Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce cases are 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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court. Our Arlington location is accessible for meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. Arlington County cases are heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution matters, while the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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. The firm’s combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years.
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the most current statutory information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) — official Virginia General Assembly website
- Arlington County General District Court website — court procedures and contact information
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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Your attorney files the divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) with the $86 filing fee and arranges for service of process.
- If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if possible.
- For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing. For contested cases, prepare for trial where the judge decides unresolved issues based on Virginia law.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Requirements
In Arlington County, divorce requires a 6-month separation period (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds, with fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + additional motion fees | Discovery, possible trial |
| Complex Divorce with Business Assets | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees ($500-$2,500+) | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings unique qualifications to Arlington County family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct insight into legislative intent and application. Founded in 1997, our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of Arlington County court procedures.
Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Northern Virginia with 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We maintain a collaborative approach where every attorney has well over a decade of practice experience.
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 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful resolution of complex equitable distribution cases involving business assets, retirement accounts, and international property.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Family Law Representation in Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent 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.
Related Legal 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 services. 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.