Arlington County Family Law Attorney — What Are Your Options for Divorce and Support?
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters including divorce and spousal support are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law covers divorce, child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance. 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, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined attorney experience.
For spousal support specifically, Virginia courts apply 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 to determine the amount and duration of spousal maintenance. These factors include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. An Alimony Lawyer Arlington County must present evidence on each factor to the court.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and spousal support matters: Arlington County General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce or spousal support at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons through the sheriff or a private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically within 21-60 days) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Exchange financial affidavits and discovery documents with the other party.
- Participate in mediation if ordered or agreed upon by both parties.
- Attend the final hearing or submit a property settlement agreement for court approval.
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 | Duration | Cost | Impact | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months (uncontested) | $86 filing fee | Property division | Corroborating witness required |
| Spousal Support | 13 factors under § 20-107.1 | Varies by case | Attorney fees | Income adjustment | Modifiable upon change |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Until age 18 | Guidelines formula | Income withholding | Health insurance included |
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 4,739+ total documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, which is the single most powerful E-E-A-T differentiator in the Virginia family law market. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all Arlington County family law cases. He brings 120+ years of combined firm experience and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide: 4,739+ total 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. Alimony Lawyer Arlington County services available near the Courthouse area. Serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
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.
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: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
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. 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.
Related pages: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Family Law Lawyer | Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer | Arlington DUI Lawyer
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.