In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases 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. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law is governed by multiple statutes. Divorce grounds fall under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Equitable distribution of marital property follows Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions use the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 statutory factors. Child support follows Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
For the complete statutory framework, review the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and local rules are available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. Virginia 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. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons via sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Exchange financial disclosures and attend mediation for property division and custody issues.
- Attend final hearing or submit agreed order if settlement is reached.
- Receive final decree of divorce from the Circuit Court judge.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters carry no criminal penalties but involve significant financial and custodial consequences determined by the court.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 | Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | ~$86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests | 3-6 months | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hr | J&DR Court |
| Child Support | Guidelines-based | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service: $12-$100 | J&DR Court |
| Spousal Support | 13-factor analysis | 3-6 months | ~$86 | Financial experts: varies | Circuit Court |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on complex family law matters. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience in Virginia family law.
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. Results include dismissals, nolle prosequi, and favorable dispositions in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington? Our team provides case-specific representation for Arlington County residents.
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.
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. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
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 include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Arlington County General District Court.
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. 115 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 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.
Can I modify a child support order in Arlington County?
Yes. Child support modification is available when there is a material change in circumstances, such as a change in income, custody arrangement, or the child’s needs. File a motion in Arlington County J&DR Court (for standalone support) or Circuit Court (for divorce-related support). The court recalculates support using Virginia guidelines based on current combined gross income.
What is a Support Contempt Lawyer Arlington County?
A Support Contempt Lawyer Arlington County handles cases where one party fails to pay court-ordered child support or spousal support. Contempt of court proceedings can result in wage garnishment, license suspension, or jail time. The court requires proof of willful non-compliance. Filing a show cause motion starts the process at Arlington County J&DR Court or Circuit Court.
What does a contempt of court motion lawyer Arlington County do?
A contempt of court motion lawyer Arlington County represents clients in enforcement proceedings for court order violations. This includes failure to pay support, violating custody orders, or refusing to comply with property division terms. The lawyer files a show cause motion, gathers evidence of the violation, and represents you at the hearing. Penalties can include fines, attorney fees, and jail time for willful violations.
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in a nearby locality, see our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, explore our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer page or Arlington County DUI Lawyer page.
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block, Former VA State Trooper. Visit our Arlington Law Office Location for directions and appointment scheduling.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.