In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases 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. Your divorce, custody, or support matter deserves a case-specific approach.
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 but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine fair division. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or personal gifts — is excluded from division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to each family law case.
For complete statutory language, review Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Arlington County General District Court website for local procedures and filing requirements.
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, 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.
- 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 through sheriff or private process server.
- Exchange financial disclosures including income, assets, debts, and retirement accounts within 21 days.
- Attend pendente lite hearing if temporary support or custody orders are needed (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Participate in mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement to resolve issues without trial.
- Present final decree for judge’s signature after all issues are resolved or trial concludes.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support calculated under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Key Factors | Court | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months uncontested; 9-18 months contested | Separation period, signed agreement if applicable | Arlington County Circuit Court | Filing fee: ~$86; corroborating witness required |
| Divorce (Fault) | Adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment) | Varies by grounds | Proof of fault grounds | Arlington County Circuit Court | No waiting period for adultery |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (Va. Code § 20-124.3, 10 factors) | 3-6 months if contested | Parental roles, child’s relationship, history of abuse | J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child emancipates | Income, custody time, healthcare costs | J&DR Court or Circuit Court | Modification available upon material change |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration varies | Length of marriage, earning capacity, contributions | Arlington County Circuit Court | Modification or termination upon change |
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 attorney 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, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in all Virginia divorces. This achievement provides the firm with direct, firsthand knowledge of how the statute operates in practice. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, oversees all family law matters at the firm. His background as a former prosecutor and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provide strategic advantages in complex family law cases.
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 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, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250. By appointment only.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington? Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 is conveniently located for clients throughout Arlington County and the surrounding areas.
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?
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 may apply for complex cases.
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 + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). All divorces are filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
For more information about family law across Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are 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 or Arlington County DUI lawyer pages.
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block, Of Counsel (Former Virginia State Trooper). Visit our Arlington location page for directions and contact information.
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.