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. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle cases at Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. By appointment only.
Virginia family law is defined by statute. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise. The court divides marital property fairly under equitable distribution principles (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests (Va. Code § 20-124.3).
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, see the Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) (official Virginia General Assembly). The Arlington County General District Court website provides local forms, fees, and procedural information.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County are split between two courts. The Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial Filing: File a complaint for divorce or a petition for custody/support with the appropriate court, paying the filing fee.
- Service and Response: The other party is served with the papers and has 21 days to file an answer.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange financial affidavits, tax returns, and other documents relevant to support and property division.
- Negotiation and Settlement: Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation to avoid a trial.
- Court Hearings: Attend hearings for temporary orders (pendente lite) and, if necessary, a final trial before a judge.
- Final Order: The court enters a final decree of divorce or order establishing custody, support, and property division.
Virginia Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Arlington County, family law involves court-ordered obligations rather than criminal penalties. Outcomes are based on statutory factors for support, custody, and property division.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after separation period; fault grounds available | Circuit Court | 2-24 months |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | J&DR or Circuit | Establishment at filing |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | J&DR or Circuit | Hearing within 21-60 days for temporary orders |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (11 factors) | Circuit Court | Determined at final hearing |
| Spousal Support | Based on need and ability to pay (13 factors) | Circuit Court | Can be temporary or permanent |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a distinct advantage in complex property division cases.
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 dismissals, favorable settlements, and successful trial outcomes in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Lawyer
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, we offer 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; 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, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need assistance with other matters, consider our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.