In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County, with 22 dismissed or not guilty and 93 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia law provides for both no-fault and fault-based divorce under Va. Code § 20-91. For no-fault divorce, you must show a separation period of 6 months (if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement) or 1 year (if you have minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 statutory factors, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the economic circumstances of each party. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience to armed forces divorce cases in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce laws, see Va. Code § 20-91 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Arlington County Circuit Court, prosecutors routinely require a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings. We have observed that judges in the 17th Judicial District place significant weight on signed separation agreements that address all issues — custody, support, and property division — before the final hearing.
- Determine your eligibility based on residency and separation period under Va. Code § 20-91.
- Prepare and file a Complaint for Divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve your spouse via sheriff or private process server.
- Negotiate a signed separation agreement or proceed to mediation.
- Attend the final hearing for entry of the Final Decree of Divorce.
In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce carries legal consequences including equitable distribution of marital property, potential spousal support, child support obligations, and custody determinations under Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-fault divorce (6-month separation, no minor children) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Equitable distribution of marital property; potential spousal support |
| No-fault divorce (1-year separation, with minor children) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Child custody and support determinations; equitable distribution |
| Fault divorce (adultery) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | No waiting period; may affect spousal support award |
| Fault divorce (cruelty, desertion, felony conviction) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Must prove grounds; may affect property division and support |
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 handles complex armed forces divorce cases, including those involving military pensions, deployment issues, and jurisdictional challenges under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA).
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. These results span practice areas including traffic, criminal, and family law matters. Results may vary. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Arlington is 0.5 miles from Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd), with access via I-395 and Route 50. If you need an armed forces divorce lawyer near Arlington County, we serve the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 | (703) 589-9250 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Armed Forces 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. Under Va. Code § 20-91, the separation period is a key factor.
Uncontested divorces take 2-6 months; contested divorces take 9-18 months in Arlington County.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), private process server ($50-$100), pendente lite motion costs, Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Cases are filed at Arlington County General District Court. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3).
Filing fee is approximately $86; total costs vary 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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state, not community property.
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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County.
Custody is decided based on the experienced interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds: 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. Filing fee is approximately $86; additional costs include service of process and Guardian ad Litem fees.
No-fault after 6-month or 1-year separation; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against armed forces divorce charges?
Defense strategies for armed forces 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 (grounds for divorce) to build the strongest possible defense. As a military member divorce lawyer Arlington County, we understand the unique challenges service members face.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating under Va. Code § 20-91.
What should I do if I am facing armed forces divorce charges in Virginia?
If facing armed forces 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. A service member dissolution lawyer Arlington County can guide you through the process.
Contact a family law attorney immediately and preserve all documents.
What are the penalties for armed forces divorce in Virginia?
Penalties for armed forces divorce in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia family law attorney for case-specific guidance. An Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can explain the potential outcomes.
Penalties vary based on the specific circumstances; consult an attorney for guidance.
Up: Virginia Family Law Lawyer
Across (sibling localities): Alexandria Family Law Lawyer
Across (related practice areas): Criminal Defense Lawyer Arlington County | DUI Lawyer Arlington County | Personal Injury Lawyer Arlington County | Reckless Driving Lawyer Arlington County
Last verified: April 2026. Page generated: 2026-04-28.