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. Uncontested divorces take 2-4 months; contested cases 9-18 months. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes and Arlington County Courts
Virginia family law operates under several key statutes. Divorce grounds are defined under Va. Code § 20-91, which provides for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed separation agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This statute requires the court to divide marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally, considering 11 statutory factors. Child custody follows the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, while child support is calculated using Virginia’s guidelines based on combined gross income under Va. Code § 20-108.1.
Spousal support determinations consider 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who brings unique insight to family law cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For the complete text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court procedures and forms, see the Arlington County General District Court official website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Arlington County Family Law Process
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.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Complete discovery, including financial affidavits, asset valuations, and mediation if ordered.
- Attend the final hearing with your corroborating witness and signed property settlement agreement.
- Receive the final divorce decree from the Circuit Court judge.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support awards under state statutes.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | Circuit Court | $86 | Service: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | Circuit Court | $86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests (10 factors) | 3-12 months | J&DR Court | Varies | Mediation: $100-$300/hr |
| Child Support | Guidelines based on income | 30-90 days | J&DR Court | Varies | Genetic testing if disputed |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | 3-12 months | Circuit Court | $86 | Financial experienced: $200-$500/hr |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arlington County Family Law Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., 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 attorney in Virginia can claim. This amendment directly affects how marital property is divided in every Virginia divorce case. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Arlington County, the firm has 115 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Arlington County Family Law Case Results
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Family Law Office
Our Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serving clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). The office is accessible via major highways and serves Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington County? Our office is minutes from the Arlington County Courthouse.
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?
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. Total costs vary based on case complexity.
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). Filed at Arlington County Circuit Court with the $86 filing fee.
Can I modify a divorce judgment in Arlington County?
Yes. A Post Divorce Modification Lawyer Arlington County can help you modify child support, spousal support, or custody orders when circumstances change. Virginia courts require a material change in circumstances to modify an existing order. A modify final decree lawyer Arlington County can file the appropriate motion with the 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.