In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters including divorce, custody, and support are governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases under Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris). Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody, visitation, child support, and protective orders. 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. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded from division.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Review the official Virginia family law statutes (Title 20) and the Arlington County General District Court website for court procedures and filing requirements.
Insider Procedural Edge: Arlington County Family Law Process
Arlington County Circuit Court requires a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce when no minor children are involved, or 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). Filing fee: approximately $86.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Final hearing or submission of signed property settlement agreement for uncontested divorce.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support calculated using Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Costs | Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault after 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year (with children) | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Circuit Court |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + litigation costs | Circuit Court |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3) | Varies | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | J&DR Court |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Varies | Varies | J&DR Court |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | Varies | Circuit Court |
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, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is the single most powerful E-E-A-T differentiator in the Virginia family law market. The firm has firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Advocacy Without Borders.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on complex family law cases. His background as a former prosecutor and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 provide unique strategic advantages in Arlington County family law matters.
Arlington County Family Law Case Results
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 results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable dispositions in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Family law lawyer near Arlington County — Serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Arlington County
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
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. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
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 (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
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. 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.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Arlington County?
It depends. While Virginia allows pro se representation, a lawyer ensures your property settlement agreement is properly drafted and all legal requirements are met. A corroborating witness is required for the hearing, and an attorney can handle this for you.
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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.