In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce and property division 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 Property Division Lawyer Arlington County can help protect your financial future.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 to determine a fair split. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, by inheritance, or by gift — is excluded from division. A Property Division Lawyer Arlington County understands how these factors apply to your specific situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs how marital property is divided in divorce. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, requires the court to consider factors including the duration of the marriage, contributions of each spouse, and the economic circumstances of each party. A Property Division Lawyer Arlington County can explain how these factors apply to your assets.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. The court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested hearings. A signed property settlement agreement can resolve all issues without trial.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Exchange financial disclosures including tax returns, bank statements, and retirement accounts.
- Attend mediation to attempt settlement of property and custody issues.
- If no agreement, proceed to a pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody.
- Final hearing or trial for equitable distribution and final divorce decree.
In Arlington County, property division under equitable distribution can result in a range of outcomes from 50/50 split to disproportionate awards based on statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court Discretion | Impact | Timeframe | Additional Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marital Property | Equitable distribution | Broad discretion | Financial settlement | 9-18 months contested | 11 factors under § 20-107.3 |
| Separate Property | Excluded from division | Limited | Retained by owner | Determined at trial | Must prove separate nature |
| Business Valuation | experienced testimony required | Significant | Buyout or co-ownership | 12-24 months | Forensic accountant needed |
| Retirement Assets | QDRO required | Moderate | Deferred division | Post-decree | Tax implications |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique authority in Virginia family law. A Property Division Lawyer Arlington County from our team brings this depth of experience to your case.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve 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. 24/7 phone consultations.
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: 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 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 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 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.