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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions use the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support factors are listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
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 Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, see the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- 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 legal documents (divorce complaint, custody petition, etc.) with the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Exchange financial information and other relevant documents. Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation to avoid a trial.
- Attend scheduled court hearings for temporary orders or pendente lite matters. Prepare for trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Obtain the final court order (divorce decree, custody order, etc.) and ensure all terms are properly implemented and followed.
Family Law Procedures and Potential Outcomes
In Arlington County, family law cases involve specific procedures and standards; Virginia is an equitable distribution state with no-fault divorce after a required separation period.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Typical Timeline | Court Costs & Fees | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement, no minor children or 1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + potential experienced costs | Grounds, property, custody disputes |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | Filing fees + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property | 12-24 months if complex | Filing fees + possible forensic accountant | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Established at hearing | Filing fees | Combined gross income, number of children, custody arrangement |
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. Our tagline reflects our approach: 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
Documented 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, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and other matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the Arlington County Courthouse area. We serve 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 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need other legal services, 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.