Arlington County Family Law Lawyer — How Can We Protect Your Family?
Family law matters in Arlington County are governed by Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation with a firm-wide record of 4,739+ case results. Our Arlington County location helps clients handle the details of divorce, custody, and support cases in the local court system.
Virginia law requires courts to decide family cases based on the child’s best interests for custody and equitable principles for dividing marital property.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is primarily codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), Va. Code § 20-124.2 (best interests of the child factors), and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution of marital property). The Arlington County Circuit Court applies these laws to resolve disputes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses this statutory framework to advocate for clients.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) – Official Virginia General Assembly statutes.
- Arlington County Circuit Court – Official court website with forms and local rules.
Handling a Family Law Case in Arlington County
The Arlington County Circuit Court handles all family law matters. Cases often involve multiple hearings and court-ordered mediation. The court’s family law division has specific procedures for scheduling and presenting evidence.
- Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: Schedule a consultation with a family law attorney to discuss your situation, rights, and legal options under Virginia law.
- Filing the Initial Pleading: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary complaint (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office and serve the other party.
- Discovery and Financial Disclosure: Both parties exchange financial information and other relevant documents. This phase may include interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
- Negotiation and Settlement Conferences: Attorneys often engage in settlement discussions or attend court-ordered mediation to try to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody without a trial.
- Trial Preparation and Court Hearing: If settlement fails, your attorney will prepare for trial, including witness preparation and evidence organization, and present your case before a judge.
- Post-Trial Motions and Order Finalization: After the judge’s decision, your attorney will help draft the final order and address any post-trial motions, such as for attorney’s fees or enforcement.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Arlington County, family law cases do not carry criminal penalties but determine critical rights regarding children, property, and support.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Joint or sole legal/physical custody | Child support obligations |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Division of assets and debts | Varies based on marital estate |
| Spousal Support | Need and ability to pay (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Temporary or permanent support award | Monthly payments for a duration |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Our Experience in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris, the founding attorney, personally contributed to amending Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a deep understanding of its application in Arlington County and across Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child custody determined in Arlington County, Virginia?
The court determines custody based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Factors include each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s reasonable preference if they are mature enough.
What is the difference between legal and physical custody in Virginia?
Legal custody involves the right to make major decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare. Physical custody refers to where the child lives. Both can be shared (joint) or granted primarily to one parent (sole).
How long does it take to get a divorce in Arlington County?
An uncontested divorce with no minor children can be finalized in about 2-3 months. Contested divorces or those involving children typically take 6-12 months or longer, depending on the issues and court schedule.
What factors does a Virginia court consider for spousal support?
Courts consider factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the length of the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, age, health, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Support is not automatic and depends on need and ability to pay.
Can I modify a child custody or support order in Virginia?
Yes. You can file a petition to modify if there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the child’s welfare or a parent’s financial situation. The change must be substantial and not anticipated when the original order was entered.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ favorable case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a favorable outcome rate of 93%+.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 50. We serve Arlington, Ballston, Clarendon, Courthouse, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
2100 Clarendon Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – State-wide hub page.
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
- Arlington County Divorce Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Samantha Powers Attorney Profile
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.