Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on law.lis.virginia.gov. For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website at vacourts.gov.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County are split between two courts: Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your specific family law situation, whether divorce, custody, or support.
- Document gathering and preparation: Collect financial documents, marriage certificate, child-related records, and any existing agreements for your attorney’s review.
- Filing with Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint (divorce, custody modification, etc.) at the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Service of process and response period: The other party is served with the legal papers and has a specified time to file an answer with the court.
- Discovery and negotiation phase: Both sides exchange information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on issues like property division, support, and custody.
- Trial or final hearing: If settlement isn’t reached, the case proceeds to a trial or final hearing before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court for a decision.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law involves specific procedures and standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
| Issue | Legal Classification / Standard | Financial Impact / Consequence | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault | Court fee: ~$86; Service: ~$12-$100 | 6-month or 1-year separation required for no-fault |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (11 factors) | Fair division of marital assets/debts | Separate property (pre-marriage, gifts, inheritance) excluded |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Based on combined gross income & custody schedule | Deviations possible for special needs, private school, etc. |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent, rehabilitative or indefinite | Duration often tied to length of marriage |
| Custody/Visitation | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Legal custody (decision-making) & physical custody (residence) | Court may order parenting plan, mediation, or GAL |
Results may vary. Each family law case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County, we have 115 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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
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. These results include successful divorce settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and equitable property division agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County, serving 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, see our Alexandria City divorce and family law attorney page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer services. Learn more about our attorneys’ backgrounds and experience.
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.