Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases at Arlington County Circuit Court. Our Arlington location serves clients by appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Divorce requires either a 6-month separation with agreement (no minor children) or 1-year separation.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 Chapter 6.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County court information is available at 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 at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support cases.
- File initial complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the clerk’s office with required fees.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons through sheriff or process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary orders within 21-60 days if needed.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange and depositions.
- Attempt settlement or court-ordered mediation to resolve issues.
- Proceed to trial before a judge if settlement fails.
Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court costs rather than penalties, with divorce filing fees starting at approximately $86 and additional costs for process service, Guardian ad Litem, and mediation.
| Matter | Court | Filing Fee | Timeline | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | $86 | 2-4 months | Process service $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | $86 + motion fees | 9-18 months | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | Varies | 3-12 months | Mediation $100-$300/hour |
| Support Modification | Circuit/J&DR | Motion fee | 1-3 months | Limited additional costs |
Results may vary based on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases.
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary based on case specifics.
Local Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations available at (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). 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.
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
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense services. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.