A contested divorce in Arlington County, Virginia, involves disputes over property division, spousal support, child custody, or child support under Va. Code § 20-91 (grounds for divorce) and Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Consultation by appointment.
Contested Divorce Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Under Virginia law, a contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues — including property division, spousal support, child custody, or child support — and must litigate those issues before a judge. Va. Code § 20-91 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault grounds (6-month separation with a signed agreement and no minor children, or 1-year separation with minor children) and fault grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion for 1 year, or felony conviction with 1+ year imprisonment). Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs equitable distribution of marital property, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201, handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Arlington County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court handles standalone custody, support, and protective order cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
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%.
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 parties to have completed financial disclosure before the first hearing. We have observed that failure to produce tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements within 21 days of a pendente lite motion can result in the court drawing adverse inferences against the non-producing party.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court, including all grounds and requested relief.
- Serve the other party with the complaint and summons via sheriff or private process server.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary support, custody, and attorney’s fees if needed.
- Exchange financial disclosures and complete discovery within the court’s scheduling order.
- Attend mediation to attempt settlement before trial.
- If mediation fails, proceed to trial for the judge to decide all contested issues.
In Arlington County, a contested divorce carries no criminal penalties, but the court can order equitable distribution of marital property, spousal support, child support, and attorney’s fees based on statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 and § 20-107.1.
| Issue | Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Duration | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Court divides marital property fairly | Up to 50% of marital assets | Lifetime | Business valuation, retirement account division |
| Spousal Support | Court-ordered | Periodic or lump-sum payments | Based on 13 statutory factors | Duration determined by court | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
| Child Custody | Best Interests Standard | Sole or joint custody | Child support per guidelines | Until child turns 18 | Parenting time schedule, relocation restrictions |
| Attorney’s Fees | Discretionary | One party may pay the other’s fees | Varies by case complexity | One-time or installment | Based on disparity in income and litigation conduct |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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. Advocacy Without Borders reflects the firm’s commitment to accessible, client-focused representation across multiple states and practice areas.
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 in all reported instances. Results may vary. 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). Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Our location in Arlington is 0.5 miles from Arlington County Circuit Court and Arlington County General District Court, with access via I-395 and Route 50.
Contested divorce lawyer near Arlington County.
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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 589-9250 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contested Divorce in Arlington County
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorces 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). Contested divorces routinely take 9-18 months. High-asset cases can extend longer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
It depends. Uncontested divorces resolve in 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 costs about $12. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases are filed at Arlington County General District Court.
The Circuit Court filing fee is approximately $86, plus service and mediation costs.
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. 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 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.
Custody is 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. The Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86.
No-fault grounds include 6-month or 1-year separation; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against contested divorce charges?
Defense strategies for contested 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 (fault-based or 1-year separation) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing contested divorce charges in Virginia?
If facing contested 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: Flat Fee Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Virginia (state hub).
Explore related pages: Family Law Lawyer Loudoun County and Family Law Lawyer Fairfax County.
See also: Assault Lawyer Arlington County and Robbery Lawyer Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201