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 firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle cases at Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes that apply in Arlington County. The primary laws include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, Va. Code § 20-124.3 for child custody determinations based on the child’s best interests, and Va. Code § 20-108.1 for child support calculations. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct experience with this critical law.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (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 Court 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.
- File the initial complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the required filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the court papers to your spouse or the other parent.
- If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the formal discovery process to prepare for negotiation or trial.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Offense | Classification | Court | Filing Fee | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | Arlington County Circuit Court | ~$86 + service fees | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | Arlington County Circuit Court | ~$86 + additional costs | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Arlington County J&DR Court | Varies | 3-12 months |
| Child Support | Guidelines calculation | Arlington County J&DR Court | Varies | 1-3 months |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | Arlington County Circuit Court | ~$86 + experienced fees | 12-24 months |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Family Law Experience in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving us direct involvement in shaping Virginia family law. We provide case-specific approaches for Arlington County family law matters.
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 dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes in divorce, custody, and support matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location 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 courts, we provide convenient access for local residents.
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you need assistance in nearby Alexandria, our Alexandria family law lawyer can help. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.