Facing divorce in Arlington County? Virginia is an equitable distribution state 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. An Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County can help enforce or modify your decree across state lines. Contact us today.
Virginia Divorce Law and Equitable Distribution
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine a fair division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. For no-fault divorce, Virginia requires a 6-month separation if there are no minor children with a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if there are minor children. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information, review the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) and the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Arlington County Family Court
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. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- 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 financial disclosure affidavits within 21 days of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Participate in mediation if ordered by the court.
- Attend final hearing or submit agreed final decree for judge signature.
In Arlington County, divorce carries no criminal penalty, but financial consequences include equitable distribution of marital property, spousal support, and child support.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Child Support | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund interception |
| Failure to Pay Spousal Support | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, property liens |
| Violation of Custody Order | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible custody modification |
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 every case. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in all Virginia divorces. This is a unique credential that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Arlington County Case Results
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. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable settlements in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need a family law lawyer near Arlington, we are here to help.
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 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.
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 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.
Can an Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County help me enforce a foreign decree?
Yes. An Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County can assist with registering and enforcing a divorce decree from another state in Virginia courts. This includes child support enforcement, custody orders, and property division from out-of-state judgments.
Learn more about Virginia Family Law Lawyer. See also our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, visit our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
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.