Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Arlington County, Virginia. Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). The firm has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children.
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official resources: Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) and Arlington County General District Court website.
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.
- File the initial complaint at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse or the other parent by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing if temporary orders for support or custody are needed.
- Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process.
- Participate in mediation or settlement negotiations to resolve issues without a trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge in Arlington County Circuit Court.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific procedures and potential outcomes rather than penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state with no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Legal Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service | Separation period met |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + litigation | Grounds proven |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing + experts | 11 statutory factors |
| Child Custody | Best interests | Varies | Filing + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | 10 statutory factors |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). 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
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. The firm-wide total is 4,739+ case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). Family law lawyer near Arlington County. 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.
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve Alexandria family law clients. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.