In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters including divorce and equitable distribution fall under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Partner Support Lawyer Arlington County helps you understand spousal maintenance and property division.
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, by inheritance, or by gift — is excluded from division. Spousal support, also called partner maintenance, follows 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. A Partner Support Lawyer Arlington County can explain how these statutes apply to your specific situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For complete statutory language, review Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). Court procedures are governed by the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. The court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. 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, Suite 2400.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through sheriff service ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Exchange financial disclosures including income, assets, debts, and expenses within 21 days.
- Attend pendente lite hearing (21-60 days from motion) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Participate in mediation to resolve property division, support, and custody issues.
- Finalize divorce through uncontested hearing or contested trial with final decree.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, spousal support, child support, and custody determinations under state statutes.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation | 2-4 months | Circuit Court | $86 | Service: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds | 9-18 months | Circuit Court | $86 | GAL: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests (10 factors) | 3-12 months | J&DR Court | Varies | Mediation: $100-$300/hr |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | 3-6 months | Circuit Court | Included | Financial experienced: $200-$500/hr |
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 with 4,739+ documented case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a landmark achievement that directly benefits Arlington County family law clients. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
A domestic partner support lawyer Arlington County can help you understand how Virginia law applies to unmarried partners seeking support or property division.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, provides secondary oversight on complex family law matters in Arlington County. His personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates deep statutory knowledge.
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 VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington? 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?
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. 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.
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 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.
Can a partner maintenance lawyer Arlington County help with spousal support?
Yes. A partner maintenance lawyer Arlington County can explain the 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 that courts use to determine spousal support. Duration, amount, and modification of support depend on factors including marriage length, earning capacity, and contributions as homemaker.
Virginia Divorce & Family Law Lawyer — Alexandria Divorce & Family Law Lawyer — Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer
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.