In Arlington County, spousal support (alimony) is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 using 13 statutory factors; 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.
What Is Spousal Support Under Virginia Law?
Spousal support, also called alimony, is financial support paid from one spouse to the other after separation or divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, a Virginia court may award spousal support based on 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and contributions as a homemaker. Virginia is not a community property state — it is an equitable distribution state. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique insight into how property and support intersect in Arlington County cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For the official statute governing spousal support, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Spousal Support in Arlington County
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all spousal support matters. The court applies the 13 statutory factors from Va. Code § 20-107.1. Pendente lite (temporary) support hearings are typically set within 21-60 days of filing a motion.
- File a complaint for divorce or a motion for pendente lite spousal support at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the other spouse with the complaint or motion — sheriff service costs approximately $12; private process server $50-$100.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically within 21-60 days) where the court determines temporary support based on the 13 factors.
- Exchange financial discovery including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and business records.
- Participate in mediation if ordered — mediation costs $100-$300/hour per party.
- Final spousal support determination at trial or by agreement in the final divorce decree.
In Arlington County, spousal support is not a penalty — it is a financial award based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. There is no fixed formula.
| Factor | Description | Impact on Support |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of marriage | Length of the marriage | Longer marriages typically result in longer support duration |
| Standard of living | Established during marriage | Court aims to maintain this standard where possible |
| Earning capacity | Each spouse’s ability to earn | Lower-earning spouse may receive support |
| Contributions as homemaker | Non-financial contributions | Recognized as valuable contribution to marriage |
| Age and health | Physical and mental condition | May affect ability to work or need for support |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Spousal Support Case?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has more than 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts spousal support determinations in Virginia. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Arlington County, the firm has 115 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also handles complex spousal support cases involving business valuation and retirement assets. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ 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.
Spousal Support Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 is minutes from the Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. We serve clients throughout Arlington County including 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 No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spousal Support in Arlington County
How long does spousal support last in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. Duration is based on the length of the marriage and the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. For marriages under 5 years, support may last 1-3 years. For marriages over 15 years, support may be indefinite or until remarriage or death of either party.
Can spousal support be modified in Arlington County?
Yes. Either party can request modification if there is a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, significant income change, or remarriage of the receiving spouse. The court reviews the 13 factors again to determine if modification is appropriate.
Is spousal support taxable in Virginia?
No. For divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, spousal support is not taxable to the recipient and not deductible by the payor under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This applies to all Arlington County cases.
What happens if my spouse does not pay spousal support in Arlington County?
You can file a motion for contempt at Arlington County Circuit Court. The court may order wage garnishment, property liens, or even jail time for willful non-payment. The court can also award attorney’s fees for enforcement.
Do I need a lawyer for a spousal support case in Arlington County?
Yes. Spousal support involves complex financial analysis and the 13 statutory factors. A Spousal Support Lawyer Arlington County can help you present evidence of income, expenses, and contributions to ensure a fair outcome.
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.