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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Our Arlington location is by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, such as assets owned before marriage or received as inheritance, is excluded from division.
Grounds for divorce in Virginia include no-fault separation (6 months without minor children and a signed agreement, or 1 year with minor children) and fault grounds like adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on the combined gross income of both parents.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia family law statutes.
- Arlington County General District Court Website – Court information, forms, and procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Consultation: Meet with an attorney to review your situation and goals.
- Filing: Your attorney files the initial complaint with the Circuit Court.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange financial information and other relevant documents.
- Negotiation/Mediation: Attempt to reach a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a judge for a final decision.
- Final Decree: The court issues a final order of divorce, resolving all matters.
Arlington County Divorce Costs and Timelines
In Arlington County, an uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months and costs start with an $86 court filing fee. A contested divorce can take 9-18 months or longer with complex assets.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Filing fee (~$86), service fees |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Filing fees, discovery costs, experienced fees |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Arlington J&DR Court | Varies | Filing fee, Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Asset Division | Arlington Circuit Court | 12-24 months | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the development of state 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 Case Experience
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 we have handled.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Office in Arlington
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County. Contact us for 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?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $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).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment).
Related Legal Resources
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.