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Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Arlington County court information is available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings.
- Consult with an Arlington family law attorney to assess your situation and options.
- File the appropriate complaint (divorce, custody, support) at the correct Arlington court with required fees.
- Serve the other party with legal papers through sheriff, private process server, or acceptance.
- Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders within 21-60 days if needed.
- Participate in discovery, mediation if ordered, and settlement negotiations.
- Proceed to trial if settlement cannot be reached, presenting evidence and witnesses.
Arlington County Family Law Procedures & Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries court filing fees starting at approximately $86, with total costs varying based on case complexity and whether issues are contested.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 | Service fees $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 | Discovery, experienced fees |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | Circuit Court | 12-24 months | $86 | Forensic accountant, business valuator |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | 3-9 months | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
| Pendente Lite Hearing | Circuit/J&DR | 21-60 days | Additional motion fee | Attorney preparation |
Results may vary based on individual case facts and court decisions.
Family Law Experience in Arlington County
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 has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for Arlington County family law matters.
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 Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. Our experience includes successful resolution of contested divorces, complex property division, child custody arrangements, and support modifications.
Results may vary based on individual case facts and court decisions.
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. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests 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 with 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 more information about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby Alexandria, see our Alexandria family law lawyer page. For other legal services in Arlington County, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about our attorney at Bryan Block’s profile.
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.