Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce without minor children, or a 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, and desertion.
Virginia Family Law Statutes
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. The Commonwealth is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors, not necessarily 50/50. The primary statutes governing divorce in Arlington County are Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, bringing unique insight to complex property division cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Arlington County court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
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.
- Gather and organize financial documents: Collect tax returns, bank statements, retirement account statements, property deeds, and business records for equitable distribution analysis.
- File the complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint at the Arlington County Circuit Court, paying the $86 filing fee and arranging service of process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if needed: If temporary support or custody orders are required during the divorce, attend a pendente lite hearing typically scheduled within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Participate in discovery and negotiation: Exchange financial information through discovery, engage in settlement negotiations, and consider mediation to resolve issues without trial.
- Final hearing or trial: Attend the final uncontested hearing if settlement is reached, or proceed to trial before an Arlington County Circuit Court judge if issues remain contested.
Divorce Procedures and Requirements
In Arlington County, divorce follows Virginia’s statutory framework with specific filing fees, timelines, and procedural requirements based on whether the case is contested or uncontested.
| Procedural Aspect | Uncontested Divorce | Contested Divorce |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Timeline | 2-4 months from filing | 9-18 months |
| Court Filing Fee | Approximately $86 | Approximately $86 + motion fees |
| Service of Process | Sheriff: ~$12 | Private: $50-$100 | Sheriff: ~$12 | Private: $50-$100 |
| Additional Costs | Minimal if agreement signed | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ Mediation: $100-$300/hour |
| Separation Requirement | 6 months (no minor children) 1 year (with minor children) |
6 months (no minor children) 1 year (with minor children) |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case, court schedules, and whether parties reach agreement.
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 in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, providing unique insight into complex property division cases. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to family law representation.
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, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. These results include successful divorce settlements, favorable custody arrangements, and equitable property division outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Arlington County Family Law Lawyer Near You
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As an Arlington County family law lawyer near the courthouse, we provide convenient access for court appearances and meetings.
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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring jurisdiction, consider our Alexandria City Divorce & Family Lawyer services. For other legal needs in Arlington County, we also provide Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI Defense representation. Learn more about our attorneys’ experience.
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 specific to your situation.