In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters are governed by 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. Your family’s future deserves a case-specific approach.
Virginia family law operates under the equitable distribution principle, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The primary statute governing divorce and property division is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This statute outlines 11 factors the court considers when dividing marital assets and debts. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Understanding these statutes is critical for protecting your financial future.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For divorce proceedings in Arlington County, the primary statute is Va. Code § 20-91, which establishes the grounds for divorce. Virginia allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation 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 1+ year imprisonment.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and Arlington County General District Court. These resources provide the legal framework for your case.
Arlington County Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. This witness must have personal knowledge of the grounds for divorce. The court schedules pendente lite hearings within 21-60 days of filing for temporary support and custody issues.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion if you need temporary support or custody within 21-60 days.
- Attend mediation sessions to attempt settlement before trial.
- Prepare for final hearing with corroborating witness and property settlement agreement.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support calculated under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | Final decree issued |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 9-18 months | $86 + attorney fees | Court decides all issues |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | 3-6 months | $500-$2,500+ GAL | Custody order |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | 30-60 days | No additional filing fee | Monthly support order |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, making him uniquely qualified to handle complex family law matters in Arlington County. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, brings his former prosecutor background and personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 to every family law case in Arlington County.
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+ documented 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.
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 County? Our office is conveniently located to serve you.
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.
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: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. 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 based on 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?
It depends. 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?
Yes. 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. Each ground has specific requirements.
Learn more about Virginia family law lawyers. Compare with Alexandria family law lawyers. Also see Arlington County criminal defense lawyers.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.