In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution 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. A Temporary Custody Lawyer Arlington County helps protect your parental rights during divorce proceedings.
Virginia Family Law Statutes Governing Your Case
Virginia family law operates under several key statutes. Va. Code § 20-91 defines grounds for divorce, including no-fault after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property — this statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody follows the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For temporary custody matters specifically, Virginia courts apply the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A Temporary Custody Lawyer Arlington County understands that temporary custody orders are typically issued during divorce proceedings or when an emergency situation arises. The court considers factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Temporary custody orders remain in effect until a final custody determination is made at trial or by agreement.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) — official Virginia General Assembly. For court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Arlington County Family Court
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a motion for pendente lite relief at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the other party with the motion and supporting affidavit at least 21 days before the hearing.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing where the court issues temporary custody and support orders.
- Participate in mediation if ordered by the court to attempt resolution before trial.
- Prepare for the final hearing with evidence supporting your position on custody and support.
- Receive the final custody determination and support order from the court.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support awards based on statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault after 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year (with children) | 2-4 months | Arlington County Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service of process: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Arlington County Circuit Court | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | J&DR Court or Circuit Court | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing | J&DR Court or Circuit Court | ~$86 | Modification: additional filing fee |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | Arlington County Circuit Court | ~$86 | Forensic accountant: $200-$500/hour |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arlington County Family Law Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our Arlington County family law practice is led by attorneys who understand local court procedures and judge preferences. We have handled numerous cases at Arlington County Circuit Court and Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Our firm-wide experience includes complex equitable distribution, high-net-worth divorces, business valuation, and international asset division.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters. He is a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997, and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Arlington County Family Law Case Results
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, not guilty verdicts, and favorable dispositions in family law matters. Our firm-wide results total 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Your Arlington County Temporary Custody Lawyer Near Me
Our Arlington Location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are accessible via major highways including I-395, I-66, and Route 50. Our office is located near the Courthouse metro station.
If you are searching for a temporary custody lawyer near me Arlington County, our firm provides experienced representation. We serve the neighborhoods of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Custody in Arlington County
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. 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?
It depends. 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 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.
How do I find an affordable temporary custody lawyer Arlington County?
Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a consultation. We offer payment plans and work with clients to make legal representation accessible. Our firm has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case and fee options.
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — our state-level hub page.
For clients in nearby areas: Alexandria Family Law Lawyer.
Related services in Arlington County: Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Arlington County DUI Lawyer.
Learn more about our team: Our Attorneys.
Visit our Arlington County Law Office Location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.