Arlington County Family Law Attorney — What Are Your Legal Options?
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters follow equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our team handles divorce, custody, and support cases at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, and spousal support. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 when dividing property. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
This page covers family law matters in Arlington County, including divorce, child custody, child support, and spousal support. The primary statute governing equitable distribution is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. For adoption matters, see our kinship adoption petition lawyer Arlington County page.
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, see the Arlington County General District Court website.
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. A property settlement agreement (separation agreement) signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates. The Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201 handles Arlington County family law matters.
- File the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court. Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Serve the complaint on your spouse. Sheriff service costs about $12; private process server costs $50-$100.
- File Financial Disclosure: Complete and file financial disclosure statements within 21 days of service.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If needed, attend a temporary support and custody hearing, typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
- Mediation or Negotiation: Attempt to reach a settlement through mediation ($100-$300/hour per party) or direct negotiation.
- Final Hearing: Attend the final hearing. Uncontested cases resolve in 2-4 months; contested cases take 9-18 months.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and support calculations under Virginia law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Factors | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | Arlington County Circuit Court | Separation period, signed agreement | Filing fee: ~$86 |
| Divorce (Fault) | Adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year) | Variable | Arlington County Circuit Court | Proof of fault grounds | No waiting period for adultery |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | 3-6 months (contested) | Arlington County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | 10 factors including parent roles, child relationship, abuse history | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing | Arlington County J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Income, custody arrangement, healthcare costs | Modification available |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Variable | Arlington County Circuit Court | Length of marriage, earning capacity, contributions | Modification available |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arlington County Family Law Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the Virginia equitable distribution statute — a unique achievement that demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm has 4,739+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington County team includes experienced family law attorneys who understand local court procedures and judges. We provide case-specific strategies for each client’s situation.
Arlington County Family Law Case Results
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. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
We serve clients throughout Arlington County including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Arlington County
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. 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. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. 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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
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. 115 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
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.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer page. We also serve Alexandria and offer criminal defense and DUI/DWI services in Arlington County. Visit our Arlington location page for more details.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.