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. An Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County handles enforcement of decrees from other states. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law is governed by the Virginia Code. For divorce, the key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). 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. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), personally amended this statute. A dissolution of marriage lawyer Arlington County can explain how these laws apply to your case.
For more information, review the Virginia Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Arlington County General District Court website.
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 (separation 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 other party with the complaint and summons.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Attend mediation (if ordered) or negotiate a settlement.
- If no agreement, attend a final hearing for the court to decide.
- Receive the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Arlington County, Virginia divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves significant financial and custody consequences. The court divides marital property equitably and may order spousal support.
| Issue | Standard | Duration | Cost | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months (uncontested) to 9-18 months (contested) | Filing fee: ~$86; service: ~$12-$100 | Property settlement agreement recommended |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Ongoing until child turns 18 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Mediation may be ordered |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Until child turns 18 or graduates high school | Varies by income | Can be modified upon change in circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration determined by court | Varies by income and need | Can be modified upon change in circumstances |
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), a significant achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s motto is “Advocacy Without Borders.” An Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County can help enforce out-of-state divorce decrees in Virginia.
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+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
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 clients throughout Arlington County including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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).
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.
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).
Can an Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County help enforce a foreign divorce decree?
Yes. An Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Arlington County can help enforce divorce decrees from other states in Virginia courts. This includes enforcing custody, support, and property division orders.
What is the role of a dissolution of marriage lawyer Arlington County?
A dissolution of marriage lawyer Arlington County handles the legal process of ending a marriage, including filing the complaint, negotiating settlements, and representing you in court. They also advise on property division, custody, and support.
How do I find a how to file for divorce lawyer Arlington County?
To find a how to file for divorce lawyer Arlington County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. We can guide you through the filing process, including preparing the complaint, serving the other party, and attending court hearings.