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, personally amended by Mr. Sris. 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 matters filed at the Arlington County Circuit Court. Our Arlington location is 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. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
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, visit the Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court procedures and forms, refer to 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 District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. 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.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file the divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging for service of process.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement on property division, support, and custody if possible.
- Court Hearings and Trial: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders. If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Final Decree and Post-Judgment: The court issues a final decree of divorce. Your attorney can assist with enforcement or modification of orders if circumstances change.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital assets.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-Fault or Fault | 9-18 months | Filing fees + motion costs | May require pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-Asset | 12-24 months | Filing fees + experienced fees (forensic accountant) | Business valuation, retirement assets |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best Interests Standard | Varies | J&DR Court filing fees | Guardian ad Litem possible ($500-$2,500+) |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are not a aim for of any specific result in your case.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our approach is case-specific, built on direct experience with Arlington County courts.
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, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
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. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington 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. 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). Arlington County Circuit Court handles all property division. 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
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Divorce Lawyer | Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.