Contested Divorce Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
A contested divorce in Arlington County, Virginia, involves disputes over property, custody, or support under Va. Code § 20-91, requiring a 6-month or 1-year separation period. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
In Virginia, a contested divorce is governed by Va. Code § 20-91, which outlines both no-fault and fault-based grounds. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children are involved and a signed property settlement agreement exists, or a 1-year separation if minor children are present. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more. Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201, handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For official statutory text, consult 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 routinely require a corroborating witness for uncontested divorce hearings, but in contested cases, the court relies heavily on financial discovery and experienced testimony. We have observed that judges in Arlington County place significant weight on forensic accounting reports when dividing complex marital estates.
- File a complaint at Arlington County Circuit Court stating grounds under Va. Code § 20-91.
- Serve your spouse with the complaint and summons.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary orders.
- Exchange financial disclosures and engage in discovery.
- Participate in mediation (optional but encouraged).
- Proceed to trial if no settlement is reached.
In Arlington County, a contested divorce carries financial and legal consequences including court costs, attorney fees, and potential spousal support obligations.
| Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equitable Distribution | Civil | Division of marital assets and debts | 9-18 months | Business valuation, retirement account division |
| Spousal Support | Civil | Based on 13 statutory factors | Ongoing or lump sum | Modification possible upon change in circumstances |
| Child Custody | Civil | Guardian ad Litem fees: $500-$2,500+ | Ongoing | Best interests of the child standard |
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.
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, the firm 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. Serving as a contested divorce lawyer near Arlington County, we represent clients in 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 — with custody, support, or property disputes — routinely take 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution cases can extend longer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex and high-net-worth matters — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
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). Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3). Cases are filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
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.
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.
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.
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 the opposing party, 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.
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Last updated: 2026-05-01