Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support cases in Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, providing unique insight into property division cases.
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). Arlington County family law cases are heard at the Arlington County General District Court website for forms and procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File initial pleadings at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office with required fees.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse by sheriff, private process server, or certified mail.
- Attend the scheduling conference where the judge sets discovery and mediation deadlines.
- Complete financial discovery including bank statements, tax returns, and property appraisals.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation to attempt settlement of all issues.
- Prepare for trial with exhibits, witness lists, and legal arguments if settlement fails.
Virginia Divorce Requirements & Penalties
In Arlington County, divorce requires either a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing + discovery costs | Mediation often required |
| Complex Property Division | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86+ filing + experienced fees | Forensic accountant often needed |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
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 legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. 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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). Family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse area. We serve Arlington, 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.
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.
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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.
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