Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws 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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and complex property division. Our Arlington location serves clients by appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. The primary statutes are Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support), and § 20-124.2 (custody).
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.
- Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- 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.
- The complaint must be formally served on your spouse, typically by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- If temporary support or custody orders are needed during the divorce, attend pendente lite hearings scheduled by the court.
- Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Attend the final uncontested hearing or trial. The judge will enter the final divorce decree, resolving all issues.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific procedures and timelines rather than penalties. Uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months, while contested cases can take 9-18 months or longer for complex property division.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + motion costs |
| Child Custody | Arlington J&DR Court | 3-9 months | ~$86 |
| Child Support | Arlington J&DR Court | 2-6 months | ~$86 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court schedules.
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, providing unique insight into property division law.
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via major local routes. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding neighborhoods of 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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; pendente lite motion: additional court costs.
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need other legal services in Arlington County, consider our criminal defense lawyer or DUI/DWI lawyer. 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.