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 results in Arlington County. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with children. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, support, and property division in Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia family law is defined by statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support), and § 20-124.2 (custody). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, giving our firm direct insight into this critical statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia family law statutes: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce). Arlington County court information: Arlington County General District Court website.
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 initial pleadings at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if temporary orders for support or custody are needed.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange and depositions.
- Attempt settlement or mediation to resolve issues without trial.
- Proceed to trial before a judge at Arlington County Circuit Court if settlement fails.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and custody determined by the child’s best interests.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (uncontested) | Civil proceeding | N/A | Filing fee: ~$86 | Property division, possible support orders |
| Child support contempt | Civil contempt | Up to 10 days | Court costs | Wage garnishment, license suspension |
| Protective order violation | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional protective orders |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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 and firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into Virginia family law.
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
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 divorces, custody matters, support cases, and property division proceedings in Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near Arlington County courts, accessible via major highways. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of 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).
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider our criminal defense lawyer or DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.