Arlington County Family Law Attorney — What Are Your Legal Options?
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Visitation Lawyer Arlington County can help you establish a fair parenting time schedule.
Virginia Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning 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). Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the best interests of the child. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under § 20-108.1. A Visitation Lawyer Arlington County understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Statutes (Va. Code Title 20) — Official state code for divorce, custody, support, and equitable distribution.
- Arlington County General District Court — Court website with local rules, forms, and scheduling information.
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 an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a complaint for divorce at the Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or a private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Complete financial disclosure affidavits and exchange all required documentation.
- Attend mediation (available but not mandatory in Virginia) to attempt settlement.
- Proceed to trial if settlement is not reached, or finalize with a signed separation agreement.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody, child support, and spousal support determinations.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court Costs | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months from filing | ~$86 filing fee | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion) | 9-18 months | ~$86 + service costs | May require Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies by complexity | Additional court costs | Mediation available: $100-$300/hour per party |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months | Business valuation costs | Forensic accountants may be needed |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Arlington County 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. We are accessible via major highways and serve the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a Visitation Lawyer Arlington County? We help parents establish fair parenting time schedules that prioritize the best interests of the child.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
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.
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.
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). 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 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.
What is a parenting time schedule and how is it determined?
A parenting time schedule outlines when each parent has physical custody of the child. The court determines this based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A parenting time schedule lawyer Arlington County can help you negotiate a schedule that works for your family.
What are child visitation rights in Arlington County?
Child visitation rights refer to the non-custodial parent’s time with the child. Virginia courts encourage frequent and continuing contact with both parents. A child visitation rights lawyer Arlington County can help protect your rights and ensure a fair schedule.
Can I modify a custody or visitation order in Arlington County?
Yes. You can request modification if there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the child’s best interests. Common reasons include relocation, changes in work schedule, or concerns about the child’s safety. File your motion at the Arlington County J&DR Court.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Statewide family law representation.
- Alexandria Family Law Lawyer — Serving Alexandria City.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Criminal defense in Arlington County.
- Arlington County DUI Lawyer — DUI defense in Arlington County.
- Our Arlington Location — Visit our Arlington office by appointment.
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.