Arlington County family law matters involve divorce, custody, and support under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Joint Custody Lawyer Arlington County helps parents create workable parenting plans. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia family law is governed by multiple code sections. Divorce grounds fall under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after 6 months separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1 year (with minor children). Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 was personally amended by Mr. Sris, the founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Child custody follows the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. Child support uses Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support considers 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the complete family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Arlington County Family Law
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. The court requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. A property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, and protective orders. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia.
- File a complaint for divorce or custody at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the other party with process — sheriff service costs approximately $12.
- Exchange financial disclosures within 21 days of the other party’s appearance.
- Attend pendente lite hearing (typically set within 21-60 days) for temporary orders.
- Complete mediation if ordered or agreed upon.
- Final hearing or submission of agreed order for uncontested cases.
In Arlington County, family law cases involve divorce, custody, and support determinations under Virginia equitable distribution principles.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | Circuit Court | ~$86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests (10 factors) | Varies | J&DR Court | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hr |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | 30-60 days | J&DR Court | ~$86 | Genetic testing if disputed |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Forensic accountant if needed |
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. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law firm in Virginia can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Powers, the primary attorney for Virginia family law matters, brings 18+ years of experience and a unique academic background including a Ph.D. in Communication from UCSB. She handles divorce, custody, and support cases in Arlington County with a case-specific approach case-specific to 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. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable dispositions in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Family Law Services
Our Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serving clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are accessible via major highways in the area.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington? We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. 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 may include forensic accountants for complex asset cases.
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.
What is a Joint Custody Lawyer Arlington County and how can they help?
A Joint Custody Lawyer Arlington County helps parents create shared custody arrangements that serve the child’s best interests. They assist with joint legal and physical custody lawyer Arlington County matters, ensuring both parents maintain meaningful involvement. The lawyer negotiates parenting time schedules and addresses disputes through mediation or court proceedings.
What is a shared custody arrangement lawyer Arlington County?
A shared custody arrangement lawyer Arlington County helps parents develop parenting plans that divide time and responsibilities between both parents. They handle joint legal and physical custody lawyer Arlington County issues, including decision-making authority and residential schedules. The lawyer works to create arrangements that meet the child’s needs while respecting each parent’s role.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Statewide family law hub
- Alexandria Family Law Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Related practice area
- Arlington County DUI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Our Arlington Location
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.