Divorce Lawyer Arlington County, VA
For individuals navigating divorce and family law matters in Arlington County, Virginia, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides representation built on experience and direct courtroom knowledge. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and the firm’s Owner and Founder, leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys who appear regularly before the Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The firm has documented 115 favorable case results in Arlington County across all practice areas. Results may vary. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Divorce and Family Law Means in Arlington County, Virginia
Divorce and related family law proceedings in Arlington County are handled by two courts. All divorces, property division, and spousal support matters are filed in the Arlington County Circuit Court. Standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective order cases proceed in the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The firm’s Arlington location, at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serves clients throughout communities including Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Under Va. Code § 20‑107.3, marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, after the court considers eleven statutory factors. Separate property — assets brought into the marriage or received by gift or inheritance — is excluded from division. The court may also order spousal support based on the factors in Va. Code § 20‑107.1.
Virginia recognizes both no‑fault and fault grounds for divorce. A no‑fault divorce may be granted after a separation of one year, or after six months when the spouses have no minor children and have signed a separation agreement (Va. Code § 20‑91). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and conviction of a felony resulting in confinement for more than one year.
Source: Virginia Code. Va. Code § 20‑91
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
At least one spouse must be an actual bona fide resident and domiciliary of Virginia for at least six months before filing for divorce (Va. Code § 20‑97).
Source: Virginia Code. Va. Code § 20‑97
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Divorce Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each divorce matter with thorough preparation. They begin by identifying and classifying all marital and separate property — a critical step that directly affects the equitable distribution outcome. When a case involves business ownership, retirement accounts, stock options, or international assets, the team works with forensic accountants and valuation professionals to present a complete financial picture to the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Settlement is possible in many cases. The firm negotiates separation agreements that address property division, support, and, when children are involved, custody and parenting time. When settlement is not feasible, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to litigate the contested issues at trial. They appear on behalf of clients at pendente lite hearings, status conferences, and final hearings in Arlington County. Throughout the process, clients receive clear explanations of their options without overblown promises.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how opposing counsel builds a case — a perspective that benefits clients in both negotiated settlements and courtroom advocacy. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Every attorney working on family law matters at the firm serves as Of Counsel — there are no associates or junior staff handling cases. The firm’s Arlington location is by appointment only; phones are answered 24 hours a day. For a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437‑7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically finalizes within two to four months from filing. Contested divorces — involving disputes over custody, support, or property — often take nine to eighteen months or longer, especially when complex business valuations or international assets are at issue. The court’s calendar and the parties’ willingness to cooperate directly affect the timeline. An attorney can give a more tailored estimate after reviewing the specifics of your case.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Virginia permits both no‑fault and fault‑based divorces. A no‑fault divorce may be granted after the spouses have lived separate and apart for one year, or for six months if they have no minor children and have entered into a written separation agreement. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, willful desertion for one year, and conviction of a felony that results in confinement for more than one year. The grounds you choose can impact property distribution and support.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50‑50, based on eleven factors listed in Va. Code § 20‑107.3. Factors include the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, the age and health of the parties, and the circumstances that led to the divorce. Separate property — assets owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance — is generally not subject to division.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County?
Virginia courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20‑124.3. The court considers ten factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, each parent’s willingness to support the other’s relationship with the child, and any history of abuse. When custody is part of a divorce, the Arlington County Circuit Court decides the issue. For standalone custody matters, the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court has jurisdiction.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The filing fee for a divorce complaint in Arlington County Circuit Court is approximately $86. Additional costs may include service of process (roughly $12 for sheriff service or $50–$100 for a private process server), pendente lite motion fees, and, if custody is disputed, Guardian ad Litem fees that can range from $500 to more than $2,500. Mediation, often used before trial, typically costs $100–$300 per hour per party. Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is contested or uncontested.
Related Localities for Family Law Representation: Fairfax County · Prince William County · Stafford County · Fauquier County · Loudoun County
Virginia Family Law Resources: Virginia Code Title 20 · Virginia Judicial System · Virginia Legislative Information System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.