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. A Partner Support Lawyer Arlington County can help you handle support obligations.
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 equally. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine a fair division. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, by inheritance, or by gift — is excluded from distribution. A Partner Support Lawyer Arlington County can explain how these factors apply to your case. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every family law matter.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and the Arlington County General District Court website for local court procedures and filing requirements.
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 a complaint for divorce or support at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons — allow 21 days for response.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody (typically set within 21-60 days of motion).
- Exchange financial disclosures including tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
- Participate in mediation if ordered or agreed upon by both parties.
- Final hearing or submission of signed property settlement agreement for uncontested matters.
In Arlington County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, with no-fault divorce available after 6-month or 1-year separation depending on whether minor children are involved.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service of process: $12-$100 | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Complex equitable distribution may extend timeline |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Varies | ~$86 | Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party | Modification available upon material change |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | ~$86 | Forensic accountant for complex estates | Duration depends on marriage length and circumstances |
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, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This legislative achievement is a powerful differentiator in the Virginia family law market. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, firm founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on complex family law matters. His background as a former prosecutor and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 add significant weight to every case.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas 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 located near Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. If you need a partner maintenance lawyer Arlington County, our team is ready to assist.
Family law lawyer near Arlington, Virginia — serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
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 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 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). Filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
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.
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