Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution system 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. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters at Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that determine divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. Arlington County cases are heard at the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support issues.
Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended § 20-107.3, giving our firm unique insight into Virginia’s property division laws.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the most current statutory information, consult these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce, Annulment, and Separate Maintenance) – Official Virginia General Assembly website
- Arlington County General District Court website – Court procedures and contact information
Arlington County Family Law Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. The Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- Initial consultation and document gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case specifics. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney files the divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court with the required $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party and await response: The complaint is served via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). The other party has 21 days to respond.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are needed, a pendente lite hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Negotiate settlement or proceed to trial: Attempt mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or negotiation. If unresolved, the case proceeds to trial where the judge decides all issues.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Timelines
In Arlington County, family law matters follow specific timelines: uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months; contested divorce takes 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation takes 12-24 months.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Property division per agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + litigation costs | Court-decided property division |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Business/Asset Division | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Forensic accounting may be required |
| Child Custody Dispute | Best Interests Standard | 3-12 months | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Custody evaluation possible |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court scheduling.
Virginia Family Law 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). Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
Our Arlington County family law practice draws on this extensive experience, particularly in complex property division cases involving business valuation, retirement assets, and international assets. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides unique advantages in financial 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
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, maintaining a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. Our results include successful property division settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and reduced support obligations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse. 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 ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) 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 Services
For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider:
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law hub
- Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Of Counsel attorney
- Arlington, VA Law Location – Office information
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.