In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution, personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia family law operates under equitable distribution principles, not community property. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs how marital property is divided fairly between spouses. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The court considers 11 statutory factors when dividing property, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and economic circumstances. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce and family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court procedures and local rules, see the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Arlington County Family Court
Arlington County Circuit Court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. This witness must have personal knowledge of the grounds for divorce.
In Arlington County J&DR Court, standalone custody cases move faster than those tied to divorce. The court prioritizes the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
- File a complaint for divorce or custody at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the other party with process — sheriff service costs approximately $12.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Complete financial disclosure and exchange discovery documents.
- Attend mediation (if ordered) or proceed to trial.
- Receive final decree of divorce or custody order.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | Civil | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | 6-month or 1-year separation required |
| Child Custody | Civil | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Guardian ad Litem costs $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Civil | Possible contempt | Guidelines-based | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax intercept |
| Spousal Support | Civil | Possible contempt | 13-factor analysis | None | Modification available on change of circumstances |
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 family law case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other firm can claim. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients throughout Arlington County and the surrounding areas.
Arlington County Family Law Case Results
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 dispositions in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Arlington County Family Law Lawyer Near You
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 is minutes from the Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington County? Our attorneys are available 24/7 for phone consultations.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
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. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 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: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Guardian ad Litem for custody: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Total costs vary based on complexity and whether the case is contested.
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 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.