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 at 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, and support matters. By appointment only.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is governed by specific statutes that define the grounds for divorce, the division of marital property, and the standards for child custody and support. Arlington County cases are filed in the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for standalone custody and support matters.
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, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial family law cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (official Virginia General Assembly). Information about the Arlington County Circuit Court, including forms and procedures, is available on the Arlington County Circuit Court website.
Arlington County Family Law Process
The family law process in Arlington County involves specific local procedures. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing, and a signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without a trial.
- Initial Consultation and Strategy: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your specific family law situation, whether divorce, custody, or support. We will analyze the facts, review any existing agreements, and outline a case strategy.
- Document Gathering and Filing: Collect all relevant financial documents, marriage certificates, and child-related records. Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary complaint or petition with the Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Negotiation and Discovery: Engage in settlement discussions, which may involve mediation. If settlement is not reached, proceed with formal discovery to exchange financial disclosures and other evidence, adhering to Virginia court rules and deadlines.
- Court Proceedings and Resolution: Attend any required hearings, such as pendente lite motions for temporary orders. Your attorney will represent you at trial if necessary, presenting evidence and arguments to achieve a resolution on divorce, property division, custody, and support.
Penalties and Legal Standards in Arlington County
In Arlington County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: Virginia is an equitable distribution state; no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children).
| Matter | Classification / Standard | Timeline / Outcome | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault (separation) | 2-4 months | Court fees: ~$86 + service costs |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or No-fault | 9-18 months | Court fees + potential experienced costs (e.g., business valuator) |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division per Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months if complex | Division of marital property, debts |
| Child Support | Calculated via VA guidelines | Established at hearing | Monthly payment based on income |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. 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
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 matters resolved through dismissal, reduction of charges, or favorable settlement.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via major local highways. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County, serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Alexandria. If you need other legal services in Arlington County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer. Learn more about our attorneys.
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.