Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3 (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 community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law in Arlington County is controlled by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File the initial complaint: File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86).
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by a sheriff, private process server, or through acceptance of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing (if needed): If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial disclosures, respond to interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence on assets, income, and parenting issues.
- Attempt settlement: Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- Proceed to trial: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law involves equitable distribution of property, not criminal penalties. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital assets/debts | Business valuation, retirement account division |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Based on combined gross income and number of children | Health insurance, childcare costs, educational expenses |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support awards | Tax implications, modifiable based on changed circumstances |
| Custody/Visitation | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Guardian ad Litem fees: $500-$2,500+ | Parenting plans, relocation restrictions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 cases involving divorce, child custody disputes, and complex property division.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent clients in 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.