Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. The primary statutes governing divorce in Arlington County are Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Divorce grounds statute.
- Arlington County General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Arlington County Family Law Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint at the Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Serve the other party with legal papers: The complaint must be served on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, a pendente lite hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery and negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Final hearing or trial: If settlement is reached, a final uncontested hearing is scheduled. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Divorce Penalties and Costs in Arlington County
In Arlington County, divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves court costs, attorney fees, and potential financial obligations like spousal and child support.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | Civil Action | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | Property division, support orders |
| Child Support | Court Order | Guideline-based monthly payments | Income withholding, license suspension for non-payment |
| Spousal Support | Court Order | Based on 13 statutory factors | Modifiable based on changed circumstances |
| Contempt of Court | Civil/Criminal | Fines, attorney fees | Possible jail time for willful violations |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm unique insight into property division law. We have 115 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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. Our attorneys have successfully handled complex equitable distribution cases involving business valuations, retirement assets, and high-net-worth estates.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via major local highways.
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). Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) 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. 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.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Nearby locality.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Of Counsel attorney.
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.