Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County 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 results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout the county 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), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests standard), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on multiple statutory factors rather than a strict 50/50 split.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly website
Official Legal Resources
For the most current statutory language, refer to the official Virginia Code: Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). Court procedures and forms are available through the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Procedures
Family law cases in Arlington County are divided between 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 discuss your specific family law situation.
- Document gathering and financial disclosure: Collect all relevant financial documents for equitable distribution analysis.
- Filing the appropriate pleadings: File the necessary complaint or petition with the correct Arlington County court.
- Discovery and negotiation phase: Exchange information with the other party and attempt to negotiate a settlement.
- Trial preparation and court appearance: If settlement fails, prepare for trial with evidence and witness organization.
Family Law Penalties and Consequences
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific financial obligations and legal standards rather than traditional penalties: Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children (or 1-year with minor children), with fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault or fault grounds | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs | 2-24 months |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on income | Monthly payments based on combined income | Established at filing |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Division of marital property & debts | Resolved with divorce |
| Spousal Support | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent payments | Determined case-by-case |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing unique insight into property division cases. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Local Representation in Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a family law lawyer near Arlington County courts, we provide convenient access for local residents.
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 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; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer | Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.