Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws 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 across all practice areas. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation with minor children, before filing at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
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, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended this statute, providing unique insight into its application. Child custody decisions follow the “best interests of the child” standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering factors like each parent’s role and the child’s relationships.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce and Annulment) — Official Virginia General Assembly statutes
- Arlington County General District Court website — Court information and procedures
Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. 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.
- Schedule consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss case specifics
- File divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court with $86 filing fee
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary orders if needed (21-60 days)
- Complete financial discovery and negotiate settlement agreement
- Attend final hearing or trial based on case resolution
Arlington County Family Law Procedures and Requirements
In Arlington County, divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) for no-fault grounds; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Procedure | Court | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 | Service: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 | Discovery, experienced fees |
| Child Custody | Arlington J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Support Modification | Arlington J&DR Court | 2-6 months | Varies | Income verification |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
Virginia 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). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, we bring deep knowledge of Arlington County family court procedures. Our attorneys understand both prosecutorial and defense perspectives in 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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
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.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County courts and surrounding communities.
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). Arlington County Circuit Court handles all property division.
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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Statewide family law hub page
- Alexandria Family Law Lawyer — Nearby locality family law attorney
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Related practice area in same locality
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Former Virginia State Trooper
- Arlington Law Office Location — Our Arlington location details
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.