Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. The court considers contributions to the family, duration of marriage, and each spouse’s economic circumstances.
Grounds for divorce in Virginia include no-fault separation (6 months with agreement and no minor children, or 1 year otherwise) and fault grounds like adultery, cruelty, or desertion under Va. Code § 20-91. Child custody decisions follow the child’s best interests standard in Va. Code § 20-124.3, examining factors like each parent’s role and the child’s relationships.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures are available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. 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.
- File initial pleadings: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at Arlington County Circuit Court. Pay the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the complaint within 120 days.
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to value marital assets.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge for final determination.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific financial obligations and legal standards: equitable distribution of marital property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and potential spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation | $86 filing fee + service costs | 2-24 months |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on combined income | Until child turns 18/19 |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Division of marital property and debts | Determined at final hearing |
| Spousal Support | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent payments | Duration varies by case |
| Custody Disputes | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Standalone or within divorce |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings substantial resources to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing clients with insight into how courts interpret and apply these laws.
Our Arlington County location has achieved 115 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters handled locally.
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 handled locally. These results include successful property division settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and negotiated support agreements.
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 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County courts. 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.
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.
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). 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.
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).
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Divorce Lawyer | Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.