Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody based on the child’s best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
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 Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters, while the 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.
- File the initial complaint: File a divorce, custody, or support complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the filing fee (approximately $86 for divorce).
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse or the other parent by a sheriff, private process server, or through their attorney if they have one.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing: If temporary orders for support or custody are needed, attend the pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents, answer interrogatories, and conduct depositions to gather evidence on assets, income, and parenting roles.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to try to resolve property division, support, and custody issues without a trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge in Arlington County Circuit Court for a final decision on all contested issues.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, not penalties, with child support calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline / Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (separation) or Fault Grounds | Court fee: ~$86 + service costs | Uncontested: 2-4 months; Contested: 9-18+ months |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not equal, division of marital assets/debts | Determined at final hearing or trial |
| Child Support | Virginia Guideline Calculation | Monthly payment based on income, custody, healthcare, daycare costs | Order modifiable upon substantial change in circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent payment based on need and ability to pay | Duration varies by marriage length and circumstances |
| Custody/Visitation | Best Interests of the Child (10 factors) | Legal & physical custody arrangements; parenting schedule | Order modifiable for child’s best interests |
Results may vary. Each case depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 and other matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, serving 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.
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 Hub | Alexandria City 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.