Family Law Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Options?
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. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases in Arlington County Circuit Court. Our firm has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law in Arlington County, Virginia, is defined by state code. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds and Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property. Virginia is not a community property state; it uses an equitable distribution system where assets are divided fairly based on 11 statutory factors. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm was founded in 1997.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly code website. For Arlington County court information, including forms and filing procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court official site.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve issues without a trial.
- File the initial complaint (e.g., for divorce) with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk.
- Serve the complaint and summons on the other party according to Virginia rules.
- Attend any pendente lite hearings for temporary support or custody orders.
- Complete mandatory financial disclosures and engage in discovery if the case is contested.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Arlington County, family law cases involve determinations of asset division, support, and child custody, with outcomes based on statutory factors and the best interests of the child.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (Va. Code § 20-107.3) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property | Separate property is excluded |
| Spousal Support | 13 Statutory Factors (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Award based on need, ability to pay, and marriage duration | Can be modified upon a material change |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Legal and physical custody orders | Considers 10 specific factors |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines (Va. Code § 20-108.1) | Monthly amount based on combined income and custody share | Subject to review every three years |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Arlington County Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have a documented record of handling family law matters in Arlington County.
Case Results for Arlington County Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County. Our firm-wide favorable outcome rate is 93%+ across thousands of cases in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex family law matters involving significant assets.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement can take 2-4 months from filing to final decree. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion costs, and potentially a Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+). Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party. Attorney fees vary 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 pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is 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 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 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 felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Related Legal Help in Arlington County
If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, our firm can help. We also assist with DUI/DWI charges in Arlington County. For broader Virginia family law information, visit our Virginia family law hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria (City).
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Arlington County, and our page on family law cases across Fairfax walks through each stage.