Arlington County Alimony Lawyer — How Is Spousal Support Determined?
An Arlington County alimony lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you handle spousal support under Virginia law. Spousal support, governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, is based on 13 statutory factors including need, ability to pay, and the marriage’s duration. Our firm has documented results in Arlington County family law matters.
Virginia Spousal Support Law
Spousal support, also called alimony or spousal maintenance, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another after separation or divorce. In Virginia, the authority to award support is found in Va. Code § 20-107.1. The statute does not provide a simple formula; instead, a judge must consider all relevant factors to reach a fair and equitable decision based on the specific circumstances of the marriage and each party.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Family law cases in Arlington County are filed at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Arlington County Spousal Support Process
In Arlington County, spousal support can be requested as part of a divorce complaint or in a separate standalone motion. The Arlington County Circuit Court handles all support matters. Judges here carefully weigh the statutory factors, with particular attention to the standard of living established during the marriage and each party’s earning capacity. Temporary support (pendente lite) can be ordered early in the case to maintain financial stability during the proceedings.
- Consult with an Arlington County spousal support lawyer to evaluate your case.
- File a complaint for divorce or a motion for support with the Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Exchange financial disclosures and engage in the discovery process.
- Attempt negotiation or mediation to reach a settlement agreement.
- If no agreement is reached, present evidence and arguments at a court hearing.
- The judge will issue a support order detailing amount, duration, and payment method.
Factors in a Spousal Support Determination
In Arlington County, a spousal support order is based on a multi-factor analysis, not a simple calculation.
| Factor | Description | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Needs & Resources | The obligations, needs, and financial resources of each party. | Income, assets, debts, and necessary living expenses. |
| Standard of Living | The standard of living established during the marriage. | Aim is to maintain a reasonably comparable standard post-divorce, if possible. |
| Marriage Duration | Length of the marriage. | Longer marriages may justify longer-term or permanent support. |
| Physical & Mental Condition | Age and physical/mental condition of each party. | Health issues affecting earning capacity are significant. |
| Contributions to Family | Contributions to family well-being and career of the other spouse. | Includes homemaking, child-rearing, and supporting the other’s education/career. |
| Earning Capacity | Earning capacity and opportunity of each party. | Education, skills, work history, and time needed for training. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Arlington County Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep involvement in the development of state family law. This foundational knowledge directly informs our approach to complex spousal support cases in Arlington County.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Arlington County
Our firm has a documented record of results in Arlington County courts across all practice areas. In family law, our attorneys work to achieve favorable resolutions, whether through negotiated settlement or litigation. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex financial matters often tied to support cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Arlington County Alimony Lawyers
Our Arlington location serves clients in Arlington County and nearby communities like Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, and Pentagon City. We are accessible for those seeking a spousal support lawyer Arlington County or a spousal maintenance lawyer Arlington County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Alimony Lawyer Arlington County FAQ
How is alimony calculated in Virginia?
It depends. Virginia does not use a standard alimony calculator. Instead, judges consider 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including need, ability to pay, the marriage’s length, and each spouse’s contributions. An Arlington County alimony lawyer can analyze how these factors apply to your specific situation.
Can spousal support be modified in Virginia?
Yes. A spousal support order can be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in either party’s income, remarriage of the receiving spouse, or retirement. The party seeking modification must file a petition with the court that issued the original order.
How long does alimony last in Virginia?
It depends on the court’s order. Support can be awarded for a defined period (rehabilitative), indefinitely, or permanently. The duration is influenced by the marriage length, the recipient’s ability to become self-supporting, and other statutory factors. There is no automatic termination date.
What happens if my ex-spouse stops paying court-ordered alimony?
You can file a motion for contempt with the Arlington County Circuit Court. The court can enforce the order through various means, including wage garnishment, seizing assets, or imposing fines or jail time for willful non-payment. A spousal support lawyer Arlington County can assist with enforcement actions.
Does adultery affect alimony in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia law states that no permanent maintenance and support shall be awarded to a spouse found guilty of adultery, unless the court finds it would be a manifest injustice to deny it. This is a critical factor an alimony lawyer Arlington County must address if adultery is alleged.
Related Legal Information
If you are dealing with a family law matter in Arlington County, you may also need information about Virginia divorce law. For other legal issues in the area, consider our pages on Arlington County criminal defense or Arlington County DUI defense.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.