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. Contact us for a 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 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine a fair division. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or gifts — is excluded from distribution. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. An independent adoption lawyer Arlington County can help with adoption matters separate from divorce proceedings.
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’s background as a prosecutor provides a strategic advantage in understanding how the court system operates.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and the Arlington County General District Court website for court procedures and filing information.
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.
- Initial Consultation: Meet with your attorney to discuss your goals, assets, debts, and any children involved.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint with Arlington County Circuit Court, including grounds for divorce.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint is served on your spouse through sheriff service or a private process server.
- Financial Disclosure: Both parties exchange financial affidavits, tax returns, and other relevant documents.
- Negotiate or Mediate: Attempt to reach a settlement through direct negotiation or mediation.
- Final Hearing: If settled, a brief hearing finalizes the divorce. If contested, a trial is scheduled.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody determinations, and spousal support calculations under state guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months from filing | Arlington County Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service of process: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Arlington County Circuit Court | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Varies; pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days | Arlington County J&DR Court | Varies | Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Varies | Arlington County J&DR Court | Varies | Varies |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | Arlington County Circuit Court | ~$86 | Varies |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This achievement is a powerful differentiator in the Virginia family law market. A non-agency adoption lawyer Arlington County can provide independent legal guidance for adoption cases.
“Advocacy Without Borders” is the firm’s guiding principle, reflecting a commitment to representing clients across multiple states and legal practice areas.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also oversees family law cases in Arlington County. His background as a former prosecutor and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provide unique strategic advantages for clients.
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, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is located near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via major highways. We serve clients throughout Arlington County and the surrounding areas.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington? Our firm is conveniently located to serve clients in 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page and our Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer page.