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, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
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). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory framework to advocate for clients in Arlington County courts.
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) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
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.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation. Gather financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- Filing the Complaint: File a divorce complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court. Pay the $86 filing fee. Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, file a pendente lite motion. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery. Negotiate a settlement agreement covering property division, support, and custody. Consider mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
- Final Hearing or Trial: For uncontested cases, attend a brief final hearing with a corroborating witness. For contested cases, prepare for trial where the judge decides unresolved issues based on Virginia statutes.
Arlington County Family Law Penalties and Costs
In Arlington County, family law matters involve court costs, not criminal penalties. A divorce filing fee is approximately $86, with additional costs for service, motions, and potential Guardian ad Litem fees for custody cases.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + motion fees | May involve pendente lite hearings |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | High-asset divorce | 12-24 months | $86 filing + experienced fees | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
| Child Custody (Standalone) | Best interests determination | 3-9 months | Filing fees + GAL ($500-$2,500+) | Handled in J&DR Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). This direct legislative involvement provides a deep understanding of property division law applied in Arlington County Circuit Court.
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
Documented 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 divorces with negotiated property settlements, child custody agreements, and successful modifications of support orders.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation in Arlington
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, accessible for residents of Arlington, 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. 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 Services
For more information on Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring jurisdiction, consider our Alexandria City family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys’ backgrounds.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.