A contested divorce in Arlington County requires handling Va. Code § 20-107.3 equitable distribution and custody disputes under § 20-124.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Contested Divorce Lawyer Arlington County from our firm provides trial representation for complex family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia Code Title 20 (official Virginia General Assembly)
What Is a Contested Divorce Under Virginia Law?
Under Va. Code § 20-91, a contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, including property division, spousal support, child custody, or child support. Unlike an uncontested divorce where both parties sign a separation agreement, a contested divorce requires court intervention. The court applies Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution — personally amended by Mr. Sris) to divide marital property fairly but not necessarily equally. For custody disputes, the court applies the 10-factor best-interest standard under Va. Code § 20-124.3. A Contested Divorce Lawyer Arlington County handles these disputes from initial filing through trial.
In Arlington County, a contested divorce carries a timeline of 9-18 months from filing to final decree, with Circuit Court filing fees of approximately $86 and potential Guardian ad Litem costs of $500-$2,500+.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contested Divorce (Property Division) | Equitable Distribution | N/A | Circuit Court filing fee: ~$86; service of process: $12-$100 | N/A | Forensic accountant fees: $5,000-$20,000+; business valuation: $3,000-$15,000+ |
| Contested Divorce (Custody) | Best Interest Standard | N/A | Guardian ad Litem: $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party | N/A | Psychological evaluations: $2,000-$5,000+; parenting classes: $50-$200 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) with the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100) within 12 months of filing.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically within 21-60 days) for temporary support and custody orders.
- Complete discovery, including financial affidavits, business valuations, and forensic accounting if needed.
- Attend mediation (optional but court-recommended) to attempt settlement before trial.
- Proceed to trial if no settlement is reached; the court issues a final decree of divorce.
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 4,739+ total case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in every Virginia divorce. This unique credential provides our clients with insider knowledge of how Virginia courts divide marital assets. Our contested divorce process lawyer Arlington County team applies this experience to every case.
In Arlington County, we have 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our results include dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and favorable settlements in family law matters. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need a Contested Divorce Lawyer Arlington County near Courthouse or Pentagon City, contact us 24/7.
How long does a contested divorce take in Arlington County?
Yes, a contested divorce in Arlington County typically takes 9-18 months from filing to final decree. Complex cases involving business valuation or retirement assets can take 12-24 months. The pendente lite hearing for temporary support is usually set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
What is the filing fee for a contested divorce in Arlington County?
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), Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state for divorce?
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 from division.
How is child custody decided in a contested divorce in Arlington County?
Custody 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; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for a contested divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children). Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment.
Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in Arlington County?
It depends. While you can represent yourself, a contested divorce involves complex legal issues including equitable distribution, custody, and support. The court requires corroborating witnesses for uncontested hearings, and contested cases require trial preparation, discovery, and evidentiary objections.
What happens at a contested divorce trial in Arlington County?
At trial, both parties present evidence, call witnesses, and make legal arguments. The court hears testimony on property valuation, custody arrangements, and support calculations. The judge then issues a final decree dividing assets and determining custody and support.
Can I get a contested divorce without going to court in Arlington County?
Yes, if both parties reach a settlement through mediation or negotiation before trial. A property settlement agreement signed by both parties can resolve all issues without a trial. The court still reviews the agreement for fairness before entering the final decree.
For more information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website or review Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly).
Related pages: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Alexandria Divorce Lawyer | Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer | Arlington DUI Lawyer
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.