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In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters like divorce and custody are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Standby Guardianship Lawyer Arlington County can help you plan for your children’s future.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Family law in Virginia covers divorce, child custody, support, and property division. The state uses equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which was personally amended by Mr. Sris. A Standby Guardianship Lawyer Arlington County can assist with planning for incapacity or deployment. For complex estates, a backup guardian designation lawyer Arlington County ensures your wishes are documented. A standby guardian plan lawyer Arlington County can help create a plan that meets Virginia’s legal requirements.
Statutory Definition
Virginia family law is defined by Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). The state requires a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce if no minor children are involved, or 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year.
External Citation Links
Insider Procedural Edge
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and support matters. Virginia requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorces.
- File a complaint for divorce or custody at the appropriate court.
- Serve the other party with process.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary orders (21-60 days).
- Complete discovery and mediation if required.
- Attend final hearing or submit agreed order.
- Obtain final decree of divorce or custody order.
Penalty Table
In Arlington County, family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve significant financial and custodial consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (support) | Civil/Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Violation of Protective Order | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Mandatory counseling, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Pack Trigger Block
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. 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.
FAQ Block
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: 12-24 months.
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. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
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).
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody 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.
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).
Internal Links
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Alexandria Family Law Lawyer
- Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Arlington DUI Lawyer
- Arlington Personal Injury Lawyer
- Arlington Reckless Driving Lawyer
- Arlington Location
Freshness Block
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.