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, including 22 dismissals and 93 reductions, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia divorce law is codified under Title 20 of the Virginia Code. For armed forces divorce, the key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce), which provides for no-fault divorce after a 6-month separation (if no minor children and a signed separation agreement exists) or a 1-year separation (if minor children are involved). Fault grounds under the same statute include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Virginia is an equitable distribution state under Va. Code § 20-107.3, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that 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 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 statutes, 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 and family court judges routinely expect strict compliance with the separation period requirements. We have observed that many military families face unique challenges because deployment or PCS orders can interrupt the separation period. In our experience defending armed forces divorce cases in Arlington, the court requires clear documentation of the separation date and any periods of cohabitation.
- Establish the date of separation with documentary evidence (lease, utility bills, deployment orders).
- Prepare a property settlement agreement addressing military pensions and benefits under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act.
- File the Complaint for Divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse, accounting for any deployment-related address changes.
- Attend the final hearing with a corroborating witness who can testify to the separation.
- Obtain the Final Decree of Divorce, which addresses custody, support, and property division.
In Arlington County, Virginia, armed forces divorce carries no criminal penalties but involves significant financial and custodial consequences 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 | Division of marital property and debts |
| No-fault divorce (1-year separation, with minor children) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | Child custody, support, and equitable distribution |
| Fault divorce (adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony conviction) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee ~$86 | None | May affect spousal support and property division |
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: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Practice area breakdown includes 94 Traffic/Reckless Driving, 14 Other Criminal, and 3 Assault/Domestic Violence matters. Most common outcomes include NOLLE PROSEQUI (10), AMENDED TO FAIL TO PAY FULL TIME & ATTENTION (8), and AMENDED TO IMPROPER CONTROL/DRIVING (7).
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. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS 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, with access via I-395 and US-50. As an Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer 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.
Arlington 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 6 months (no minor children) or 1 year (with minor children).
Uncontested divorces in Arlington County typically take 2-6 months; contested divorces take 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; sheriff service of process is approximately $12; private process server costs $50-$100; pendente lite motion involves additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody typically costs $500-$2,500+; mediation costs $100-$300/hour per party. Cases are filed at Arlington County General District Court. Under Va. Code § 20-91, costs vary based on complexity.
A divorce in Arlington County costs approximately $86 in filing fees plus additional costs for service, mediation, and Guardian ad Litem.
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 a community property 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. Arlington County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
Child custody in Arlington County 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: 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 under Va. Code § 20-91.
Virginia offers no-fault divorce after 6-month or 1-year separation, and fault grounds including 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 of military life.
Defense strategies for armed forces divorce 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 relevant 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.
Penalties for armed forces divorce vary based on the specific circumstances under Va. Code § 20-91.
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Last verified: April 2026