Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Arlington County, Virginia. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. The firm has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We handle divorce, child custody, spousal support, and complex property division matters filed at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
In Arlington County, a no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are defined in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows the equitable distribution principles of Va. Code § 20-107.3. Child support is calculated using the guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1, and custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.2. Spousal support factors are listed in Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia laws, visit the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, see the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders.
- File a Complaint: Submit your divorce, custody, or support complaint at the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
- Serve the Other Party: Have the complaint legally served by a sheriff or private process server.
- Attend Scheduling Conference: The court will set deadlines for discovery and mediation.
- Complete Discovery: Exchange financial documents and other required evidence.
- Attempt Settlement: Negotiate or attend mediation to try to reach an agreement.
- Trial or Final Hearing: If no settlement is reached, present your case at a bench trial.
Family Law Outcomes and Costs
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific procedures and costs, not criminal penalties. The process is governed by equitable distribution and the best interests of the child.
| Matter | Court | Typical Timeline | Filing Fee | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | Circuit Court | 2-4 months | ~$86 | 6-month or 1-year separation required |
| Contested Divorce | Circuit Court | 9-18 months | ~$86 + costs | Equitable distribution of assets |
| Child Custody | J&DR Court | Varies | ~$86 | Best interests of the child standard |
| Child Support | J&DR Court | Varies | ~$86 | Calculated via state guidelines |
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 legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our approach is case-specific, built on direct legal 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
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Lawyer
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse.
We serve 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 and mediation.
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 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia family law lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria City. In Arlington County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.