Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is 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), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors rather than automatically 50/50.
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 Arlington County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to 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 at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. 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.
- File initial pleadings at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office with the required filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on the other party by sheriff, private process server, or acceptance of service.
- If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief and attend the scheduled hearing.
- Complete discovery including financial disclosures, interrogatories, and depositions to gather evidence.
- Participate in mediation or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues without trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge who will issue a final order.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific financial obligations and legal standards rather than traditional penalties, with equitable distribution of marital property and child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault after 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year separation; fault grounds available | Court costs: $86+ filing fee; attorney fees vary | Property division, potential spousal support |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Monthly payments based on income shares | Health insurance, childcare, educational expenses |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Division of marital property, debts, retirement assets | Business valuation costs, forensic accounting |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent support payments | Tax implications, duration based on marriage length |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing our clients with unique insight into property division matters. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to family law representation.
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. Our experience includes successful resolution of complex equitable distribution cases involving business assets, retirement accounts, and high-value marital estates.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and 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. 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). 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. For family law representation in nearby Alexandria, see our Alexandria family law lawyer page. If you need other legal services in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. 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.