Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce cases are governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system 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. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution, § 20-108.1 for child support guidelines, and § 20-124.2 for custody determinations.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County family law cases are filed at the Arlington County General District Court website for procedural information.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while 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 complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court with required filing fee.
- Have sheriff or private process server deliver complaint to spouse within required timeframe.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody needed, scheduled within 21-60 days of motion.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and other evidence through formal process.
- Attempt settlement through mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without trial.
- Prepare for trial if no settlement, preparing exhibits and witnesses for final hearing before judge.
Family Law Penalties and Requirements
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + motion costs | Discovery, possible trial |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing + experienced fees | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Motion fees + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | 10-factor analysis under § 20-124.3 |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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 attorney experience to family law matters. Our approach focuses on case-specific strategies for 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
Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. These results include dismissed cases, reduced charges, and favorable settlements.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Local Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 with 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 about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas including Alexandria family law matters. If you need other legal services in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our lead attorney on the attorney profile page.
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.