Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law matters in Arlington County are governed by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
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 Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific forms and procedures, 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 Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Filing: File the initial complaint (e.g., for divorce, custody, or support) with the Arlington County Circuit Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, depending on the matter.
- Serve the Other Party: Ensure proper service of process is completed, either by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of the motion.
- Complete Discovery: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information through the discovery process, which may include interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Attempt Settlement: Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation to resolve issues without a trial. A signed property settlement agreement can finalize an uncontested divorce.
- Proceed to Trial: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to a final hearing or trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Arlington County, family law involves equitable distribution of property, not penalties. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault or Fault | Court costs, attorney fees, potential spousal/child support | Division of assets and debts |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Monthly payment based on combined gross income | Enforcement through income withholding, license suspension |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors | Temporary or permanent payments | Tax implications, modifiable based on change in circumstances |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (11 factors) | Division of marital property and debts | Business valuation, retirement account division |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. With a focus on Arlington County, we understand the local court procedures and judicial preferences at the Arlington County Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
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 Case Experience
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 divorces, custody modifications, support enforcement, and complex property division cases resolved in Arlington County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding neighborhoods 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 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. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing for no-fault divorce.
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), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
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, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. 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 a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria. If you need other legal services in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI lawyer. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.