Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce and 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 case results in Arlington County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, child custody, support, and property division. We handle cases at Arlington County Circuit Court and J&DR Court. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is defined by specific statutes. Divorce grounds are in Va. Code § 20-91. Property division follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody uses the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. Child support follows the Virginia guidelines in Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). For Arlington County court information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. The 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 to review your situation and goals.
- Filing the complaint or petition: Your attorney files documents with the court and pays the filing fee.
- Discovery and negotiation: Both parties exchange documents. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement.
- Court hearings and final resolution: If no settlement, the case proceeds to hearings where a judge decides.
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; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, or felony conviction.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (Failure to pay support) | Civil / Criminal | Up to 10 days | Up to $250 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, liens |
| Violation of Protective Order | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Mandatory arrest, no contact orders |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. 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 dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities. We serve 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). 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.
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 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.