In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters fall under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. You need a Physical Custody Lawyer Arlington County who knows local court procedures. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia family law is governed by multiple statutes. Divorce grounds fall under Va. Code § 20-91, which allows no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed separation agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Child custody decisions follow the best interests of the child standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 statutory factors. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income under Va. Code § 20-108.1. 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 — Title 20
For the official text of Virginia family law statutes, visit Va. Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
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. 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. The Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201 handles Arlington County family law matters.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney files a divorce complaint or custody petition at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve the Other Party: The other party must be served with the complaint. Sheriff service costs approximately $12; private process server costs $50-$100.
- File a Pendente Lite Motion: If you need temporary custody, support, or spousal support, your attorney files a pendente lite motion. Hearings are typically set within 21-60 days.
- Attend Mediation: While not mandatory in Virginia, mediation can resolve custody and property issues. Costs range from $100-$300 per hour per party.
- Final Hearing: For uncontested divorces with a signed separation agreement, a brief hearing with a corroborating witness is required. Contested cases proceed to trial.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve legal standards rather than criminal penalties. Equitable distribution divides marital property fairly but not necessarily equally.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Factors | Court | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month or 1-year separation | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | $86 filing fee; $12 service | Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Divorce (Fault) | Adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony | Varies by grounds | $86 filing fee; $12 service | Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-91 |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | 21-60 days for temporary; 6-12 months for final | GAL: $500-$2,500+ | J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-124.3 |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | 21-60 days for temporary | Mediation: $100-$300/hour | J&DR Court | Va. Code § 20-108.1 |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | 21-60 days for pendente lite | Varies by complexity | Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 |
| Equitable Distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-24 months for complex cases | Business valuation: $5,000-$20,000+ | Circuit Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 |
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
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Arlington County specifically, the firm has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. The firm’s primary physical custody lawyer Arlington County team understands the local court procedures at both the Circuit Court and J&DR Court levels.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters in Arlington County. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable dispositions in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location
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.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, 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 Physical Custody Lawyer Arlington County near you? Our office is conveniently located near the Courthouse metro station.
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 per hour per party. Additional costs include forensic accountants for complex property division.
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 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. Fault grounds may affect spousal support and equitable distribution.
Do I need a Physical Custody Lawyer Arlington County for a custody case?
Yes. Custody cases in Arlington County involve complex legal standards under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A Physical Custody Lawyer Arlington County can help you handle the 10-factor best interests analysis, prepare for Guardian ad Litem investigations, and present evidence effectively at the J&DR Court or 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.
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.