Arlington County family law matters are governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (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 Joint Custody Lawyer Arlington County can help you pursue a fair parenting plan.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly — not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine a fair division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. For parents, custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A Joint Custody Lawyer Arlington County understands how these statutes apply to your specific situation.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has built a reputation for handling complex family law matters across Northern Virginia. Mr. Sris’s background as a prosecutor provides a strategic advantage in cases involving allegations of abuse or neglect that affect custody determinations.
For the official text of Virginia’s divorce and custody laws, see Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) (official Virginia General Assembly) and 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 the Complaint: Your attorney files a complaint for divorce or custody at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve the Other Party: Sheriff service of process costs approximately $12; private process server $50-$100.
- Exchange Financial Disclosures: Both parties must provide complete financial statements within 21 days of the initial hearing.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: Temporary support and custody hearings are typically set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
- Mediation or Settlement: If both parties agree, a property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- Final Hearing: Uncontested cases finalize in 2-4 months; contested cases take 9-18 months.
In Arlington County, 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 | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Process server: $12-$100 | Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | 3-6 months (standalone) | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hour | J&DR Court |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | 30-60 days | ~$86 | None | J&DR Court |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | 3-6 months | ~$86 | None | 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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law firm in Arlington County can claim. This amendment directly affects how marital property is divided in every Virginia divorce case.
The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our attorneys handle family law matters across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., providing consistent representation for clients with multi-state issues.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on all Arlington County family law cases. His personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 gives the firm an unmatched understanding of equitable distribution law.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable settlements in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is located near the Arlington County Courthouse, 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 office is minutes from the Courthouse metro station.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
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.
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. 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.
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 shared custody arrangement in Arlington County?
A shared custody arrangement means both parents have significant parenting time, typically at least 90 overnights per year per parent. Virginia courts favor arrangements that maintain strong relationships with both parents when safe and appropriate.
What is joint legal and physical custody in Virginia?
Joint legal custody means both parents share decision-making authority about the child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Joint physical custody means the child spends substantial time with both parents. Virginia courts can award one or both types.
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.