In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce and family law matters are governed by 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. Our Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer Arlington County team understands the unique challenges military families face during divorce proceedings.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
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 when dividing assets and debts. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, giving the firm unique insight into its application. For military families, the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) adds additional layers to property division, including military retirement pay. An Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can help handle these federal and state intersections.
Key statutes governing Virginia family law include:
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 — Equitable Distribution (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Arlington County General District Court — Official Court Website
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The court requires at least one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A 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 via sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support and custody if needed.
- Exchange financial disclosures including tax returns, pay stubs, and asset statements.
- Attend mediation to attempt settlement on property, support, and custody.
- Proceed to final hearing or trial if settlement is not reached.
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 | Key Statute | Court | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | Va. Code § 20-91 | Circuit Court | 2-4 months (uncontested) |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division based on 11 factors | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Circuit Court | 9-18 months (contested) |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Va. Code § 20-124.3 | J&DR Court | Varies |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | J&DR Court | Ongoing |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Circuit Court | Varies |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, a rare achievement that demonstrates deep legislative and judicial knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
For military families, the firm’s military member divorce lawyer Arlington County team understands the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protections and the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) implications for retirement pay division.
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney, provides secondary oversight on complex family law matters. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include dismissals, nolle prosequi dispositions, and deferred dispositions on domestic assault charges in Arlington County General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is located at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve clients throughout Arlington County including Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
If you are searching for a “family law lawyer near Arlington” or a “service member dissolution lawyer Arlington County,” our team is ready to help.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 — 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?
It depends. 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 (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) 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 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.
How does military service affect divorce in Arlington County?
It depends. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may delay proceedings if active duty prevents participation. Military retirement pay is divisible under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA). An Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can explain how these federal laws interact with Virginia’s equitable distribution rules.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
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