Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 and 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. An Emergency Custody Lawyer Arlington County can help you protect your children during a crisis.
Virginia Divorce and Family Law Statutes
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. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved, or 1-year separation with minor children. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources
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.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed (typically heard within 21-60 days).
- Exchange financial discovery including tax returns, pay stubs, and asset statements.
- Attend mediation (available but not mandatory in Virginia) to attempt settlement.
- Proceed to final hearing with corroborating witness if no settlement is reached.
In Arlington County, Virginia, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, child custody based on best interests, and spousal support determined by 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Key Statute | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | Uncontested: 2-4 months; Contested: 9-18 months | Arlington County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 | Filing fee: ~$86; Sheriff service: ~$12 |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division based on 11 factors | 12-24 months (complex cases) | Arlington County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Business valuation may be needed |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Varies by complexity | Arlington County J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing until child emancipates | Arlington County J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Modification available for changed circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Duration varies | Arlington County Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Modification available for changed circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Arlington County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Notable results include:
- Domestic Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57.2) — Nolle Prosequi in Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
- Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57.2) — Deferred disposition on a not guilty plea in Arlington County Juvenile & Domestic Relations 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.
Arlington County Family Law Attorney Near You
Our Arlington Location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are conveniently located near the Courthouse area, accessible via major highways. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington County? Our attorneys are ready to help with divorce, custody, support, and emergency custody matters.
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?
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.
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 matters.
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.
What is an emergency custody motion in Arlington County?
An emergency custody motion is filed when a child faces immediate risk of harm. In Arlington County, you file at the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The court may grant temporary emergency custody within 24-72 hours if evidence shows imminent danger. An Emergency Custody Lawyer Arlington County can help prepare the necessary documentation.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.