Arlington County Divorce & Family Law Attorney — What Are Your Options?
In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce is 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. A Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can help you understand how a criminal record affects your divorce case.
Virginia Divorce Law and the Impact of a Felony Conviction
Virginia law provides for divorce on fault grounds including a felony conviction where the spouse has been imprisoned for one year or more. Under Va. Code § 20-91(A)(3), a felony conviction is a recognized ground for divorce. A Felony Conviction Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can explain how this affects your case. The court also considers criminal history in custody and property division decisions under Va. Code § 20-107.3. A divorce after felony lawyer Arlington County can help you handle these complex issues.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources for Arlington County Divorce Law
For the complete text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly code for Title 20 (Domestic Relations). For court procedures and forms, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Perspective on Arlington County Divorce Cases Involving Felony Convictions
In Arlington County Circuit Court, a felony conviction can serve as a fault ground for divorce, but the court also considers the nature of the offense and its impact on the family. A criminal conviction divorce lawyer Arlington County understands how to present this evidence effectively.
- Step 1: File the Complaint. File a complaint for divorce in Arlington County Circuit Court, citing the felony conviction as a fault ground under Va. Code § 20-91(A)(3).
- Step 2: Serve the Spouse. Serve the complaint on your spouse through the sheriff’s office or a private process server. The fee is approximately $12 for sheriff service.
- Step 3: Attend Pendente Lite Hearing. If temporary support or custody is needed, file a motion for pendente lite relief. The hearing is typically set within 21-60 days.
- Step 4: Discovery and Negotiation. Exchange financial documents and negotiate property division, spousal support, and custody. A forensic accountant may be needed for complex assets.
- Step 5: Final Hearing. Present your case at the final hearing. For uncontested divorces, a brief hearing with a corroborating witness is sufficient.
- Step 6: Final Decree. The judge signs the final decree of divorce, which becomes effective immediately.
In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce based on a felony conviction carries no criminal penalty but affects property division, spousal support, and custody.
| Issue | Classification | Impact | Court Consideration | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | Fault-based | No waiting period | Court grants divorce on proof of conviction and imprisonment | May affect spousal support award |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution | Court considers marital fault | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Criminal conduct may reduce share |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child | Felony conviction is a factor | 10 factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3 | May limit parenting time or require supervision |
| Spousal Support | Discretionary | Court considers fault | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Conviction may reduce or bar support |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arlington County Divorce 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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential no other firm can claim. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County, we have 115 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Arlington County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These include dismissals and nolle prosequi in domestic assault cases at Arlington County General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Location
Our Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serving clients at the Arlington County courts. We are accessible via major highways and serve the neighborhoods of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce and Felony Convictions in Arlington County
Can a felony conviction be used as grounds for divorce in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-91(A)(3), a felony conviction resulting in imprisonment for one year or more is a fault ground for divorce with no waiting period.
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Sheriff service: $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50 under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and any history of abuse.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment).
Related Resources
- Virginia Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Alexandria Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Our Arlington Location
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.