Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer Arlington County — How Does Military Service Affect Your Case?
Arlington County military divorces are governed by Virginia law and the federal Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA). An Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer Arlington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the unique challenges of dividing military pensions, handling deployments, and establishing jurisdiction. Our firm has documented results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for service members and their spouses.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Military Divorce Laws in Arlington County, Virginia
Military divorces in Arlington County follow Virginia’s equitable distribution statutes but are significantly shaped by federal law. The primary statute is Va. Code § 20-91, which outlines divorce grounds. For property division, Va. Code § 20-107.3 applies, a statute personally amended by Mr. Sris. The federal Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) governs the direct payment of military retired pay to a former spouse and establishes how state courts may treat military pensions as marital property. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings specific knowledge of these overlapping legal systems to protect your rights.
Key Resources for Military Divorce
For official Virginia statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website. Local military divorce cases are filed with the Arlington County Circuit Court. Understanding both state procedure and federal military law is critical.
Arlington County Military Divorce Process
Military divorces in Arlington County involve specific procedural steps due to potential deployments and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The Arlington County Circuit Court handles these cases. A key local fact is that the court is accustomed to managing cases where one party is deployed or stationed out of state, often requiring remote participation or stays in proceedings.
- Determine if Virginia and Arlington County have jurisdiction over your divorce, considering military residency rules.
- File the Complaint for Divorce with the Arlington County Circuit Court, citing appropriate grounds and addressing military-specific issues like the SCRA.
- Serve the divorce papers properly, which may involve special procedures if the service member is deployed.
- handle discovery, which may include obtaining military finance and personnel records to value pensions and benefits.
- Negotiate or litigate issues of pension division, child support under military guidelines, and potential spousal support.
- Finalize the divorce decree, ensuring any military pension division is outlined in a QDRO acceptable to DFAS.
Potential Outcomes in a Military Divorce
In Arlington County, a military divorce can involve division of the military pension (up to 50% of the marital share), child support based on military pay and allowances, and spousal support considerations.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Military Pension Division | USFSPA; Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Up to 50% of the marital share of disposable retired pay |
| Child Support | Va. Code § 20-108.1; Military Guidelines | Based on military pay, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), and other allowances |
| Spousal Support | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Considered based on 13 factors, including impact of military lifestyle on career |
| Jurisdiction & Residency | Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) | Virginia may retain jurisdiction even if service member is stationed elsewhere |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Military Divorce
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex family law matters. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep legislative insight is applied to military divorce cases, ensuring a strategic approach to pension division and support issues. We understand the unique pressures on military families in Arlington County.
Case Results and Client Focus
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in family law cases. In Arlington County, we have achieved results for clients facing the details of military divorce, including successful negotiations on pension division and child support. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Armed Forces Divorce Lawyer
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent military members and spouses in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a military pension divided in a Virginia divorce?
Yes, a military pension can be divided. Under the USFSPA and Virginia law, the court can award up to 50% of the marital share of disposable retired pay to the former spouse, requiring a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
Does Virginia have jurisdiction over my divorce if I am in the military?
It depends. Virginia may have jurisdiction if the service member is a legal resident of Virginia, is stationed in Virginia, or if the non-military spouse resides in Virginia. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) can affect filing timelines.
How is child support calculated for a service member?
Child support in Virginia uses state guidelines based on gross income, which for service members includes basic pay, allowances for housing (BAH) and subsistence (BAS), and other special pay. Deployment can affect the calculation.
What is the 10/10 rule for military divorce?
The 10/10 rule refers to a provision under the USFSPA. If the marriage overlapped a service member’s military service for at least 10 years, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) can pay the former spouse’s share of retirement pay directly.
Can I get a divorce while my spouse is deployed?
Yes, but the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may allow the deployed service member to request a stay (delay) of the court proceedings. A service member divorce lawyer Arlington County can handle these procedural rules.
For more information on divorce in Virginia, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist clients in Alexandria. If you are facing other legal issues, we provide criminal defense and DUI defense in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.