In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases involve divorce under Va. Code § 20-91, equitable distribution under § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris), and child custody under § 20-124.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Under Va. Code § 20-91, Virginia allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (if no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists) or a 1-year separation (if minor children are involved). Fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended this equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, which considers 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent. 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 | Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the complete text of Virginia’s family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, see the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: 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. 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.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- 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 (hearing within 21-60 days).
- Attend mediation (optional but recommended; $100-$300/hour per party).
- Attend the uncontested divorce hearing with a corroborating witness.
- Receive the final decree of divorce (2-4 months uncontested; 9-18 months contested).
In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases involve no criminal penalties but carry significant financial and custodial consequences.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeframe | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | $86 filing fee + $12-$100 service | 2-4 months | Separation agreement required |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | 9-18 months | Equitable distribution hearing |
| Child Custody | Best interests | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | Varies | Parenting plan required |
| Child Support | Guidelines | Based on income | Ongoing | Modification available |
| Spousal Support | 13 factors | Based on need/ability | Varies | Modification available |
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. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other family law attorney in Arlington County can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Secondary Attorney: Mr. Sris, founder of the firm, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and brings over 25 years of family law experience to Arlington County cases.
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+ 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.
Arlington County Family Law Lawyer Near You
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington County including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington County? Our office is conveniently located to serve all Arlington County residents.
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.
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.
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. Attorney fees vary based on complexity.
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 from division.
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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. See also our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page and our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.