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. Our Grandparent Custody Lawyer Arlington County team understands local court procedures at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia family law is governed by multiple code sections. Divorce grounds fall under Va. Code § 20-91, which provides for no-fault divorce after 6 months separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1 year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 was personally amended by Mr. Sris, giving the firm unique insight into property division. Child custody follows the best interests standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Family Law Statutes
Official Court Resources
For official family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For Arlington County court information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website. These resources provide current filing fees, court procedures, and local rules.
Insider Procedural Edge for Arlington County Family Law
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.
In Arlington County Circuit Court, prosecutors routinely require a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. This procedural requirement catches many self-represented parties off guard.
- 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 via sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court or agreed by both parties.
- Complete discovery, including financial affidavits and asset documentation.
- Attend final hearing or submit agreed final decree for court approval.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters carry significant legal consequences including property division, support obligations, and custody determinations.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Cost Range | Key Statute | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Va. Code § 20-91 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + litigation costs | Va. Code § 20-91 | May require trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Varies | $500-$2,500+ GAL fees | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | 10-factor analysis |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines | Ongoing | Based on income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Modifiable upon change |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Based on need/ability | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration depends on marriage length |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair but not equal | Part of divorce | Varies with assets | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 11-factor analysis |
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 case. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique authority in Virginia family law. This achievement is a matter of public record and provides a powerful advantage in complex divorce cases involving property division.
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. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Specific Arlington County results include: Domestic Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57.2) — Nolle Prosequi in Arlington County J&DR Court; Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57.2) — Deferred disposition on not guilty plea in Arlington County J&DR Court; Assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) — Dismissed in Arlington County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location is located near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington County? Our office at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 is conveniently located for clients throughout Northern Virginia.
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?
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. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorces.
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. Pendente lite motion: additional court costs. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
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). Arlington County Circuit Court handles all property division. 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. Arlington County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86.
Can grandparents seek custody or visitation in Arlington County?
It depends. Virginia law allows grandparents to petition for custody or visitation under certain circumstances. A Grandparent Custody Lawyer Arlington County can help determine eligibility based on the best interests of the child standard. Grandparent visitation rights are considered under Va. Code § 20-124.3 factors. A grandparent visitation rights lawyer Arlington County can explain the legal requirements. Filing a grandparent custody petition lawyer Arlington County involves demonstrating that the child’s health or welfare would be harmed without the grandparent’s involvement.
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.