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 the Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not automatically 50/50. The primary statutes governing your case are Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings direct experience with these laws.
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 General Assembly website (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The Arlington County General District Court website provides forms, fees, and local rules.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, and child support. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney files a Complaint for Divorce with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office and pays the filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is served. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If children are involved, a separate custody/support case may be filed in J&DR Court.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
- Final Decree and Post-Judgment: The court enters a Final Decree of Divorce. Your attorney ensures proper implementation of orders.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, potential spousal support based on 13 factors, and child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline / Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (6-month/1-year separation) or Fault (adultery, cruelty, etc.) | Court costs vary; fault can affect support & property | Separation period mandatory for no-fault |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital assets/debts | 11 statutory factors considered |
| Spousal Support | Based on need and ability to pay (13 factors) | Temporary or permanent awards | Duration varies by marriage length |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Monthly payment based on income shares | Health insurance and childcare costs added |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Legal & physical custody arrangements | Parenting plan required |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Local 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). The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts.
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
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
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 for family law matters we have handled.
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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). 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 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, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.