In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce follows 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. An Arlington County family law attorney can help you handle property division, custody, and support matters. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
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. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or gifts — is excluded from division. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm’s understanding of Virginia family law comes from decades of courtroom practice.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) regarding equitable distribution. Court procedures are governed by the Arlington County General District Court (official court website).
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.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve Your Spouse: The complaint must be served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Respond and Negotiate: Your spouse has 21 days to respond. Your attorney negotiates a property settlement agreement covering assets, debts, support, and custody.
- Attend Hearings: Pendente lite hearings for temporary support and custody are typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Final Decree: Uncontested divorces finalize in 2-4 months. Contested cases take 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation may take 12-24 months.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support calculations under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Filing Fee | Additional Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | ~$86 | Service of process: $12-$100 | Arlington County Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 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 under Va. Code § 20-124.3 (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 | Modification motion: additional court costs | Arlington County J&DR Court |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | ~$86 | Forensic accountant: $200-$500/hour for complex cases | Arlington County Circuit Court |
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 across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs divorce property division in Virginia. This achievement is a documented, real-world contribution to Virginia family law that no other firm can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County specifically, the firm has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) also handles complex family law matters. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include:
- Domestic Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57.2) — Nolle Prosequi, Arlington County J&DR Court
- Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57.2) — Deferred disposition on not guilty plea, Arlington County J&DR Court
- Assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) — Dismissed, Arlington County General District Court
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is located near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. If you are searching for a “family law lawyer near Arlington” or “divorce attorney near Pentagon City,” our Arlington office serves clients throughout the area.
Neighborhoods served: Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, 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.
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 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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). 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 matters.
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.
What is the Recognition Of Foreign Divorce Lawyer Arlington County process?
The Recognition Of Foreign Divorce Lawyer Arlington County process involves filing a petition in Arlington County Circuit Court to have a foreign divorce decree recognized under Virginia law. An international divorce recognition lawyer Arlington County can assist with this process, which requires proving the foreign court had proper jurisdiction.
How does a foreign judgment enforcement lawyer Arlington County handle international divorce decrees?
A foreign judgment enforcement lawyer Arlington County handles enforcement of international divorce decrees by filing a certified copy of the foreign judgment with Arlington County Circuit Court. The court then determines whether the foreign judgment meets Virginia’s standards for recognition and enforcement.
Can a foreign divorce decree be modified in Arlington County?
It depends. Once a foreign divorce decree is recognized in Virginia, certain provisions such as child custody and support may be modified by Arlington County courts if the court has jurisdiction over the parties. Property division provisions are typically final and cannot be modified.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring locality, see our Alexandria family law lawyer page. For other legal matters in Arlington County, see our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer page or Arlington County DUI lawyer page.
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block, Former Virginia State Trooper. Visit our Arlington location page for directions and contact information.
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.