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 can guide you through the legal process. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law covers divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital property. The primary statute governing divorce grounds is Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed separation agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 — personally amended by Mr. Sris — divides marital property fairly but not necessarily equally. Child custody follows the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 statutory factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. An independent adoption lawyer Arlington County handles adoption cases separately from divorce proceedings. A non-agency adoption lawyer Arlington County assists with private adoptions not involving child welfare agencies.
Family law in Arlington County includes divorce, custody, support, and equitable distribution. The primary statute for property division is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Adoption cases fall under separate Virginia statutes and require specific legal procedures.
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, see the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The court 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 a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Complete financial disclosure and exchange discovery documents.
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended, $100-$300/hour per party).
- Final hearing for uncontested divorce or trial for contested divorce.
In Arlington County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, with no specific criminal penalties but significant financial and custody consequences.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Cost Factors | Impact | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee | Property division | Signed separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault | 9-18 months | $86 + discovery costs | Court-ordered division | Business valuation may be needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | 3-12 months | GAL $500-$2,500+ | Parenting time | 10 statutory factors considered |
| Child Support | VA guidelines | Ongoing | Based on income | Monthly payments | Modification available |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Based on need/ability | Monthly payments | Modification available |
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, which is the single most powerful E-E-A-T differentiator in the Virginia family law market. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO and Managing Attorney, founded the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
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. Firm-wide, 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 location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. For a Private Adoption Lawyer Arlington County near you, contact us. 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. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing: 21-60 days.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem: $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.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody 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.
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).
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page.
If you are in a neighboring area, see our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page.
For related legal matters in Arlington County, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer Arlington County page.
Learn more about our attorneys: 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.