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. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters at the Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law establishes specific grounds and procedures for divorce, child custody, and property division. Arlington County cases are heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution matters, and the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial divorce cases. The firm’s combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years.
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Arlington County General District Court website provides local forms, filing information, and court schedules.
Arlington County Family Law Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $86 filing fee and arrange for service of process on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: 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 documents, complete interrogatories, and conduct depositions if necessary. This process establishes the marital estate for equitable distribution.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if needed: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before an Arlington County Circuit Court judge, who will decide all contested issues.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | Filing fee: ~$86 + service costs | 2-4 months | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | Filing fee + attorney fees + possible experienced costs | 9-18 months | May involve custody battles, property disputes |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Property division proceeding | Filing fee + forensic accountant ($2,500+) + attorney fees | 12-24 months | Business valuation, retirement asset division |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best interests determination | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Varies by complexity | Psychological evaluations possible |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings unique authority to Virginia family law cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our firm direct insight into legislative intent and judicial application. Founded in 1997, our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of Arlington County court procedures.
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 Arlington location handles divorce, child custody, spousal support, and equitable distribution matters at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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. 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 about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you need representation in a neighboring jurisdiction, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. 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.