Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
In Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by specific statutes. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles outlined in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which considers 11 factors for a fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital assets.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For official legal information, refer to the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County family law cases are split between two courts. The Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your divorce, custody, or support matter. Bring relevant documents.
- Your attorney will prepare the necessary legal documents, such as a divorce complaint or custody petition, for filing at the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- File the documents with the appropriate Arlington County court and pay the required filing fees (approximately $86 for a divorce complaint).
- Have the documents formally served on your spouse or the other parent, using a sheriff, private process server, or other approved method.
- Attend all scheduled court hearings, including pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and the final hearing for your divorce or custody decree.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes based on Virginia statutes.
| Matter | Classification / Standard | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (Separation) | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + potential experienced costs | May involve discovery and trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies | Filing fees + Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | J&DR Court jurisdiction |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property | 12-24 months if complex | Filing fees + business valuator/forensic accountant | 11 statutory factors considered |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of your situation.
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
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. These results include cases dismissed, charges reduced, and favorable settlements in family law and other matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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.
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria. If you need other legal services, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.