In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters such as divorce and custody 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. A Private Adoption Lawyer Arlington County can guide you through the legal process. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia family law covers divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital property. Under Va. Code § 20-91, you may file for divorce on no-fault grounds after a 6-month separation (if no minor children) or 1-year separation (if minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute.
For adoption matters in Arlington County, Virginia law requires a home study and court approval under Va. Code § 63.2-1200. An independent adoption lawyer Arlington County can assist with stepparent, relative, or agency adoptions. The court evaluates the best interests of the child in all adoption proceedings.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) and the Arlington County General District Court website for procedural information.
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. The court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorces. A non-agency adoption lawyer Arlington County can help with private adoption placements.
- File a complaint for divorce or custody at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the other party with the summons and complaint via sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically set within 21-60 days) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and any required mediation.
- Attend the final hearing or submit a signed property settlement agreement for the judge’s approval.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve court costs and filing fees rather than criminal penalties. The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 | Service of process: $12-$100 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | May require trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests | 3-6 months | Varies | Mediation: $100-$300/hour | 10 statutory factors considered |
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, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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. 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, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County — serving all neighborhoods in the area.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250. Meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Q: 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.
Q: How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, there are costs. 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Return to the Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
See also our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page.
Related services: Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Arlington County DUI Lawyer.
Learn more about our attorney: Bryan Block.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.