Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
Virginia requires either a 6-month separation (with signed agreement and no minor children) or a 1-year separation for no-fault divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. The equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris helped amend, lists 11 factors the court must consider when dividing marital property fairly.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 website). Arlington County court procedures and forms are available through the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Court Procedures
Arlington County has two courts handling family matters: Circuit Court for divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support; Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- 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 at Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) with the required $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party with legal papers: The sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) delivers the complaint to your spouse, starting the legal timeline.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, a pendente lite hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Negotiate settlement or proceed to trial: Through mediation or negotiation, attempt to reach a property settlement agreement. If agreement isn’t possible, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries court costs starting at approximately $86 for filing, with additional fees for service, motions, and potential Guardian ad Litem appointments for custody cases.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | Property settlement agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + service + motion fees | Possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | No-fault or fault | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees + court costs | Forensic accountant/business valuator often needed |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Virginia Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally helped amend Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our attorneys bring deep knowledge of Arlington County court procedures and 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
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 attorneys have successfully handled contested divorces with complex property division, child custody disputes, and spousal support modifications in Arlington County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 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 courts. 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.
Related Legal Services
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer | Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.