Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce and family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and § 20-91 (divorce grounds); Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, support, and property division at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia family law operates under an equitable distribution system, not community property. This means marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving our firm unique insight into this area of law.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia family law statutes: Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6.1 (Divorce) (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County court information: Arlington County General District Court website.
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.
- File initial pleadings at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) with $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party through sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) within 120 days.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support/custody, typically scheduled within 21-60 days of motion.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange, interrogatories, and depositions.
- Attempt settlement through mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or negotiation of property settlement agreement.
- Proceed to trial before a judge at Arlington County Circuit Court if settlement fails.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on Virginia guidelines, and potential spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/no-fault | 9-18 months | $86+ filing, GAL $500-$2,500+ | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business valuation | 12-24 months | Forensic accountant fees | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | GAL $500-$2,500+, mediation | Arlington J&DR Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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 and firm-wide 4,739+ total case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). Family law lawyer near Arlington County and surrounding communities including 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, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. 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.
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. If you need other legal services in Arlington County, consider our criminal defense attorneys or DUI/DWI lawyers. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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.