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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Family law in Arlington County is defined by the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings direct experience with these statutes.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) – Official Virginia statute.
- Arlington County General District Court Website – Court information and procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Process
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.
- Initial Consultation & 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.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file a Complaint for Divorce or other appropriate pleading with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process & Response: The complaint is served on the other party, who has 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, a separation agreement may be submitted.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings & Final Decree: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to pendente lite and final hearings before a judge, who issues a final decree of divorce.
Divorce Procedures & Potential Outcomes
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific procedural requirements and potential outcomes based on Virginia’s equitable distribution and child support laws.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court Authority | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Finalization | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation; Fault grounds available | Arlington County Circuit Court | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-18 months (contested) |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (11 factors) | Arlington County Circuit Court | Varies with complexity; 12-24 months for complex assets |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 (10 factors) | Arlington County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days of motion |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Arlington County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Established at initial hearing; modifiable with change |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials & Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County, we have 115 documented case results across all practice areas. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia family 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
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.
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 matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – State-wide hub page.
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Serving neighboring Alexandria City.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Arlington.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
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.