In Arlington County, Virginia divorce 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 Beach Military Divorce Lawyer Arlington County understands the unique challenges military families face during divorce proceedings.
Virginia Divorce and Family Law Statutes
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The primary statute governing divorce is Va. Code § 20-91, which establishes grounds for divorce including no-fault after 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. A service member divorce lawyer Arlington County can address the unique legal issues affecting military personnel.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Military Divorce Under Virginia Law
Military divorce in Virginia involves additional considerations under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), 10 U.S.C. § 1408. This federal law allows state courts to divide military retirement pay as marital property. A military spouse divorce lawyer Arlington County can help protect your rights to military benefits and retirement pay.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) and the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Arlington County Family Court
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The 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. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties 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 (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Complete mandatory financial disclosure and discovery.
- Attend mediation or negotiate a property settlement agreement.
- Present your case at trial or submit your signed agreement for court approval.
In Arlington County, Virginia divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial and custodial consequences under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3.
| Issue | Classification | Timeline | Cost Range | Key Statute | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + $12-$100 service | Va. Code § 20-91 | 6-month separation required (no minor children) |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | Va. Code § 20-91 | 1-year separation required (with minor children) |
| Complex Equitable Distribution | No-fault or fault | 12-24 months | $86 filing fee + forensic accountant fees | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Business valuation, retirement asset division |
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. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in Virginia can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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, not guilty verdicts, and favorable settlements in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Visit Our Arlington Location
Our Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serving clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are accessible via major highways and serve the neighborhoods of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington? We serve clients throughout Arlington County and the surrounding areas.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Arlington County, Virginia
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?
Yes. 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). Arlington County Circuit Court handles all property division. 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. Arlington County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. 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.
What is a Beach Military Divorce Lawyer Arlington County?
Yes. A Beach Military Divorce Lawyer Arlington County specializes in divorce cases involving military service members. These cases involve unique issues such as division of military retirement pay under USFSPA, survivor benefit plans, and deployment-related custody matters. The lawyer must understand both Virginia family law and federal military regulations.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. You may also be interested in our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page or our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer page. Learn more about our attorneys on our attorney profile page and visit our Arlington location page.
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.