In Fauquier County, Virginia, temporary alimony (pendente lite spousal support) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, providing financial support during divorce proceedings. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 73 documented case results in Fauquier County with a 97% favorable outcome rate. A Temporary Alimony Lawyer Fauquier County can help you secure interim support.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
When you file for divorce in Virginia, the court can award temporary spousal support — called pendente lite support — to maintain the financial status quo while your case is pending. A pendente lite support lawyer Fauquier County understands that this interim support is not permanent; it lasts only until the final divorce decree. The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including each spouse’s earning capacity, the duration of the marriage, and the standard of living established during the marriage. An interim spousal support lawyer Fauquier County can help you present the necessary financial documentation to the court.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (the equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia’s family law framework. The firm has been representing clients since 1997, with over 120 years of combined legal experience across all attorneys.
For a Temporary Alimony Lawyer Fauquier County, the process begins with filing a motion for pendente lite support at the Fauquier County Circuit Court, located at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186. The court typically schedules a pendente lite hearing within 21-60 days of the motion being filed. At this hearing, both parties present evidence of income, expenses, and financial needs.
- File the Complaint for Divorce: Your attorney files the initial divorce complaint at the Fauquier County Circuit Court, along with a motion for pendente lite support.
- Serve the Other Party: The court requires proper service of process on your spouse, either by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Complete Financial Disclosures: Both parties must complete and exchange VS-16 financial disclosure statements showing income, expenses, assets, and debts.
- Attend the Pendente Lite Hearing: The court hears evidence on temporary support, typically within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Receive Temporary Support Order: If granted, the court issues a pendente lite support order that remains in effect until the final divorce decree.
In Fauquier County, temporary spousal support (pendente lite) is awarded based on financial need and ability to pay, with no fixed minimum or maximum amount.
| Issue | Classification | Duration | Amount | Modification | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pendente Lite Support | Temporary court order | Until final divorce decree | Based on 13 statutory factors | Modifiable upon showing changed circumstances | Taxable to recipient (pre-2019 agreements may differ) |
| Permanent Spousal Support | Final court order or agreement | Open-ended or for a defined term | Based on same 13 factors | Modifiable upon material change in circumstances | Not taxable for agreements after 12/31/2018 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) and has been practicing family law since founding the firm in 1997. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Fairfax Location serves clients at the Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186), accessible via I-66 (eastern county), Route 29, Route 17, Route 28, and Route 211. We serve the communities of Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. A Temporary Alimony Lawyer Fauquier County is available for consultation.
How long does a divorce take in Fauquier County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Fauquier County, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Pendente lite motion: additional court costs. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
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). Fauquier County Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Custody in Fauquier County is based on the best 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. Fauquier County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Fauquier 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 Fauquier County Circuit Court.