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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division. Our Arlington location serves clients by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Arlington County cases are heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support issues.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists. When minor children are involved, a 1-year separation is required. Fault grounds include adultery (with no waiting period), 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 Code
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s family law statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. The Arlington County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. 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.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint at the Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Serve the other party with legal papers: The complaint must be served on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service, following Virginia procedural rules.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed during the case, attend a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Negotiate settlement or proceed to trial: Work toward a property settlement agreement through negotiation or mediation. If agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
- Obtain final decree of divorce: Once all issues are resolved and statutory waiting periods are met, the court will enter a final decree of divorce, dissolving the marriage.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific court costs and follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system rather than fixed penalties.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Arlington Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 | 2-4 months (uncontested) |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Arlington Circuit Court | Additional costs | Varies | Hearing in 21-60 days |
| Child Custody | Arlington J&DR Court | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Varies by complexity |
| Mediation | Court-referred | N/A | $100-$300/hour per party | Session-based |
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
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). Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in Arlington County. We maintain a 100% favorable outcome rate across 115 documented Arlington County cases.
Mr. Sris’s unique background in accounting and information systems provides an advantage in complex financial divorce cases involving business valuation, stock options, and international assets. Our approach focuses on achieving fair resolutions through negotiation when possible and vigorous courtroom representation when necessary.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes complex equitable distribution cases involving business valuation, military pension division, and international asset distribution.
Results may vary based on individual case circumstances.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, we provide convenient access for court appearances and consultations.
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 Services
For full Virginia family law information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer services. Arlington County residents may also need criminal defense or DUI defense representation. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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 specific to your situation.