Family Law Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Rights in Divorce or Custody?
Family law matters in Arlington County are governed by Virginia statutes, including equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. A Family Law Lawyer Arlington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support cases. With 115 documented case results in Arlington County, our firm handles the details of your family legal matters. Call 703-589-9250 for a case-specific approach.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Family law in Arlington County is based on Virginia state code. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 for divorce grounds, § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution of marital property, § 20-124.2 for custody based on the child’s best interests, and § 20-107.1 for spousal support factors. Virginia is not a community property state; it uses an equitable distribution system where marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, based on statutory factors.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). For court forms and local procedures, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Local Family Court Process in Arlington County
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support cases at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Arlington County 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.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your situation with a family law attorney to understand your rights and options.
- Case Filing: Your attorney files the appropriate petition (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the correct Arlington County court and pays the filing fee.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both parties exchange financial information. Your attorney negotiates for a settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Court Hearings: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to hearings for temporary orders and, if needed, a final trial before a judge.
- Final Order: The court issues a final decree of divorce or order that resolves all issues, which your attorney ensures is properly drafted and entered.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Arlington County, family law outcomes are based on statutory factors for property division, support, and custody, with no fixed penalties but significant financial and personal consequences.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce | No-fault after 6-month/1-year separation; Fault grounds available | Court costs, attorney fees, division of assets/debts | Change in marital status, potential name change |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property per Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Division of real estate, retirement accounts, business interests | Determines post-divorce financial standing |
| Child Custody | Child’s best interests per Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Potential Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+) | Determines legal/physical custody and visitation schedule |
| Child Support | Virginia guideline calculation based on income | Monthly obligation based on combined income and custody share | Enforceable by income withholding, contempt |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Temporary or permanent monthly payment obligation | Tax implications (payor deductible/recipient income) |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Arlington County Family Court
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. In Arlington County, we have 115 documented case results across all practice areas. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This direct involvement in shaping the law provides a deep understanding of its application in Arlington County Circuit Court.
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
Our firm has a record of documented results in Arlington County courts. In family and related matters, outcomes have included favorable settlements and court rulings. For example, we have secured dismissals in Arlington County General District Court for clients facing related charges. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
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
Phones answered 24/7. Meetings by appointment only.
We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement takes 2-4 months. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business assets can take 12-24 months. A pendente lite hearing for temporary orders is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion fees, and potentially a Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) or mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity and whether the divorce is contested.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on 11 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3, not necessarily 50/50. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is usually 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 relationships, 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 a felony conviction with imprisonment of one year or more.
Related Legal Information
If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, our firm also handles those matters. For broader Virginia resources, see our Virginia family law hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria City.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.