In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and 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. We provide full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment.
Official Resources for Arlington County Family Law
Review the Virginia Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Visit the Arlington County General District Court website for local court information, hours, and procedures.
Insider Procedural Edge for Arlington County Family Law
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.
- File the Complaint: File a divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400). Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: Serve the complaint through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a Separation Agreement: Submit a signed property settlement agreement resolving all issues — property division, support, and custody.
- Attend the Hearing: Appear with a corroborating witness for the uncontested divorce hearing.
- Obtain the Final Decree: The court enters the final divorce decree. Uncontested cases take 2-4 months from filing.
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 | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | Arlington County Circuit Court | $86 | Service of process: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Arlington County Circuit Court | $86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies | Arlington County J&DR Court | Varies | Mediation: $100-$300/hour |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Varies | Arlington County J&DR Court | Varies | Genetic testing if disputed |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | Arlington County Circuit Court | Varies | Financial affidavits required |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arlington County Family Law Case
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+ total case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. This achievement provides a unique advantage in Virginia family law cases.
Mr. Sris also handles complex family law matters requiring advanced strategy. His background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in cases involving business valuation, stock options, and complex asset division.
Case Results 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. 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 Location — Serving Arlington County
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.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington County, including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Searching for a family law attorney near Arlington? Our Arlington location provides convenient access for clients throughout Northern Virginia.
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. Pendente lite motion: additional court costs. 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. Arlington County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce 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.
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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.