Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault filings. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County, providing full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters. Our Arlington location is accessible for appointments to discuss your specific family law situation.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, and Mr. Sris personally amended the key statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law in Arlington County is primarily governed by the Virginia Code. The foundational statute for property division is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which establishes the equitable distribution system. This statute was personally amended by Mr. Sris, giving our firm direct insight into its application. Other key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-124.3 (child custody best interests), and § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines).
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. His background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in complex financial divorce cases involving business valuation and asset tracing.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The equitable distribution statute.
- Arlington County General District Court Website – Official court information, forms, and procedures.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Consultation & 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: Your attorney will file a Complaint for Divorce or other pleadings with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Service of Process & Response: The other party is served with the complaint. They have 21 days to file an Answer. If uncontested, a separation agreement may be signed.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial information through discovery. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings & Final Decree: Attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders if needed. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
Family Law Outcomes & Considerations in Arlington
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of property, child support based on state guidelines, and custody determinations focused on the child’s best interests.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | 6-month/1-year separation | Court fees: ~$86+ | 2-4 months |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Varies by estate | 9-24 months |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Based on income & expenses | Established at hearing |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Varies |
Results may vary. Each family law case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials & Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Arlington County family law cases. Founded in 1997, the firm has a documented record of 115 case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates a deep, practical understanding of Virginia’s equitable distribution system that few other attorneys can claim.
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
Arlington County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, maintaining a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. This local track record is built on a firm-wide foundation of 4,739+ case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County, Virginia
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent individuals and families throughout 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). 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
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Alexandria City Family Law Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Arlington.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn about our Of Counsel attorney.
Visit our Arlington, VA law location page for more information about our office.
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.