In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases follow equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute. 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 equally. 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. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or gifts — is excluded from division. The statute applies to all divorces filed in Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Arlington County General District Court (official court website)
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges expect a signed property settlement agreement before the final hearing. Without one, the court schedules an evidentiary hearing requiring experienced testimony on 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 through sheriff service or private process server.
- Exchange financial disclosures — tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, retirement accounts.
- Attend mediation to negotiate property division, support, and custody terms.
- Sign a property settlement agreement resolving all issues without trial.
- Appear at the final hearing with a corroborating witness to obtain the final decree.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution, child support guidelines, and spousal support factors under state law.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Key Statute | Timeline | Court | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce — No-Fault | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | Va. Code § 20-91 | 2-4 months uncontested; 9-18 months contested | Arlington County Circuit Court | Corroborating witness required |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division based on 11 factors | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Varies with complexity | Arlington County Circuit Court | Business valuation may be needed |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Ongoing until child emancipates | Arlington County J&DR Court | Health insurance and childcare costs added |
| Spousal Support | Based on 13 statutory factors | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration varies by marriage length | Arlington County Circuit Court | Modifiable upon changed circumstances |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child — 10 factors | Va. Code § 20-124.2 | Ongoing until child turns 18 | Arlington County J&DR Court | Guardian ad Litem may be appointed |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in every Virginia divorce. This achievement is unique among Virginia family law attorneys. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas. Mr. Sris keeps a limited personal caseload to ensure direct involvement in complex family law matters.
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 settlements in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County — serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 — meetings by appointment only.
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 or retirement assets: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
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). 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.
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.