In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases follow equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Parenting Time Lawyer Arlington County helps protect your parental rights during divorce and custody proceedings.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia family law governs divorce, child custody, child support, and spousal support. The state is an equitable distribution jurisdiction, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. A parenting plan lawyer Arlington County can help you establish a workable schedule that serves your child’s best interests.
Key Virginia statutes governing family law include:
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution) — personally amended by Mr. Sris
- Arlington County General District Court — official court website
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases. The court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested divorces. A visitation schedule lawyer Arlington County can negotiate a parenting time plan that avoids contested hearings.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the other party with process — sheriff service costs approximately $12.
- Exchange financial disclosures and property schedules within 21 days of the other party’s appearance.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Participate in mediation if ordered — costs $100-$300 per hour per party.
- Final hearing or submission of agreed order with corroborating witness testimony.
In Arlington County, Virginia family law cases involve equitable distribution of marital property, child support under Virginia guidelines, and spousal support based on 13 statutory factors.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Key Statute | Timeline | Cost Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce (No-Fault) | 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation | Va. Code § 20-91 | 2-4 months (uncontested); 9-18 months (contested) | Filing fee ~$86; service ~$12 |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division based on 11 factors | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Part of divorce timeline | Business valuation: $2,000-$10,000+ |
| Child Custody | Best interests of child (10 factors) | Va. Code § 20-124.2 | 60-120 days for hearing | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Ongoing until child emancipates | Modification: filing fee + attorney fees |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Duration varies by marriage length | Determined by court |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the Virginia equitable distribution statute — a rare achievement that demonstrates deep knowledge of family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all Arlington County family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has practiced family law since 1997.
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. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is located near the Arlington County Courthouse at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Arlington? We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
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.
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: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300 per hour per party. Attorney fees vary by 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). 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 cases.
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.
What does a Parenting Time Lawyer Arlington County do?
A Parenting Time Lawyer Arlington County helps parents establish, modify, or enforce visitation schedules. They negotiate parenting plans that comply with Virginia’s best-interest standards, address school schedules, holidays, and extracurricular activities, and represent parents in custody disputes at Arlington County J&DR Court.
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.