Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Our Arlington location serves clients by appointment only.
Virginia family law is based on equitable distribution, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly using 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce and property division, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support matters.
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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your specific family law situation, goals, and legal options.
- Collect all relevant documents: marriage certificate, financial records, property deeds, retirement account statements, and information about children.
- Your attorney files the appropriate complaint for divorce, custody, or support with the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fee.
- Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Attend required court hearings. If settlement is reached, a final agreement is submitted to the judge. If not, the case proceeds to trial for a judge’s decision.
In Arlington County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of property, potential spousal support based on 13 factors, and child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (uncontested) | Civil proceeding | Not applicable | Filing fee: ~$86 | Property division, support orders |
| Divorce (contested) | Civil proceeding | Not applicable | Filing fee: ~$86 + costs | Court-ordered division, possible trial |
| Child support violation | Contempt of court | Up to 10 days | Court discretion | Wage garnishment, license suspension |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County courts. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. For other legal needs in Arlington County, see our criminal defense and DUI/DWI pages. 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.