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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children, with fault grounds including adultery and cruelty also available.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under a statutory framework that includes specific grounds for divorce, factors for equitable distribution of marital property, guidelines for child support, and standards for determining child custody based on the child’s best interests. The primary statutes governing family law matters in Arlington County are Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests).
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Family Law Resources
For the most current statutory language and court procedures, consult these official government resources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Domestic Relations) — official Virginia General Assembly website with complete family law statutes.
- Arlington County General District Court website — official court information including forms, fees, and procedures.
Arlington County Family Law Court Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. Arlington County 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 complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the other party: Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend pendente lite hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, attend a pendente lite hearing typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Complete discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through the discovery process, which may involve business valuation experts for complex estates.
- Attempt settlement or mediation: Attempt to resolve issues through settlement negotiations or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) before trial.
- Proceed to trial if necessary: If settlement fails, proceed to trial where the judge will decide all contested issues based on Virginia family law statutes.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, family law matters follow Virginia’s equitable distribution system with no-fault divorce available after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | Filing: $86 + service fees | 2-4 months | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | Filing: $86 + discovery costs + experienced fees | 9-18 months | May require Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-asset divorce | Filing: $86 + business valuation + forensic accounting | 12-24 months | Involves division of retirement assets, businesses |
| Child Support Establishment | Guideline calculation | Court costs + income documentation | 1-3 months | Based on Virginia guidelines using combined gross income |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
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). With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our firm brings substantial knowledge to Arlington County family law matters. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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
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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorces with complex property division, child custody determinations, and spousal support modifications handled at Arlington County Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
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. As an Arlington County family law lawyer near the courthouse, we provide convenient access for court appearances and meetings.
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 — our state hub page for Virginia family law information.
Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer — family law representation in neighboring Alexandria City.
Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — criminal defense representation in Arlington County.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile — learn more about our of counsel attorney.
Arlington, VA Law Location — information about our Arlington office.
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.