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, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault grounds; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington location provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Arlington County divorces are filed in Circuit Court under Va. Code § 20-91, which establishes grounds including no-fault separation and fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3 (the equitable distribution statute personally amended by Mr. Sris), which lists 11 factors for dividing marital assets and debts. Child custody determinations use the “best interests of the child” standard defined in Va. Code § 20-124.3, while child support follows the statewide guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Standalone custody, visitation, and child support cases begin in Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- File a Complaint for Divorce or other family law action at the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) to establish jurisdiction.
- If temporary support or custody is needed, file a pendente lite motion; hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial disclosures, respond to interrogatories, and conduct depositions to value assets and income for support calculations.
- Attend mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) to try to reach a property settlement and parenting agreement without trial.
- If settlement fails, present your case at trial before a judge at Arlington County Circuit Court for a final decree.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific costs and timelines rather than penalties: uncontested divorces take 2-4 months with approximately $86 in filing fees, while contested cases can take 9-18 months with additional costs for mediation, Guardian ad Litem, and litigation.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Arlington Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing, mediation, possible GAL | Arlington Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | J&DR or Circuit |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis | 12-24 months if complex | Forensic accountant: $3,000+ | Arlington Circuit |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law matters in Arlington County. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Northern Virginia with a focus on complex financial divorces and contested custody 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 for family law matters. These results include divorces with complex property division, child custody modifications, and spousal support determinations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent families in 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.
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 is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody 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 Services
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.