Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is 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 complex property division matters. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support cases at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists, or a 1-year separation when minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (with no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), which governs how marital property is divided during divorce proceedings. This amendment reflects his deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For accurate, current information about Virginia family law statutes and court procedures, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia statute database maintained by the Virginia General Assembly.
- Arlington County General District Court – Official court website with forms, filing information, and local rules.
Arlington County Family Law Court Procedures
Arlington County family law matters are divided between two courts. The Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your specific family law situation, goals, and legal options.
- Document gathering and financial disclosure: Collect all relevant financial documents, asset information, and any existing agreements. Full disclosure is required under Virginia law.
- Filing the appropriate pleadings: File the divorce complaint or other initiating documents with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee.
- Discovery and negotiation phase: Exchange information through discovery, attend settlement conferences, and negotiate terms for property division, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend any necessary hearings for temporary orders, and either reach a settlement agreement or proceed to trial for final judgment.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with divorce requiring either a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds.
| Matter | Court | Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | Discovery completed |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | 3-9 months | ~$86 | Best interests analysis |
| Child Support | J&DR Court | 1-3 months | ~$86 | Income documentation |
| Equitable Distribution | Circuit Court | 12-24 months | ~$86 + costs | Asset valuation complete |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances, court schedules, and specific factual situations.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings accounting and information systems background to complex financial divorce cases. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law. This amendment affects how marital property is divided in divorce cases throughout the state, including Arlington County.
Our approach focuses on case-specific strategies rather than standardized solutions. We analyze each family law situation individually, considering financial details, child-related concerns, and long-term implications of every decision.
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 Family Law Case Results
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 divorce cases with complex property division, child custody matters, and spousal support determinations.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances, court schedules, and specific factual situations.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent family law clients throughout 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?
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). Filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Services
If you need assistance with other legal matters in Arlington County, consider these related services:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law information and resources.
- Alexandria Family Law Lawyer – Family law representation in neighboring Alexandria.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation in Arlington County.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our of counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.