Arlington County family law cases under Va. Code § 20-91 require a 6-month or 1-year separation for no-fault divorce. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia family law is governed by multiple code sections. Divorce grounds fall under Va. Code § 20-91, which provides both no-fault and fault-based options. Equitable distribution of marital property is controlled by Va. Code § 20-107.3 — a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997). Child custody follows the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, while child support uses Virginia’s guidelines formula under § 20-108.1. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors in § 20-107.1. Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd 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.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the complete text of Virginia’s divorce and family law statutes, see Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County Circuit Court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Arlington County Family Law
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges expect a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. This witness must have personal knowledge of the separation period. Many attorneys overlook this requirement, causing hearing delays.
Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody cases separately from divorce. Filing in the wrong court can add weeks to your timeline.
- Step 1: File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Step 2: Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Step 3: File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Step 4: Complete discovery, including financial affidavits and asset valuation if needed.
- Step 5: Attend mediation (optional, $100-$300/hour per party) or proceed to trial.
- Step 6: Obtain final decree of divorce from the Circuit Court judge.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences under Va. Code Title 20.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range | Court | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months from filing | $86 filing fee + service costs | Arlington County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under 11 factors | 9-18 months | $5,000-$20,000+ | Arlington County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | 3-6 months (standalone); 9-18 months (within divorce) | $2,000-$10,000+ | Arlington County J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child emancipates | Varies by income | Arlington County J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Duration varies | Varies by income and marriage length | Arlington County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
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 former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement that demonstrates deep family law experience. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County specifically, the firm has 115 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. “Advocacy Without Borders” is our guiding principle.
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. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable dispositions in family law matters. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Family Law Location
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). We are accessible via major highways including I-395 and Route 50.
Searching for 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.
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. 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. Pendente lite motion: additional court costs. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Total costs vary significantly based on complexity and whether the case is contested.
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.
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.
What is a Support Contempt Lawyer Arlington County and when do I need one?
You need a Support Contempt Lawyer Arlington County when your ex-spouse or co-parent fails to pay court-ordered child support or spousal support. A contempt of court motion lawyer Arlington County can file a motion to enforce the order, potentially skilled to wage garnishment, license suspension, or jail time for the non-paying party.
What does a court order violation lawyer Arlington County handle?
A court order violation lawyer Arlington County handles cases where one party violates a judge’s order — such as refusing visitation, failing to return property, or disobeying a protective order. The lawyer files a motion for contempt, and the court can impose sanctions including fines, attorney’s fees, or modification of the original order.
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.