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, 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 requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children, with fault grounds including adultery and cruelty also available.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which our managing attorney Mr. Sris helped amend. Divorce grounds include both no-fault (separation) and fault-based options like adultery under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody determinations follow the child’s best interests standard outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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 General Assembly website. The Arlington County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses standalone custody, visitation, and child support cases. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- 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 the Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) and pays the $86 filing fee.
- The sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) delivers the complaint to your spouse, starting the legal timeline.
- If temporary support or custody orders are needed, a pendente lite hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Attempt mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or negotiation to reach a property settlement agreement. If unresolved, the case proceeds to trial.
- Once all issues are resolved, the court issues a final divorce decree, which becomes effective after any mandatory waiting periods.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Timelines
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month or 1-year separation periods, and child support calculated using state guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing, possible GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing, forensic accountant fees | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Possible GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Arlington J&DR Court |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally helped amend 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 case-specific approach focused on achieving favorable outcomes through negotiation or litigation.
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 attorneys have successfully handled complex equitable distribution cases involving business assets, retirement accounts, and international property.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
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 a family law lawyer near Arlington County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 with 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you’re in nearby Alexandria, our Alexandria family law lawyer can assist. 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.