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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division. Our Arlington location serves clients by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation otherwise, under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles in Va. Code § 20-107.3, considering 11 factors for a fair, not necessarily equal, split. Child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court procedures and forms, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case specifics. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing (if needed): If temporary support or custody orders are needed, attend a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Negotiate Settlement or Prepare for Trial: Engage in settlement negotiations or mediation. If no agreement is reached, prepare for trial on issues like equitable distribution, custody, and support.
- Final Hearing and Decree: Attend the final uncontested hearing or trial. The court will issue a final decree of divorce, resolving all marital issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific legal standards and costs, not criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state with no-fault divorce available after a required separation period.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Typical Timeline | Costs & Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | No-fault after separation period | 2-4 months | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs |
| Divorce (Contested) | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Court fees + attorney fees + possible experienced costs |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies by complexity | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (11 factors) | 12-24 months if complex | Possible business valuation & forensic accounting fees |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s key equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, the firm has a documented record of 115 case results in Arlington County across all practice areas. This local experience provides insight into Arlington County Circuit Court procedures and judicial preferences.
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
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. These results involve favorable outcomes in family law and other matters handled by the firm’s attorneys.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation in Arlington
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, we represent clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All 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 a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases involving business valuation can take 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary orders are usually set within 21-60 days of the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service (~$12), private process servers ($50-$100), pendente lite motion fees, and potential Guardian ad Litem costs ($500-$2,500+). Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party. Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. The Arlington County Circuit Court handles property division. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationships, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within a divorce is handled by Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, see our Alexandria City divorce and family law lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current guidance regarding your specific situation.