Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law operates under specific statutes that define divorce grounds, property division, and child-related matters. The primary laws 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).
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings unique insight from both sides of the courtroom. His personal amendment to Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current statutory language, refer to these official government sources:
- Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Divorce and Annulment) — official Virginia General Assembly website
- Arlington County General District Court website — official Virginia court system
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File a Complaint for Divorce with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. The filing fee is approximately $86.
- Have the complaint and summons served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- If temporary support or custody orders are needed, file a pendente lite motion. Hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Exchange financial documents and attend mediation if ordered. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party.
- Present your case before a judge. Uncontested cases may be finalized in 2-4 months; contested cases take 9-24 months.
Divorce Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, divorce carries specific procedural requirements: no-fault divorce 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, or felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Offense | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + $12 service | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + process server + motion fees | Discovery, possible trial |
| Complex Divorce | Equitable distribution | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years of combined attorney experience since our founding in 1997. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) demonstrates our deep involvement in Virginia family law development.
Global advocacy. Local precision. We apply this approach to every Arlington County family law matter, combining broad legal knowledge with specific court experience.
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 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include divorce, child custody, and equitable distribution matters resolved through negotiation, mediation, and litigation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 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 courts. 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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — our state hub page for family law information.
Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer — representation in neighboring Alexandria City.
Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — related practice area in same locality.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile — learn about our of counsel attorney.
Arlington, VA Law Location — details about our Arlington office.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.