Arlington County divorce cases require a 6-month or 1-year separation under Va. Code § 20-91; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Beach Military Divorce Lawyer Arlington County understands the unique challenges of military families, including deployment and residency issues.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This statute governs how marital property is divided in divorce. Unlike community property states, Virginia courts divide assets fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers 11 factors to determine what is fair in each case. Separate property, such as assets acquired before marriage or through inheritance, is excluded from division.
For military families, a Beach Military Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can address the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protections and military pension division under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA). A service member divorce lawyer Arlington County handles the unique jurisdictional rules for active-duty personnel stationed in Virginia. A military spouse divorce lawyer Arlington County ensures spouses understand their rights to benefits and support.
- 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 or custody if needed.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Present your agreement or proceed to trial for equitable distribution.
- Obtain the final decree of divorce from the Circuit Court judge.
In Arlington County, divorce carries a Circuit Court filing fee of approximately $86, with additional costs for service of process and Guardian ad Litem if custody is contested.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce (6-month separation) | No classification | None | $86 filing fee | None | Requires signed separation agreement |
| No-Fault Divorce (1-year separation) | No classification | None | $86 filing fee | None | Required when minor children are involved |
| Fault Divorce (Adultery) | No classification | None | $86 filing fee | None | No waiting period required |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is the single most powerful E-E-A-T differentiator in the Virginia family law market.
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. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 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.
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.