Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
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 under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. The court considers contributions, duration of marriage, and economic circumstances.
For divorce, Virginia requires either a 6-month separation with a signed agreement and no minor children, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved (Va. Code § 20-91). Fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period. Child custody decisions follow the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, with Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handling standalone custody matters.
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, Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court addresses standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific Arlington County procedures that apply.
- Filing the appropriate petition: File the divorce complaint or custody petition at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) with the required $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) formally deliver the court documents to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed during the case, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Participate in discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial documents, consider mediation ($100-$300/hour), and work toward a settlement agreement to avoid trial.
- Final hearing or trial: Attend the final uncontested hearing or, if necessary, a trial before an Arlington County Circuit Court judge to resolve contested issues.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 and timelines ranging from 2-4 months for uncontested cases to 12-24 months for complex property division.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Typical Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Complaint | Arlington Circuit Court | $86 | 2-4 months (uncontested) | Service: $12-$100 |
| Pendente Lite Motion | Arlington Circuit Court | Additional costs | 21-60 days for hearing | Varies |
| Child Custody Petition | Arlington J&DR Court | Similar fees | 3-9 months | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Mediation | Court-referred or private | N/A | Varies | $100-$300/hour per party |
Results may vary based on case specifics, court schedules, and negotiation outcomes.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our team brings substantial knowledge to Arlington County family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into property division law.
Our Arlington County location serves clients throughout the area with a focus on practical, case-specific approaches to family law challenges.
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. Our experience includes uncontested divorces, complex equitable distribution involving business assets, child custody modifications, and spousal support negotiations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. 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. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for 24/7 phone consultations. 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 about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring area, consider our Alexandria family law attorney services. For other legal needs in Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.