In Arlington County, temporary alimony (pendente lite support) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, providing financial assistance during divorce proceedings. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Understanding Temporary Alimony Under Virginia Law
Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, temporary alimony — also called pendente lite support — is financial support paid by one spouse to the other during the pendency of a divorce case. Unlike permanent spousal support, temporary alimony is designed to maintain the status quo while the divorce is pending. The court considers 13 statutory factors, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. A Temporary Alimony Lawyer Arlington County can help you present evidence on these factors to secure fair support.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For temporary alimony specifically, Va. Code § 20-107.1 establishes that a spouse may seek pendente lite support at any time after a bill of complaint for divorce is filed. The statute requires the court to consider the financial resources of both parties, including income from all sources, and the ability of the requesting spouse to become self-supporting. This differs from permanent spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which applies after the divorce is finalized. A pendente lite support lawyer Arlington County understands these distinctions and can argue for interim support based on immediate financial needs.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code § 20-107.1 (temporary spousal support) and the Arlington County General District Court website. These .gov resources provide the statutory framework and local court procedures for temporary alimony cases in Arlington County.
Insider Procedural Edge: How to Secure Temporary Alimony in Arlington County
In Arlington County Circuit Court, judges routinely set pendente lite hearings within 21-60 days of a motion being filed. The court expects both parties to submit current financial statements (Form VS-1) at least 10 days before the hearing.
An interim spousal support lawyer Arlington County knows that the court places significant weight on the disparity in income between spouses and the requesting spouse’s immediate financial needs.
- File a Motion for Pendente Lite Support: Your attorney files a motion with the Arlington County Circuit Court requesting temporary spousal support. This motion must include a detailed financial affidavit.
- Prepare Financial Disclosures: Both parties must complete and exchange current financial statements (Form VS-1) showing all income, expenses, assets, and debts. Incomplete disclosures can delay the hearing.
- Attend the Pendente Lite Hearing: The hearing is typically scheduled within 21-60 days. The judge hears testimony from both parties and reviews financial documents before issuing a temporary support order.
- Comply with the Temporary Order: Once issued, the temporary alimony order remains in effect until the final divorce decree or until modified by the court. Failure to pay can result in contempt proceedings.
- Seek Modification if Circumstances Change: If either party’s financial situation changes significantly during the divorce process, you can file a motion to modify the temporary support order.
In Arlington County, failure to pay temporary alimony as ordered by the court can result in contempt proceedings, including potential jail time and fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Temporary Alimony | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, property liens, credit damage |
| Willful Non-Payment of Support | Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, potential jail time |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Temporary Alimony Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. With 4,739+ total documented case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide, our firm has a proven track record in family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating his deep understanding of Virginia family law. Our firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to providing strong, case-specific representation for clients in Arlington County.
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, not guilty verdicts, and favorable settlements in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Location
Our Arlington location is conveniently situated near the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington County, including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Looking for a Temporary Alimony Lawyer Arlington County near you? Our firm is located in the heart of Arlington, close to the Courthouse metro station.
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 No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Alimony in Arlington County
How long does it take to get a temporary alimony hearing in Arlington County?
Yes. Pendente lite hearings in Arlington County Circuit Court are typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. The court prioritizes these hearings because they address immediate financial needs during the divorce process.
Can I get temporary alimony if my spouse is hiding income?
Yes. The court can order discovery, including subpoenas for bank records, pay stubs, and tax returns. If your spouse fails to disclose income, the court may impute income based on their earning capacity or hold them in contempt.
Is temporary alimony taxable?
No. For divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, temporary alimony payments are not tax-deductible for the payer and not taxable income for the recipient under federal tax law.
What factors does the court consider for temporary alimony in Arlington County?
It depends. The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including each spouse’s income, earning capacity, standard of living during marriage, and the requesting spouse’s ability to become self-supporting.
Can temporary alimony be modified?
Yes. If either party experiences a material change in circumstances — such as job loss, promotion, or remarriage — the court can modify the temporary support order. You must file a motion with the Arlington County Circuit Court.
For more information, explore our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page, or see our Alexandria Family Law Lawyer page. You may also be interested in our Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Arlington County DUI Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.