Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
In 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. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle cases at the Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific state codes. Divorce requires a separation period: six months with no minor children and a signed agreement, or one year with minor children (Va. Code § 20-91). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child custody decisions use the “best interests of the child” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
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 (law.lis.virginia.gov). For court forms, procedures, and contact information, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County are heard in two courts. The Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other initiating pleading with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86).
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service by their attorney.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures, answer interrogatories, and respond to requests for production of documents. Complex cases may require business valuations or forensic accounting.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a Circuit Court judge, who will decide all contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law involves specific legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property division, child support guidelines based on income, and the “best interests” test for custody.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court Authority | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Arlington County Circuit Court | 11 statutory factors, duration of marriage, contributions |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Arlington County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | 10 factors, child’s relationship with each parent, parental roles |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Arlington County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Combined gross monthly income, number of children, custody arrangement |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary Award (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Arlington County Circuit Court | 13 statutory factors, need and ability to pay, standard of living |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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. 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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and other matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities. We serve 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. 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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. 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, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.