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, are handled by the Arlington County Circuit Court; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
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, under Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. Child custody is determined based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, forms, and procedures, refer to 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. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing.
- Initial Filing: File a divorce complaint or custody petition with the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: Have the sheriff ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100) deliver the legal papers to your spouse or the other parent.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If temporary support or custody is needed, request a pendente lite hearing, typically scheduled within 21-60 days.
- Complete Discovery: Exchange financial documents and other evidence through formal discovery requests to prepare for negotiation or trial.
- Attempt Settlement: Participate in mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or settlement conferences to try to resolve issues without a trial.
- Proceed to Trial: If settlement fails, present your case at a bench trial before a judge at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Family Law Penalties and Procedures in Arlington
In Arlington County, family law involves court-ordered resolutions, not criminal penalties. Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children); fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Typical Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing + service fees | Arlington Circuit |
| Contested Divorce | No-Fault or Fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing + discovery + trial costs | Arlington Circuit |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Varies | Filing fee + possible Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) | Arlington J&DR |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | 12-24 months if complex | Filing fee + business valuation costs | Arlington Circuit |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping state law provides a distinct advantage in complex property division cases. 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
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and other matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location is accessible for clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We serve as a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding neighborhoods of 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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Alexandria City. In Arlington County, we handle other matters including criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. Learn more about our attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.