Trial Separation Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Legal Options?
A Trial Separation Lawyer Arlington County helps you handle Virginia’s separation requirements under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Consultation by appointment.
What Is a Trial Separation Under Virginia Law?
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law does not recognize a formal “trial separation” as a distinct legal status. Instead, a trial separation is a period where spouses live apart with the intent to reconcile or evaluate divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-91, a 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 you have minor children. A Trial Separation Lawyer Arlington County can help you document this period properly to protect your rights.
Official Legal Resources
Review the official Virginia statutes governing separation and divorce: Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds — official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Arlington County Trial Separation
In Arlington County Circuit Court, the court requires one corroborating witness for an uncontested divorce hearing. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without trial. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Virginia.
- Step 1: Establish separate residences and document the date of separation.
- Step 2: Draft a separation agreement addressing property, support, and custody.
- Step 3: File for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court after the required separation period.
- Step 4: Attend the uncontested divorce hearing with your corroborating witness.
- Step 5: Obtain the final divorce decree from the court.
In Arlington County, a trial separation is not a penalty but a legal prerequisite for no-fault divorce under Va. Code § 20-91.
| Issue | Requirement | Timeframe | Cost | Impact | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-fault divorce (no minor children) | 6-month separation + signed agreement | 2-4 months after filing | $86 filing fee | Allows divorce without fault | Corroborating witness required |
| No-fault divorce (with minor children) | 1-year separation | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee | Requires custody and support plan | Guardian ad Litem may be appointed |
| Fault divorce (adultery) | No waiting period | 6-12 months | $86 filing fee | Faster but requires proof | Adultery must be proven |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Trial Separation?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a unique credential that demonstrates deep family law experience. A Trial Separation Lawyer Arlington County from our firm provides case-specific guidance based on decades of local court experience.
Case Results in Arlington County
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, nolle prosequi, and deferred dispositions in Arlington County courts.
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 Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). Accessible via major highways. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a Trial Separation Lawyer Arlington County near you? We are located near the Arlington County Courthouse area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trial Separation in Arlington County
How long does a trial separation need to be for divorce in Arlington County?
Yes. Virginia requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if you have minor children. A Trial Separation Lawyer Arlington County can help you document the separation period correctly.
Can I date during a trial separation in Virginia?
It depends. Dating during a trial separation can affect divorce grounds and spousal support. Virginia is a no-fault state, but dating may be considered adultery if you are still legally married. Consult a Trial Separation Lawyer Arlington County for guidance.
Do I need a separation agreement during a trial separation?
Yes. A signed separation agreement is required for a no-fault divorce after 6 months without minor children. It protects your rights regarding property division, spousal support, and custody. A Trial Separation Lawyer Arlington County can draft this agreement.
What happens to our house during a trial separation in Arlington County?
It depends. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 for equitable distribution. A trial separation does not automatically divide property. A Trial Separation Lawyer Arlington County can help you negotiate a temporary arrangement.
Can a trial separation be used as evidence in a divorce?
Yes. The date of separation is critical for establishing the statutory waiting period. Documenting the separation with separate residences and a written agreement strengthens your case. A Trial Separation Lawyer Arlington County can advise on proper documentation.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Alexandria Family Law Lawyer
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Attorney Profile: Bryan Block
- Arlington Law Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.