Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of 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 requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children. The state follows equitable distribution principles, not community property.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court-specific procedures and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County are split between two courts: Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. 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 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: Your attorney files a Complaint for Divorce or appropriate pleading with the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint is served on the other spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) to establish jurisdiction.
- 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: Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation. If unresolved, the case proceeds to trial before a judge for final determination.
Family Law Procedures and Potential Outcomes
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific court procedures and financial considerations, not traditional penalties. The process aims for fair resolution of marital dissolution, child welfare, and property division.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Financial Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Filing fee: ~$86; Service: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Court costs; Possible experienced fees (valuation) |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Arlington J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Arlington Circuit Court | 12-24 months | Forensic accountant; Business valuation |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in Arlington County. Our approach emphasizes case-specific strategy and thorough preparation for Arlington County’s court procedures.
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 for family law matters. These results include successful divorce settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and equitable property division outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Resources
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer services. For other legal needs in Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorney team.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance specific to your situation.