In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases follow 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 Private Adoption Lawyer Arlington County can guide you through the legal process. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Family Law Statutes in Arlington County
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. The primary statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. A Private Adoption Lawyer Arlington County understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For official Virginia family law statutes, visit Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, see 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.
- File a complaint for divorce or custody at Arlington County Circuit Court or J&DR Court.
- Serve the other party with legal papers through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody orders.
- Complete financial disclosure and exchange discovery documents.
- Participate in mediation if ordered or agreed upon by both parties.
- Attend final hearing or submit agreed order for uncontested cases.
In Arlington County, family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support calculated under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Court | Filing Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault, 6-month separation (no children) or 1-year (with children) | 2-4 months | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Service of process: $12-$100 |
| Contested Divorce | Equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | 9-18 months | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | 3-6 months | J&DR Court | ~$30 | Mediation: $100-$300/hour |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | 4-8 weeks | J&DR Court | ~$30 | Income verification costs |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Varies | Circuit Court | ~$86 | Financial experienced fees |
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 case. With 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, our firm has a proven track record. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in Virginia divorces. This achievement demonstrates our deep understanding of Virginia family law and our commitment to shaping the law itself. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our dedication to clients across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
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, reductions, and favorable settlements in family law matters. Our firm-wide results across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York total 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Visit Our Arlington Location
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington County and surrounding areas.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington? We represent clients in 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Arlington County
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, timelines vary. 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. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and 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?
It depends. 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.
For more information about Virginia family law, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need a family law attorney in a nearby area, consider our Alexandria family law lawyer. For other legal needs in Arlington County, see our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI lawyer.
Learn more about our team: Bryan Block, Of Counsel. Visit our Arlington location page for directions and contact information.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.