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, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault filings. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters. Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.3 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, bringing direct legislative experience to your case.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific forms, procedures, and contact information, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District 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 Strategy: Discuss your case facts and goals with an attorney to understand Arlington County procedures.
- Filing the Complaint: File the divorce or custody complaint with the court clerk, pay the filing fee, and arrange service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures. Attempt settlement through negotiation or mediation.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend any temporary order hearings. If no settlement, present your case at trial.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of assets, potential spousal support, and child support calculated using state guidelines, not criminal penalties.
| Matter | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | 2-24 months |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on income | Monthly obligation per VA calculator | Established at hearing |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair division of marital assets/debts | Resolved in final decree |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law cases. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates a deep, practical understanding of Virginia’s equitable distribution system that benefits clients in Arlington County.
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
Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. Our attorneys work to achieve favorable outcomes in divorce, custody, and support matters through negotiation and litigation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and 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 a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), potential Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role and the child’s relationships. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no wait), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby Alexandria City. In Arlington County, we handle Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI matters. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.