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. An Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Arlington County can help you finalize your divorce in 2-4 months with a signed separation agreement.
Virginia Divorce Law and Equitable Distribution in Arlington County
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning 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) to determine a fair division. 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. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment. Child support is calculated using Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is determined by 13 statutory factors.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For an uncontested divorce, the primary statute is Va. Code § 20-91 which establishes the grounds for divorce. An uncontested divorce in Arlington County requires both parties to agree on all terms, including property division, spousal support, and child custody if applicable. The court must approve the property settlement agreement before granting the final decree.
For more information on Virginia divorce law, review the Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: How an Uncontested Divorce Works in Arlington County
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Virginia requires at least 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. Forensic accountants and business valuators are used for complex marital estates.
- Step 1: Meet the residency requirement — you or your spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least 6 months before filing.
- Step 2: Complete the required separation period — 6 months if no minor children with a signed agreement, or 1 year if you have minor children.
- Step 3: Draft and sign a property settlement agreement covering all issues: property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support.
- Step 4: File the divorce complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) with the $86 filing fee.
- Step 5: Serve your spouse with the complaint and attend the uncontested hearing with your corroborating witness.
- Step 6: Obtain the final decree of divorce from the court.
In Arlington County, Virginia, divorce outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, including the length of marriage, each spouse’s income, and the presence of minor children.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court Handling | Timeline | Cost Factors | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault after 6-month or 1-year separation | Arlington County Circuit Court | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + service costs | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | Fault or no-fault grounds | Arlington County Circuit Court | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + litigation costs | May require trial |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child (10 factors) | Arlington County J&DR Court | Varies | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+ | Standalone or within divorce |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Arlington County Circuit Court | Varies | Mediation: $100-$300/hour | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arlington County Divorce?
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. Our firm has documented firm-wide 4,739+ case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided in Virginia divorces. This achievement is a powerful differentiator in the Virginia family law market. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law cases in Arlington County. He brings over 25 years of experience, including his background as a former prosecutor and his personal amendment of Va. Code § 20-107.3.
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 dispositions, and deferred dispositions on not guilty pleas. For example, in Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, a domestic assault and battery charge under Virginia 18.2-57.2 was resolved with a nolle prosequi. In another case, an assault charge under Virginia 18.2-57 was dismissed entirely in Arlington County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Uncontested divorce lawyer near Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
Meetings 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: 12-24 months.
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: $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
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).
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.
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).
What is the role of an uncontested divorce lawyer in Arlington County?
An Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Arlington County helps you draft the separation agreement, file the complaint, and attend the hearing. They ensure all legal requirements are met for a smooth process.
Can I get a simple divorce filing in Arlington County?
Yes. A simple divorce filing lawyer Arlington County can handle the paperwork for an uncontested divorce. This typically includes the complaint, financial disclosure, and property settlement agreement.
Is a no-fault divorce available in Arlington County?
Yes. A no-fault divorce lawyer Arlington County can guide you through the process. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if you have no minor children with a signed agreement, or 1-year separation if you have minor children.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.