Family Law Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Rights in Divorce and Custody?
Family law matters in Arlington County are governed by Virginia statutes, including equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A family law lawyer Arlington County can guide you through divorce, custody, and support proceedings in Arlington County Circuit Court and J&DR Court. We provide full representation for your family legal matters.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law in Arlington County, Virginia, is primarily handled in the Arlington County Circuit Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for custody and support. The key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, and Va. Code § 20-124.3 for determining the best interests of the child in custody cases. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on statutory factors.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website. To review court procedures and forms, the Arlington County Circuit Court website provides official information.
Arlington County Family Court Procedures and Strategy
In Arlington County, divorce and property division cases are filed in the Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Standalone custody, visitation, and child support matters begin in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Virginia requires a six-month separation for no-fault divorce if there are no minor children and a signed agreement, or a one-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds like adultery or cruelty can bypass the separation period.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your situation with a family law lawyer Arlington County to understand your rights and options.
- Case Filing: Your attorney will prepare and file the appropriate petition (e.g., for divorce, custody) with the correct Arlington County court.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Financial disclosures are exchanged, and your lawyer will negotiate a settlement on issues like asset division and support.
- Court Hearings: If settlement isn’t reached, the case proceeds to hearings, which may include pendente lite (temporary) orders or a final trial.
- Final Order: The court issues a final decree of divorce, custody order, or support order, resolving all matters.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Arlington County, family law outcomes are based on statutory factors, not fixed penalties. Divorce can result in equitable property division, spousal support, and child custody orders case-specific to your family’s circumstances.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Arlington County Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. A key point of authority in Virginia family law is that Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the commonwealth’s equitable distribution statute. This deep, firsthand involvement with the law itself provides a unique advantage in crafting arguments for clients in Arlington County facing property division.
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
Our firm has a documented record of 115 case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. In family law and related domestic matters, our approach focuses on achieving favorable resolutions, whether through negotiated settlement or court advocacy. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a secondary attorney on many family cases, uses his extensive experience, including his work amending Virginia’s equitable distribution law, to benefit client strategies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Arlington County Family Law Office
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We are your local family law lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse.
Arlington County Family Law FAQs
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement typically takes 2-4 months from filing. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuations can take 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation period for no-fault divorce before filing.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Arlington County Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), potential Guardian ad Litem fees for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300 per hour per party). Total costs vary significantly based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like assets owned before marriage, is typically excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers factors like each parent’s role in the child’s life, the child’s needs, and the parent’s ability to cooperate. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children and a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, or a felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview, learn about criminal defense in Arlington, or visit our Arlington location page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.