Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system 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. You face a 6-month separation requirement for no-fault divorce without minor children, or 1-year with children. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters 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 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. The law requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
Arlington County Family 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, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File a Complaint for Divorce with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse using the sheriff, a private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days if temporary support or custody orders are needed.
- Complete discovery, which may include business valuations or forensic accounting for complex estates.
- Attempt mediation or settlement conferences to resolve issues without trial.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial if agreements cannot be reached.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries court filing fees starting at $86, with total costs varying based on case complexity and whether custody or property division is contested.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | Property agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-Fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery costs | Possible temporary support orders |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business/Retirement Assets | 12-24 months | $86 filing + valuation fees | Forensic accountant often needed |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in Arlington County. Our approach focuses on case-specific strategy rather than generic formulas.
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 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters we have handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent families in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact a family law lawyer near Arlington County for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. 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 under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent.
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).
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page
- Alexandria City Family Law Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Different practice area
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
- Arlington Law Office Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change – contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.