In Arlington County, a separation agreement resolves marital separation terms under Va. Code § 20-91. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Our team provides case-specific guidance for your separation contract drafting needs.
Understanding Separation Agreements Under Virginia Law
A separation agreement, also known as a property settlement agreement, is a legally binding contract between spouses. It outlines the division of assets, debts, spousal support, and child-related matters. Under Va. Code § 20-91, a no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation (with minor children). Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which governs how marital property is divided. A properly drafted separation agreement can convert a contested divorce into an uncontested one, saving time and court costs.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information on Virginia family law statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 20. Court procedures are available on the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Arlington County
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges expect a fully executed separation agreement before granting an uncontested divorce. The court requires one corroborating witness to testify that the separation period is accurate. Our team has observed that prosecutors and judges in this jurisdiction place a high value on detailed, notarized agreements.
- Step 1: Identify all marital assets and debts, including real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests.
- Step 2: Negotiate the terms of division, spousal support, and child custody/support with your spouse or through mediation.
- Step 3: Draft the separation agreement, ensuring it complies with Va. Code § 20-91 and § 20-107.3.
- Step 4: Both parties sign the agreement in the presence of a notary public.
- Step 5: File the divorce complaint and the signed separation agreement with the Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Step 6: Attend the uncontested divorce hearing with a corroborating witness to finalize the decree.
In Arlington County, failing to comply with a separation agreement can lead to contempt of court, fines, and potential jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contempt of Court (Violating Agreement) | Civil/Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Court may order payment of legal fees; potential wage garnishment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Authority in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our favorable outcome rate is 93%+. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, a unique achievement in Virginia family law. This experience provides a distinct advantage when drafting and negotiating marital separation terms.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
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 and deferred dispositions in domestic assault cases at the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Location
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via major highways. We serve clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Searching for a “separation agreement lawyer near Arlington County”? We are here to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
24/7 phone consultations. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Separation Agreements in Arlington County
What is a separation agreement in Virginia?
Yes. A separation agreement is a legally binding contract between spouses that resolves all marital issues, including property division, spousal support, and child custody, without going to trial.
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement takes 2-4 months from filing. A contested divorce can take 9-18 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the issues.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. The court divides marital property fairly but not necessarily 50/50, considering 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each parent.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with a signed agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion (1 year), and felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment).
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.