In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce is governed by equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. An Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer Arlington County handles unique military pension division rules. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law governs divorce, custody, support, and property division in Arlington County. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), § 20-124.2 (custody best interests), and § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors). Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors. An Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer Arlington County understands how military benefits and pensions are treated under federal and state law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code (law.lis.virginia.gov). For Arlington County court information, including filing procedures and forms, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
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. 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 a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- If no agreement, proceed to trial for equitable distribution and support determination.
- Obtain final decree of divorce from the Circuit Court.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support calculations under state guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service of process ~$12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution | 9-18 months | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | J&DR Court | Varies | Mediation $100-$300/hour |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Varies | J&DR Court | Varies | Genetic testing if disputed |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Financial affidavits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arlington County Family Law Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has documented firm-wide 4,739+ case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential that no other family law attorney in the state can claim. This amendment directly affects how marital property is divided in every Virginia divorce case. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Arlington County 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. Examples include a domestic assault and battery charge resulting in nolle prosequi in Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and an assault charge dismissed in Arlington County General District Court. A service member dissolution lawyer Arlington County can help military personnel handle the intersection of state divorce law and federal military benefits.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Location
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via major highways. We serve clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need a family law lawyer near Arlington County, contact us for a consultation.
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.
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?
Yes. 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). Arlington County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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. Arlington County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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.
How does military service affect divorce in Arlington County?
It depends. Military pensions are divided under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA). An Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can help ensure military retirement benefits are properly valued and divided. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may delay proceedings if the service member is on active duty.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Our Arlington Location
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.