Marital Property Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
In Arlington County, Virginia, marital property division is governed by equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County, with 22 dismissals and 93 reduced or amended outcomes — a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
Understanding Marital Property Division Under Virginia Law
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the court considers 11 factors to determine a just division, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions (monetary and non-monetary), the value of separate property, and the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of assets. Separate property — assets owned before marriage, gifts, or inheritances — is excluded from division. The court may also consider fault in the breakdown of the marriage when dividing property. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every case.
Last verified: May 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Official Legal References
Insider Perspective on Arlington County Family Law
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges routinely scrutinize financial disclosures for completeness. In our experience, incomplete asset schedules can delay proceedings by months.
Prosecutors and opposing counsel in Arlington often push for mediation early. We have observed that clients who prepare a detailed asset inventory before the first hearing gain a strategic advantage.
- Gather all financial documents: bank statements, tax returns, retirement account statements, and property deeds.
- Identify which assets are marital versus separate property.
- Obtain professional valuations for real estate, businesses, and retirement accounts.
- File a complaint for divorce at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Negotiate a property settlement agreement with your attorney.
- Present the agreement or evidence at trial for court approval.
Consequences of Marital Property Disputes in Arlington County
In Arlington County, marital property disputes under Va. Code § 20-107.3 can result in court-ordered division, attorney fee awards, and sanctions for non-disclosure.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Disclose Assets | Civil Contempt | Up to 10 days | Up to $1,000 | None | Court may award attorney fees to the other party |
| Fraudulent Transfer of Marital Property | Civil Fraud | None | Up to the value of the asset transferred | None | Court may set aside the transfer and award punitive damages |
| Violation of Court Order (e.g., asset freeze) | Civil Contempt | Up to 10 days | Up to $2,500 | None | Court may modify property division in favor of the other party |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Marital Property Case?
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 results in Arlington County alone, with 22 dismissals and 93 reduced or amended outcomes — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. This track record demonstrates deep familiarity with Arlington County Circuit Court procedures and the local judicial field.
Meet Your Marital Property Lawyer
Proven Results in Arlington County
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. These outcomes include dismissals for domestic assault and battery, reductions for breaking and entering, and favorable dispositions for destruction of property charges. The firm-wide total of 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ demonstrates consistent advocacy.
Our Arlington County Location
Our location in Arlington is 0.5 miles from Arlington County Circuit Court, with access via I-395 and Route 50.
Searching for a marital property lawyer near Arlington County? We serve clients throughout the area.
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.
Our Arlington Location: 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 | (703) 589-9250 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marital Property 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. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets can extend to 12-24 months.
Uncontested divorces typically take 2-6 months; contested divorces take 9-18 months in Arlington County.
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), pendente lite motion fees, 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.
The filing fee is approximately $86, with 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.
Custody 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.
No-fault divorce requires 6-month or 1-year separation; fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, desertion, and felony conviction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against equitable distribution charges?
Defense strategies for equitable distribution 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 § 20-107.3 (division of marital property) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing equitable distribution charges in Virginia?
If facing equitable distribution 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.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against marital property charges?
Defense strategies for marital property 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 § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) to build the strongest possible defense.
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Last updated: 2026-05-01
By appointment only.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.