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 is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) 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. Child support follows Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income, and spousal support considers 13 statutory factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Support) – Official Virginia family law statutes.
- Arlington County General District Court Website – Court information, forms, and procedures.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. 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 consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- Document gathering and financial disclosure: Collect all relevant documents including marriage certificate, financial records, property deeds, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney will prepare and file the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the court and arrange for service of process.
- Discovery and negotiation phase: Exchange information with the other party, engage in settlement discussions, and potentially use mediation to resolve issues.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend any necessary hearings for temporary orders and, if settlement is not reached, proceed to trial before a judge.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, family law proceedings involve court costs and attorney fees rather than criminal penalties; the legal standard is equitable distribution of property and the best interests of the child for custody.
| Proceeding | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee / Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fees + litigation costs |
| Child Custody (J&DR) | Arlington J&DR Court | Varies | Filing fees + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Mediation | Court-referred or private | 1-3 sessions | $100-$300/hour per party |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing a deep understanding of property division law. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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. These results include matters resolved through dismissal, settlement, or favorable judgment.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via major local routes. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and serve the communities of Arlington, 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 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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Serving nearby Alexandria City.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Arlington.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our Of Counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.