Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County family law matters, including divorce under Va. Code § 20-91 and equitable distribution under § 20-107.3, require precise legal handling; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support cases filed at Arlington County Circuit Court. By appointment only.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. The court divides marital property fairly based on 11 statutory factors. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes. Divorce requires a 6-month separation with a signed agreement and no minor children, or a 1-year separation otherwise (Va. Code § 20-91). Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally helped amend. Child custody determinations are based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering ten factors.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Arlington County Family Court 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. 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 the specific facts of your case.
- Filing the initial pleading: File a complaint for divorce, custody, or support at the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the required filing fee.
- Discovery and evidence gathering: Exchange financial disclosures, conduct depositions, and gather evidence related to assets, income, and parenting roles.
- Negotiation and settlement attempts: Participate in settlement conferences or mediation to attempt to resolve issues without a full trial.
- Trial preparation and presentation: Prepare for trial by organizing evidence, preparing witnesses, and developing legal arguments for presentation before the judge.
- Post-trial motions and enforcement: Address any post-trial motions, appeals, or enforcement actions related to the final court order.
Family Law Procedures and Standards
In Arlington County, family law follows Virginia’s equitable distribution standard; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Legal Standard | Typical Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month/1-year separation | 2-4 months | ~$86 filing + service | Signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | Filing + motion costs | Discovery, possible trial |
| Complex Asset Division | Equitable distribution (11 factors) | 12-24 months | Filing + experienced fees | Business valuation, forensic accounting |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Filing + GAL fees ($500-$2,500+) | Parenting plans, home studies |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our tagline is “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
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.
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, custody modifications, and equitable distribution matters resolved at Arlington County Circuit Court.
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 Arlington County Courthouse area. 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer (Parent Hub)
- Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer (Sibling Locality)
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer (Related Practice Area)
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Arlington, VA Law Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.