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. A Property Settlement Lawyer Arlington County helps you divide assets fairly without trial.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court divides marital property fairly based on 11 factors. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute. For divorce grounds, Va. Code § 20-91 allows no-fault divorce after 6 months separation (no minor children) or 1 year (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. A Property Settlement Lawyer Arlington County drafts separation agreements that resolve property division, spousal support, and debt allocation without court intervention.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For property settlement agreements specifically, Va. Code § 20-155 governs the enforceability of premarital and marital agreements. A properly drafted settlement agreement under this statute can waive spousal support, divide retirement accounts via Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), and allocate tax liabilities. A settlement agreement lawyer Arlington County ensures your agreement meets all statutory requirements for enforceability.
Key Virginia statutes for family law matters:
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution) — personally amended by Mr. Sris
- Arlington County General District Court — official court website
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges expect a fully executed property settlement agreement before the final divorce hearing. The court requires at least one corroborating witness for uncontested divorces. Prosecutors in this jurisdiction routinely approve consent orders when both parties have independent counsel.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve your spouse with the complaint and summons — sheriff service costs approximately $12.
- Negotiate and sign a Property Settlement Agreement covering assets, debts, support, and custody.
- File the signed agreement with the court along with the required corroborating witness affidavit.
- Attend the uncontested hearing (typically 15-20 minutes) for the judge to approve the agreement.
- Receive the final divorce decree — typically 2-4 months from filing for uncontested cases.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, not a 50/50 split. The court applies 11 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | 2-4 months | Arlington Circuit Court | ~$86 | Sheriff service ~$12 |
| Contested Divorce | Same grounds; trial required | 9-18 months | Arlington Circuit Court | ~$86 | Mediation $100-$300/hr |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Varies | Arlington J&DR Court | Varies | Guardian ad Litem $500-$2,500+ |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Varies | Arlington Circuit Court | ~$86 | Financial affidavits required |
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+ total documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. 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.”
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. Examples include:
- Destruction of Property (Va. Code § 18.2-137) — Suspended imposition of sentence towards dismissal on a not guilty plea — Arlington County J&DR Court
- Breaking and Entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) — Reduced to trespass with 90 days to serve — Arlington County J&DR Court
- Domestic Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57.2) — Nolle Prosequi (prosecutor dropped the charge) — Arlington County J&DR Court
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. A Property Settlement Lawyer Arlington County near the Courthouse metro station can meet with you by appointment.
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 or retirement assets: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support: 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. 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.
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.
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.
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Family Law Lawyer | Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer | Arlington DUI Lawyer