Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Arlington County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris), requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Our Arlington location has 115 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate in Arlington County.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. The key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors).
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court-specific procedures and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File initial pleadings at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the legal documents to your spouse.
- Attend the court-ordered scheduling conference to set deadlines for discovery and mediation.
- Complete discovery by exchanging financial documents and answering interrogatories.
- Participate in court-ordered or voluntary mediation to try to reach a settlement.
- Prepare for trial if no settlement is reached, with exhibits and witness lists ready.
Family Law Penalties and Costs in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific costs and timelines rather than penalties: uncontested divorces take 2-4 months with approximately $86 in filing fees, while contested cases can take 9-18 months with additional costs for experts and mediation.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fees | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Process server: $50-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 + motion fees | Mediation: $100-$300/hour; experienced witnesses |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | ~$86 + additional filings | Forensic accountant: $200-$500/hour; Business valuator |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | 3-12 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. 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
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. These results include divorces with complex property division, child custody determinations, and spousal support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia family law hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Arlington County, see our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.