In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters follow equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Kinship Adoption Lawyer Arlington County helps families secure legal permanency for children through relative placement.
Virginia Family Law Statutes Governing Arlington County Cases
Virginia family law operates under equitable distribution principles, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The primary statute governing property division is Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), which Mr. Sris personally amended. Divorce grounds fall under Va. Code § 20-91, including no-fault divorce after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Child custody decisions follow the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 statutory factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources for Arlington County Family Law
Review the official Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) for complete family law statutes. Visit the Arlington County General District Court website for local court procedures, forms, and scheduling information.
Insider Knowledge: Arlington County Family Court Procedures
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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 the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve Your Spouse: Serve the complaint via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Exchange Financial Disclosures: Complete and exchange financial disclosure statements within 21 days.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: If needed, request temporary support and custody within 21-60 days of filing.
- Mediate or Negotiate: Attempt to reach a property settlement agreement before trial.
- Final Hearing: Present your case with corroborating witness for uncontested divorce or trial for contested matters.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law outcomes include equitable distribution of marital property, child support calculated by state guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Statute | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 | Corroborating witness required |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution | Varies with complexity | Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 11 factors considered |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | 60-120 days | J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | 10 factors evaluated |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | 30-60 days | J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Based on combined income |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration depends on marriage length |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Arlington County Family Law Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Arlington County family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients across multiple states and jurisdictions.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on all Arlington County family law cases. His personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates the firm’s deep understanding of Virginia family law.
Arlington County Family Law 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. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Lawyer Near You
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are accessible via major highways and serve the neighborhoods of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington County? Our office is minutes from the Arlington County Courthouse.
We serve clients throughout Arlington County including: Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, Shirlington.
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. Additional costs vary by case complexity.
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 from division.
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 matters.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children with 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 Kinship Adoption in Arlington County?
A kinship adoption is a legal process where a relative adopts a child, allowing the child to remain within the family. A Kinship Adoption Lawyer Arlington County handles these cases under Virginia law, ensuring the adoption meets legal requirements while preserving family connections.
How does a relative adoption differ from other adoptions in Arlington County?
A relative adoption lawyer Arlington County can explain that kinship adoptions typically have streamlined procedures, reduced home study requirements, and priority consideration in court. These adoptions prioritize keeping children with family members while providing legal permanency and stability.
Can a family member adopt a child without terminating parental rights in Virginia?
It depends. A family member adoption lawyer Arlington County can advise that Virginia law generally requires termination of parental rights before adoption. However, kinship adoptions may allow for open adoption agreements or post-adoption contact arrangements in some circumstances.
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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.