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Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County 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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Our Arlington location is by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. 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 if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). The Arlington County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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 a complaint for divorce or a petition for custody/support with the appropriate Arlington County court.
- Serve the other party with the legal papers, either by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Complete mandatory financial disclosures and, if required, attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders.
- Engage in discovery, which may include interrogatories, depositions, and subpoenas for financial records.
- Attempt settlement through negotiation or mediation. A signed property settlement agreement resolves issues without trial.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to a final hearing or trial before a judge.
Family Law Procedures and Potential Outcomes
In Arlington County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and custody determined by the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Signed separation agreement, 6-month/1-year separation met |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Disputed property, support, or custody issues |
| Child Custody | J&DR or Circuit | 3-12 months | Child’s best interests, parental roles, child’s relationships |
| Child Support | J&DR or Circuit | 1-3 months | Combined gross income, childcare costs, health insurance |
| Complex Property Division | Circuit Court | 12-24 months | Business valuation, retirement assets, forensic accounting |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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. This direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law provides a distinct advantage in complex property division cases.
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. Our attorneys have extensive experience in Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, 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?
An 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 or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are usually set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion court costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party).
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, such as assets owned before marriage or received by inheritance, 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 in the child’s life, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of family 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 and 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. Cases are filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
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.