In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases follow 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. A Private Adoption Lawyer Arlington County handles adoption, custody, and divorce matters at the Arlington County Circuit Court. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds); § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris); § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines); § 20-124.2 (custody best interests); § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. 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. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child support follows Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support depends on 13 statutory factors. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in Arlington County family law matters.
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit Va. Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County Circuit Court information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website (.gov).
In Arlington County Circuit Court, family law cases require specific procedural steps. The 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. 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 or petition for custody at Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Serve the other party with legal papers through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody orders (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Complete discovery, including financial disclosures and asset valuations.
- Attend mediation if ordered or agreed upon by both parties.
- Proceed to trial or final hearing for entry of final decree.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support calculated under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Costs | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault after 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year (with children) | 2-4 months from filing | Filing fee ~$86; service ~$12-$100 | Property settlement agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Higher litigation costs; Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Business valuation may be needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies by complexity | Mediation $100-$300/hour per party | Guardian ad Litem may be appointed |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child emancipates | Modification filing fee | Enforcement through wage withholding |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration varies | Modification filing fee | Tax implications for both parties |
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 across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the Virginia equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our Arlington County family law team includes experienced attorneys who understand local court procedures and judge preferences.
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., also handles complex family law matters in Arlington County. As a former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience, he personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and provides strategic oversight on all family law cases.
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. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable settlements in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is located near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. If you are searching for a family law lawyer near Arlington, our office serves clients throughout Arlington County. We represent clients in 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. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
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?
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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases filed at Arlington County General District Court.
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.
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a nearby locality, see our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page. For other legal needs in Arlington County, explore our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer page or Arlington County DUI Lawyer page.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.