In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County, including 22 dismissals and 93 favorable outcomes. A Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can guide you through the process.
Divorce Lawyer Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia divorce law is codified under Title 20 of the Virginia Code. For a no-fault divorce, you must live separate and apart for either 6 months (if you have no minor children and a signed separation agreement) or 1 year (if you have minor children). Fault-based grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1+ year. The court divides marital property equitably under Va. Code § 20-107.3, considering 11 statutory factors. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute, which governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s divorce statutes, see Va. Code Title 20, Chapter 6 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For court procedures in Arlington County, visit the Arlington County Circuit Court website (vacourts.gov — official site).
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges expect parties to have attempted mediation or settlement before trial. We have observed that cases with a signed property settlement agreement move through the docket significantly faster than contested matters.
- Establish Virginia residency (6 months minimum).
- Determine grounds: no-fault (6-month or 1-year separation) or fault (adultery, cruelty, desertion).
- Draft and file a Complaint for Divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Serve your spouse with the complaint and summons.
- Negotiate a settlement or proceed to trial.
- Attend the final hearing to obtain your Final Decree of Divorce.
In Arlington County, divorce carries no criminal penalties, but the financial and custodial stakes are high. The court divides marital property equitably, awards spousal support based on 13 factors, and calculates child support using Virginia guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeframe | Cost | Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-fault divorce (no minor children) | 6-month separation + signed agreement | 2-4 months from filing | $86 filing fee | Dissolution of marriage | None if uncontested |
| No-fault divorce (with minor children) | 1-year separation | 4-6 months from filing | $86 filing fee + custody costs | Dissolution + custody/support orders | Guardian ad Litem may be appointed |
| Fault divorce (adultery) | No waiting period | 9-18 months (contested) | $86 + litigation costs | Dissolution + potential fault finding | May affect spousal support |
| Equitable distribution | 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Varies with complexity | Business valuation: $2,000-$10,000+ | Division of marital property | Separate property excluded |
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 has 115 documented case results in Arlington County alone.
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. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Results may vary.
Our location in Arlington is 0.5 miles from Arlington County Circuit Court, with access via I-395 and US-50. Divorce Lawyer Arlington County near Arlington, VA. Serving 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 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 routinely take 9-18 months.
Uncontested divorce: 2-6 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months.
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).
Filing fee: $86. Total costs vary from $200 to $5,000+ depending 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 handles all property division.
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state.
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.
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 require 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), and felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
No-fault: 6-month or 1-year separation. Fault: adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony conviction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against adultery divorce charges?
Defense strategies for adultery 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(1) (adultery as fault ground — no waiting period) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing adultery divorce charges in Virginia?
If facing adultery 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.
Learn more about our services: Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Virginia (hub page). Explore related pages: Family Law Lawyer Albemarle County, Family Law Lawyer Augusta County, Business Estate Planning Lawyer Arlington County, and Breach of Contract Lawyer Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Page generated: 2026-05-01