Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce, are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support cases in Arlington County Circuit Court and J&DR Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Grounds for divorce include no-fault separation (6 months or 1 year) and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty under Va. Code § 20-91.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – Official Virginia statute.
- Arlington County General District Court Website – Official court information.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Filing: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86).
- Serve the Other Party: Have the complaint and summons served on the other party by sheriff (approximately $12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a pendente lite motion. The hearing is typically set within 21-60 days.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial documents and other evidence. Attempt to negotiate a settlement agreement to avoid trial.
- Trial or Final Hearing: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law matters involve legal standards for property division, support, and custody, not criminal penalties. Virginia uses equitable distribution for property and statutory guidelines for child support.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | 2-24 months | 11 statutory factors for property division |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies | 10 statutory factors including parental role and child’s needs |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Ongoing | Combined gross income, number of children, custody arrangement |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Varies | Length of marriage, standard of living, earning capacity |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
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 cases involving divorce, child custody, and support matters resolved in Arlington County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via major local highways. 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Parent hub page.
- Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer – Sibling locality page.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Attorney profile.
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.