Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce and 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 case 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 primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Virginia requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce without minor children or a 1-year separation with minor children. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia family law statutes from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Arlington County General District Court – Official court website for Arlington County, Virginia.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Family law cases in Arlington County are heard in two courts: 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 an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial consultation and case assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and legal options.
- Filing the complaint or petition: File the appropriate documents (divorce complaint, custody petition) at Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court with required fees.
- Discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial documents, participate in mediation if ordered, and negotiate settlement terms for property, support, and custody.
- Court hearings and final resolution: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders and final hearing for divorce decree or custody order issuance.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court-ordered resolutions rather than criminal penalties, with procedures governed by Virginia statutes and local court rules.
| Matter | Court | Timeline | Filing Fees | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 + service | Separation period, agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | Property, support, custody disputes |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | Varies | ~$86 | Best interests of child |
| Child Support | J&DR Court | Establishment hearing | ~$86 | Income, custody, expenses |
Results may vary based on case specifics and court decisions.
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 and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Our tagline: “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 for family law matters. These results include dismissals, favorable settlements, and court rulings in divorce, custody, and support cases.
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). We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 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.
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 Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide family law information and resources.
- 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.
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.