Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters are governed by Virginia statutes including Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. 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 personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Arlington County court information, see 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.
- File initial pleadings at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office with required filing fee.
- Serve the other party with complaint and summons by sheriff, private process server, or certified mail.
- Attend scheduling conference to establish deadlines for discovery, motions, and potential trial dates.
- Complete discovery including financial document exchange, interrogatories, and depositions.
- Consider settlement options through mediation or settlement conferences.
- Prepare for trial with exhibits, witness lists, and legal arguments if settlement fails.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific procedures rather than penalties, with Virginia requiring a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children or 1-year separation with minor children.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + litigation costs | Arlington Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Arlington J&DR Court |
| Equitable Distribution | 11-factor analysis | 12-24 months if complex | Forensic accountant: $3,000-$10,000+ | Arlington Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
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 with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). 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
Case Results in Arlington County
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, support, and property division matters resolved through settlement or trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). Family law lawyer near Arlington County and surrounding communities. 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
Serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, Shirlington and surrounding communities.
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 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.
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 more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria family law matters. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. 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.