Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system 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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters in Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, child custody, and support obligations. Arlington County courts apply these laws to resolve family disputes.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris helped amend. Divorce requires either a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Arlington County family law cases are filed at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
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.
- Consult with an Arlington County family law attorney to assess your case.
- File the appropriate complaint (divorce, custody, support) at the correct Arlington County court.
- Serve the other party with legal documents through sheriff service or private process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders if needed.
- Participate in discovery, mediation, or settlement negotiations.
- Proceed to trial if settlement cannot be reached.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court costs, attorney fees, and potential financial obligations rather than criminal penalties.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 | 2-24 months |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Circuit Court | Additional | Hearing costs | 21-60 days |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Varies |
| Mediation | Either Court | N/A | $100-$300/hour per party | Varies |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Arlington County Family Law 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). Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide global advocacy with local precision for Arlington County family law matters.
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 Arlington County family law experience includes successful divorce settlements, custody arrangements, child support modifications, and equitable distribution agreements.
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. As an Arlington County family law lawyer near the courthouse, we provide convenient access for court appearances and meetings.
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.
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.
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). 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.
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
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Arlington County, see our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys and our Arlington location.
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.