, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court. 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 cases are heard at the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and at the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support issues.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists, or a 1-year separation when minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (with no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. The equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) requires courts to consider 11 factors when dividing marital property fairly, not necessarily equally.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County family law cases are filed at the Arlington County General District Court website for procedural information and forms.
Arlington County Family Law Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. The 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 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 disclosures through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Attend final hearing or trial: For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing. For contested matters, prepare for trial where the judge decides unresolved issues.
- Receive final decree: The court issues a final divorce decree outlining all terms. Ensure proper implementation of custody, support, and property division orders.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with divorce requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation period and equitable distribution following 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | Final decree issued |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + trial costs | Judge decides all issues |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business valuation/assets | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees + trial | Forensic accounting may be required |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | 3-9 months | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | J&DR or Circuit Court order |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Virginia Family Law Experience
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in Arlington County. We maintain a 100% favorable outcome rate across 115 documented Arlington County 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. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in divorce, child custody, equitable distribution, and support matters before Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As an Arlington County family law lawyer near the courthouse, we provide convenient access for court appearances and meetings.
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.
Virginia Family Law Resources
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia family law hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria family law attorney. For other legal needs in Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. 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.