Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, are handled at the Arlington County Circuit Court; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County. Our attorneys provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires grounds under Va. Code § 20-91, including no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) or fault grounds like adultery. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Child custody uses the “best interests” standard in Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Arlington County Family Law 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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint is served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). They have 21 days to respond.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings or Trial: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and potentially a final trial before a judge.
Family Law Procedures and Timelines
In Arlington County, family law follows Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction.
| Matter | Governing Law | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-91 | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Va. Code § 20-91, § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Business valuation, retirement assets |
| Child Custody | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | 3-12 months | Filing fees + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | “Best interests” standard |
| Child Support | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | 1-3 months | Filing fees | Guidelines based on income |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Our Firm’s Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal 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 deep understanding of property division cases.
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
Documented 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. Our attorneys handle divorce, custody, support, and property division matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients in 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 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). 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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page
- Alexandria City Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Arlington, VA Law Location
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.