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. Uncontested divorces take 2-4 months; contested cases 9-18 months. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Divorce Law in Arlington County
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 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). 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 is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources
- Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Arlington County General District Court — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge for Arlington County Family Law
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, Arlington, VA 22201). Filing fee approximately $86.
- Serve the other party with the complaint — sheriff service approximately $12 or private process server $50-$100.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended) — $100-$300/hour per party.
- Final hearing — present your separation agreement or let the court decide contested issues.
In Arlington County, Virginia divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial and custody determinations. Filing fees start at approximately $86.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost | Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Property division, support | Separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | Property division, support, custody | Trial may be necessary |
| Child Custody | Best interests standard | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ | Parenting time, decision-making | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law attorney in the state can claim. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Working alongside Mr. Sris is Samantha Rae Powers, who holds a J.D./M.A. from the University of Florida (2005) and a Ph.D. in Communication from UCSB (2017). She has 18+ years of experience and is admitted to the Virginia Bar (2023) and Florida Bar (2005).
Case Results in Arlington County
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+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Location
Our Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serving clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are accessible via major highways in the area.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington County? 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 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: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) 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. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs may apply for complex cases.
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 from division.
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 at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
Related Resources
- Virginia Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Our Arlington Location
- Attorney Profile: Bryan Block
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.