Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, require precise legal handling; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. The Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and property division cases at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved, under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests, outlined in Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using state guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court forms and procedures specific to Arlington County, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County are split between two courts. The Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Arlington County 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.
- 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: Your attorney will prepare and file a Complaint for Divorce or other pleading with the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint must be served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) to officially start the case.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing (if needed): If temporary support or custody orders are needed, a pendente lite motion is filed, with a hearing typically set within 21-60 days.
- Negotiate Settlement or Proceed to Trial: Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation. If unresolved, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law involves specific procedures and costs, not criminal penalties. Virginia requires a separation period and uses equitable distribution for property division.
| Legal Matter | Classification / Standard | Timeline | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | 2-4 months | Filing: ~$86 + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + attorney fees + possible GAL ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business/Asset Valuation | 12-24 months | Filing fees + attorney fees + forensic accountant |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best Interests of Child | Varies | J&DR Court filing fees + possible GAL |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Authority
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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and other matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County, serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 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 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 (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 Services
For more information on family law across Virginia, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, our Alexandria family law lawyer can assist. In Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about your attorney on the Bryan Block profile page.
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.