Divorce in Arlington County, Virginia, is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County, including 22 dismissals and 93 favorable outcomes. You need a Divorce Lawyer Arlington County who understands local court procedures.
Divorce Lawyer Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) — grounds for divorce.
Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) — equitable distribution statute.
In Arlington County Circuit Court, prosecutors routinely require corroborating witnesses for uncontested divorce hearings. We have observed that judges in Arlington County place significant weight on signed property settlement agreements.
- Determine your eligibility: residency (6 months in Virginia) and grounds (no-fault or fault).
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Serve the divorce papers on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Negotiate a property settlement agreement or proceed to trial.
- Attend the final hearing to obtain the final decree of divorce.
In Arlington County, divorce carries financial and legal consequences including property division, spousal support, child support, and custody determinations.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Duration | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Varies — marital assets divided fairly | Lifetime | Business valuation, retirement assets |
| Spousal Support | Determined by 13 factors | Varies based on income and need | Fixed term or indefinite | Modification possible |
| Child Support | Virginia Guidelines | Based on combined gross income | Until child turns 18 | Modification for changed circumstances |
| Custody | Best Interests of Child | No direct financial penalty | Until child turns 18 | Parenting time, decision-making |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. The firm has 115 documented case results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results represent firm-wide experience across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results.
Our location in Arlington is 0.5 miles from Arlington County Circuit Court, with access via I-395 and Route 50. Divorce Lawyer Arlington County near you. Serving the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Arlington Location: 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 | (703) 589-9250 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Arlington County
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces in Virginia typically resolve in 2-6 months after filing at Arlington County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court (custody/support/protective orders) and Arlington County Circuit Court (divorce/equitable distribution), depending on mandatory separation periods and court calendar. Contested divorces — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747. Uncontested divorce: 2-6 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint is 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. Filing fee: $86. Total costs vary widely based on complexity.
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. No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody in Arlington County is based on the experienced 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. Based on experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
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. No-fault: 6-month or 1-year separation. Fault: adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony conviction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against adultery divorce charges?
Defense strategies for adultery divorce in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 20-91(1) (adultery as fault ground — no waiting period) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing adultery divorce charges in Virginia?
If facing adultery divorce charges in Virginia, contact a family law attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Learn more about our services: Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia (state hub). Explore related pages: Family Law Lawyer Albemarle County, Family Law Lawyer Augusta County, Landlord Tenant Lawyer Arlington County, DUI Lawyer Arlington County.
Page Last verified: May 2026. Content reflects current Virginia law and Arlington County court procedures.
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. By appointment only.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.