Alimony Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Options for Spousal Support?
In Arlington County, spousal support (alimony) is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 based on 13 statutory factors. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. An Alimony Lawyer Arlington County can help you pursue or defend against spousal maintenance claims.
Virginia Spousal Support Law in Arlington County
Virginia law authorizes spousal support — also called alimony or spousal maintenance — under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court considers 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Arlington County Circuit Court handles all spousal support determinations. A spousal support lawyer Arlington County can explain how these factors apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Spousal support differs from child support in that it is based on need and ability to pay rather than a formulaic guideline. The court may award temporary (pendente lite) support during the divorce proceeding and permanent or rehabilitative support after the final decree. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which directly affects how spousal support interacts with property division in Arlington County.
Official Virginia Law and Court Resources
- Va. Code § 20-107.1 (Spousal Support) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Arlington County General District Court — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge: Arlington County Spousal Support Cases
In Arlington County Circuit Court, spousal support motions are often heard alongside equitable distribution. The court expects detailed financial affidavits (Form DC-313) from both parties.
Prosecutors and family court judges in Arlington County routinely scrutinize income imputation claims when one spouse is voluntarily underemployed.
- File a motion for pendente lite spousal support with Arlington County Circuit Court, including a sworn financial statement.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing, typically set within 21-60 days of filing, where the court may award temporary support.
- Exchange financial discovery — tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and business records — within 30 days of the hearing.
- Participate in mediation if ordered; Arlington County does not mandate mediation but judges often encourage it.
- Present evidence at trial on the 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including duration of marriage and standard of living.
- Receive the final spousal support order, which may be modifiable upon showing of a material change in circumstances.
In Arlington County, spousal support (alimony) is not a criminal penalty but a civil obligation. Non-payment can result in contempt of court with potential jail time.
| Issue | Classification | Duration | Amount | Modification | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pendente Lite Support | Temporary Order | Until final decree | Based on need/ability | Modifiable | Enforceable by contempt |
| Rehabilitative Support | Fixed Term | Set period (e.g., 3-5 years) | Based on 13 factors | Modifiable on material change | May be extended in rare cases |
| Permanent Support | Indefinite | Until death/remarriage/cohabitation | Based on 13 factors | Modifiable on material change | Terminates on cohabitation or remarriage |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Arlington County Spousal Support Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts spousal support calculations in Arlington County. The firm has 4,739+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. A spousal maintenance lawyer Arlington County from our team understands how the 13 statutory factors interact with local court practices.
Arlington County Case Results
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 in this locality. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Location
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Searching for a spousal support lawyer near Arlington County? We are here to help.
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 Alimony in Arlington County
How long does spousal support last in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Rehabilitative support typically lasts 3-5 years. Permanent support continues until death, remarriage, or cohabitation. The court sets duration based on the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including marriage length and each spouse’s earning capacity.
Can spousal support be modified in Arlington County?
Yes. Either party can request modification upon showing a material change in circumstances — such as job loss, disability, or a significant change in income. The court reviews the change against the original 13 factors before adjusting the support amount.
Is spousal support taxable in Virginia?
No. For divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, spousal support is not taxable to the recipient nor deductible by the payor under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Pre-2019 agreements may follow different tax rules.
What happens if my ex-spouse stops paying spousal support in Arlington County?
You can file a motion for contempt with Arlington County Circuit Court. The court may order wage garnishment, levy bank accounts, or even impose jail time for willful non-payment. A spousal support lawyer Arlington County can help enforce the order.
Does adultery affect spousal support in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court may consider adultery as a factor in determining spousal support. Adultery by the supported spouse can bar or reduce support, while adultery by the supporting spouse may increase the award.
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- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
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- Our Arlington Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.