Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Arlington County, Virginia. Arlington County reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 46.2-862 carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County. We handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division under Virginia’s equitable distribution laws.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes, including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. The law requires a separation period before filing for no-fault divorce and provides multiple fault-based grounds.
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 General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6). For court-specific procedures and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County are heard in two courts: the Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) Court for standalone custody and support matters. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your goals and case details with an attorney.
- Filing: Your attorney files the appropriate complaint with the correct court and pays the filing fee.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information.
- Negotiation/Settlement: Your attorney works to reach a settlement on all issues.
- Court Hearings: Attend hearings for temporary orders and, if necessary, a final trial.
- Final Decree: The court issues a final order resolving all matters.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month or 1-year separation | Circuit Court | 2-4 months |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | Circuit Court | 9-18 months |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | J&DR or Circuit Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | J&DR Court | Established at filing |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 statutory factors (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Circuit Court | 12-24 months if complex |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
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, demonstrating deep involvement in state 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
Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location is close to Arlington County courts, accessible via major local highways. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County.
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, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.