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 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 is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official resources: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Annulment) and the 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 review your situation, goals, and the specific facts of your case.
- File the appropriate complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee.
- Ensure proper service of process on the other party through sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial disclosures and other information. Negotiate a settlement through direct discussion or mediation.
- If settlement is not reached, present your case at trial before an Arlington County Circuit Court judge for a final decision.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court-ordered outcomes rather than penalties, with equitable distribution of marital property and child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | Arlington Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + trial costs | Arlington Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best interests | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | J&DR or Circuit |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis | 12-24 months if complex | Forensic accountant fees | Arlington Circuit |
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 legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing unique insight into property division 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 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas. These results include favorable outcomes in divorce, custody, and support 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 is near the Arlington County courts. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 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.
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page, our service in Alexandria family law, and other legal services in Arlington County: criminal defense lawyer and DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.