Arlington County divorce cases require a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. An Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County handles cross-jurisdictional support and custody orders.
Virginia Divorce Law and Equitable Distribution
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3 — a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997). The court divides marital property fairly but not necessarily 50/50, considering 11 statutory factors. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded from division. A dissolution of marriage lawyer Arlington County explains how these factors apply to your specific assets and debts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the complete divorce statute, see Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. The court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial. An Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County addresses enforcement of foreign divorce decrees in Virginia courts.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- 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 (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Submit a property settlement agreement or proceed to equitable distribution trial.
- Obtain final decree of divorce after separation period is satisfied.
In Arlington County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs and potential attorney fees. Virginia is an equitable distribution state.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | Property division | Separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 + attorney fees | Equitable distribution | Guardian ad Litem ($500-$2,500+) |
| Complex Distribution | Equitable | 12-24 months | $86 + experienced fees | Business valuation | Forensic accountant required |
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+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. A dissolution of marriage lawyer Arlington County brings this depth of experience to your 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 4,739+ 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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd), accessible via I-395 and Route 50. If you need a family law lawyer near Arlington, we serve 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 with signed agreement) 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. Attorney fees vary by 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.
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.
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.