In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Kinship Adoption Lawyer Arlington County can guide you through the process. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law governs divorce, custody, support, and property division. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. A Kinship Adoption Lawyer Arlington County understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For official family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly code for Title 20. For court procedures, see the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Arlington County Family Law
Arlington County Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Attend mediation to resolve property and custody issues.
- Finalize the divorce with a final decree after meeting separation requirements.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution, child support guidelines, and custody determinations based on the best interests of the child.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | Arlington County Circuit Court | Filing fee: ~$86 |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 12-24 months (complex cases) | Arlington County Circuit Court | Business valuation may be required |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies | Arlington County J&DR Court | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Varies | Arlington County J&DR Court | Modification available |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Arlington County Circuit Court | Modification available |
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, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm has firm-wide 4,739+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. A Kinship Adoption Lawyer Arlington County from our team can provide case-specific guidance.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Arlington County
The 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. These include dismissals and favorable dispositions 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, accessible via major highways. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington County? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law 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. 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. 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 is excluded.
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. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
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.
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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 current guidance.