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. Our Arlington location is by appointment only.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation if children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, and desertion.
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). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this legal framework to advocate for clients.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (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.
- Consultation and Filing: Meet with your attorney, then file a complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange financial documents and other relevant information.
- Negotiation and Mediation: Attempt to reach a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If no settlement, proceed to trial.
Penalties and Procedures in Arlington County
In Arlington County, divorce follows equitable distribution, not community property. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month or 1-year separation.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | $86 + service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | 9-18 months | $86 + motion costs |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable Distribution | 12-24 months | $86 + experienced fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep knowledge of Virginia law provides a significant advantage in Arlington County family court.
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
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse. 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 a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is not divided.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers factors like each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within divorce goes to Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with an agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Alexandria City Family Law Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance specific to your situation.