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, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes that govern divorce, property division, and child-related matters. Arlington County cases are heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors listed in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property, including assets owned before marriage or received as inheritance or gift, is typically excluded from division.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings accounting and information systems background to complex financial divorce cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the most current Virginia family law statutes, refer to the official Virginia General Assembly website: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly).
For Arlington County court procedures and forms, visit: Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Court Process
Arlington County family law matters follow specific local procedures. The Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd handles divorce and property division, while the J&DR Court handles custody and support cases separately.
- 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 with Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at the Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Serve the other party and await response: The complaint is served to your spouse. They have 21 days to respond if served in Virginia, or 60 days if served out of state.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Negotiate settlement or proceed to trial: Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific filing costs and follows Virginia’s equitable distribution standards rather than fixed penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing, motion fees | Adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony conviction grounds |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing, experienced fees | Business valuation, retirement assets, forensic accounting |
| Child Custody Case | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Filing fees, GAL $500-$2,500+ | 10 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings unique authority to Virginia family law cases. Founded in 1997, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving our team direct insight into the law’s application.
Our background in accounting and information systems provides particular advantage in complex financial divorce cases involving business assets, retirement accounts, and stock options common in Arlington County’s professional community.
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 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our experience includes successful resolution of complex equitable distribution cases involving federal pensions, military benefits, and business assets common in the Arlington area.
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.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse area. Contact our office for directions and appointment scheduling.
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.
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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.