Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce, are governed by Virginia statutes such as Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute, offering direct insight into Virginia family law.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.3 (best interests of the child for custody). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally played a role in amending Va. Code § 20-107.3, bringing unique experience to complex property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia laws, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Arlington County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County are split between two courts. The Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The Arlington County 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 review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: Your attorney will file a Complaint for Divorce or other appropriate pleading with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process and Response: The other party is served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, they may sign a separation agreement.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates a settlement on property division, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings and Final Decree: Attend any necessary pendente lite or final hearings. For an uncontested case, a brief hearing is held. The judge signs the final decree of divorce.
Penalties and Legal Standards
In Arlington County, family law involves specific procedures and standards: no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds like adultery have no waiting period.
| Issue | Legal Classification | Court | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | Arlington Circuit Court | 2-4 months | Signed separation agreement, 6-month/1-year separation |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or Fault | Arlington Circuit Court | 9-18 months | Disputed property, custody, or support |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of Child | Arlington J&DR Court | Varies | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | Arlington Circuit Court | 12-24 months (complex) | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Support | Guideline Calculation | Arlington J&DR Court | Established at hearing | Combined gross income, custody schedule |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Authority and 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 to every case. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach. A key differentiator is that Mr. Sris personally contributed to amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing clients with direct insight into this complex area of law.
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and other cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location is situated to serve clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals throughout the Arlington area and surrounding communities including Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. 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 takes 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce typically takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period before filing for no-fault divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Total cost varies significantly based on 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. 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 are filed in Arlington County J&DR Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need assistance with other matters in Arlington, consider our Arlington criminal defense lawyers or Arlington DUI/DWI attorneys. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated from court records and statutes as of this date. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.