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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This direct legislative experience provides unique insight into property division cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Arlington County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Procedures
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.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. The filing fee is approximately $86. You must meet Virginia’s residency requirement: at least one spouse must have been a resident for six months.
- Serve the other party: Serve the complaint and summons on your spouse using a sheriff (approximately $12) or private process server ($50-$100). Proof of service must be filed with the court.
- Address temporary matters: If needed, file a pendente lite motion for temporary spousal support, child support, or custody. These hearings are typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process. This is required for equitable distribution of marital property under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to reach a settlement agreement. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- Attend final hearing: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at Arlington County Circuit Court. Bring all evidence and witnesses to support your position.
Penalties and Consequences in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific financial obligations and legal standards rather than traditional penalties: Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children 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.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or fault grounds | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | 2-24 months | Residency requirement: 6 months in VA |
| Child Support | VA guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on formula | Until age 18/19 | Health insurance and childcare added |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Temporary or permanent payments | Case-specific duration | Tax implications vary |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair division of marital assets/debts | Determined at final hearing | Separate property excluded |
| Custody Determination | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Case-specific | Joint or sole legal/physical custody |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case. The information above provides general guidelines only.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving the firm unique insight into property division cases. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
In Arlington County, the firm has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. This local experience provides practical knowledge of Arlington County judges, procedures, and courtroom dynamics.
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, appropriate child and spousal support orders, and equitable property division outcomes.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County 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.
As an Arlington County family law lawyer near the courthouse, we provide convenient access for court appearances and meetings. Contact us for directions and appointment scheduling. Free parking is available at our location.
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 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria family law attorney services. For other legal needs in Arlington County, we also provide criminal defense representation and DUI/DWI defense.
Learn more about our attorneys’ experience and credentials or visit our Arlington location page for detailed directions and contact information.
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 specific to your situation.