In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce is 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. You need a Recognition Of Foreign Divorce Lawyer Arlington County to handle out-of-state or international divorce decrees.
Virginia Divorce and Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The primary statute governing property division is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. For divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-91 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. Child custody is determined under Va. Code § 20-124.3 based on the best interests of the child. Child support follows Virginia guidelines under Va. Code § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. 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. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Resources for Arlington County Family Law
For the complete text of Virginia’s divorce and family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court procedures, forms, and local rules, visit the Arlington County General District Court official website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Arlington County Divorce Cases
Arlington County Circuit Court 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. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates involving business valuation or retirement assets.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Attend the uncontested divorce hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Receive the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce and family law matters involve equitable distribution, child custody, child support, and spousal support determinations under state law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year (with minor children) | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service of process: $12-$100 | Arlington County Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+; Mediation: $100-$300/hour | Arlington County Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Arlington County J&DR Court |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Varies | ~$86 | None | Arlington County J&DR Court |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | ~$86 | None | Arlington County Circuit Court |
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
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case. Our firm has documented firm-wide 4,739+ case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in Virginia divorces. This is a unique achievement that demonstrates deep knowledge of Virginia family law. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include: a domestic assault and battery charge under Virginia 18.2-57.2 resulting in nolle prosequi in Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court; an assault and battery charge under Virginia 18.2-57.2 resulting in deferred disposition on a not guilty plea without stipulation to facts sufficient on the domestic assault in Arlington County J&DR Court; and an assault charge under Virginia 18.2-57 resulting in dismissal in Arlington County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location — Serving Arlington County
Our Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209. It is a short distance from the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. If you need a Recognition Of Foreign Divorce Lawyer Arlington County, we are here to help. We serve 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce and 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. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
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). Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) handles all property division. 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. Arlington County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases. 115 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 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.
What is a Recognition Of Foreign Divorce in Arlington County?
A Recognition Of Foreign Divorce is a legal process to have a divorce decree from another state or country recognized and enforced in Virginia. Arlington County Circuit Court handles these petitions. You need a Recognition Of Foreign Divorce Lawyer Arlington County to ensure your foreign divorce is properly recognized under Virginia law. An international divorce recognition lawyer Arlington County can help with complex cross-border issues. A foreign judgment enforcement lawyer Arlington County can assist with enforcing property division or support orders from other jurisdictions.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.