Military Divorce Lawyer Arlington County, VA

You’re a service member stationed at the Pentagon or Joint Base Myer‑Henderson Hall, and your marriage is ending. Between deployment schedules, possible future PCS moves, and the complex rules dividing your military retirement and Thrift Savings Plan, the stakes are high. You need a lawyer who understands both the Virginia family law system and the federal protections available to service members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has served Arlington County families since 1997. Reach our location at (888) 437‑7747 to speak with Mr. Sris or a member of his Of Counsel team about your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.

What Strategy Options Are Available?

Every military divorce is unique, and your first step is identifying your goals. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with you to determine whether you can reach an uncontested divorce through a marital settlement agreement or will need to litigate contested issues such as spousal support, child custody, or equitable distribution of a military pension. Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20‑107.3, treats military retired pay as marital property subject to division. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) allows Virginia courts to divide that pay if certain jurisdictional requirements are met. A carefully drafted property settlement agreement can resolve these issues without a trial and protect your interests.

What to Expect During a Military Divorce in Arlington County

After filing a Complaint in the Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, you must satisfy Virginia’s separation period before the court can grant a final divorce. The court may issue temporary orders for spousal support, child custody, and exclusive use of the family home while the case is pending. Discovery often involves valuing military retirement accounts—including the Thrift Savings Plan—and any business assets. Because deployment can delay the process, the SCRA allows stays of proceedings when a service member’s military duties materially affect the ability to appear. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel manage these procedural nuances, helping you stay compliant while keeping the case moving toward resolution.

Consequences of a Military Divorce

A military divorce can affect your security clearance, your ability to relocate, and your long‑term finances. A poorly drafted property settlement agreement might cause unintended tax consequences or loss of survivor benefits (Survivor Benefit Plan). Child custody and visitation arrangements must account for deployment cycles and possible parental relocation. Working with a lawyer who has experience at the intersection of Virginia family law and federal military regulations helps protect both your career and your future.

Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced family law across Virginia since 1997. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), which revised the statutory language on division of retirement benefits in divorce (Va. Code § 20‑107.3(g)). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.

The firm’s Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 — just minutes from the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. We serve clients across Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does military service affect divorce proceedings in Virginia?

A military divorce follows the same Virginia process as a civilian one, but federal laws like the SCRA and USFSPA add protections and rules for dividing military pensions, staying proceedings during deployment, and creating child custody schedules that accommodate service obligations. The Arlington County Circuit Court has jurisdiction if either spouse meets the residency requirement. Under the SCRA, a service member can request a stay of proceedings when military duties prevent meaningful participation, and default judgments may be set aside under certain conditions.

Can my spouse receive part of my military retirement in a Virginia divorce?

Yes, Virginia courts treat military retired pay as marital property subject to equitable distribution, and the USFSPA authorizes direct payment of a portion to the former spouse if the marriage lasted at least ten years overlapping with ten years of creditable military service. The court will determine what portion of the retirement accrued during the marriage and divide it fairly, not necessarily equally. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order is not required for military retirement; instead, a separate military retired pay division order is submitted to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

What is the residency requirement to file for divorce in Arlington County?

One party must have been an actual bona fide resident and domiciliary of Virginia for at least six months before filing (Va. Code § 20‑97). The suit can be brought in the county where either party resides or, if neither resides in Virginia, where the defendant may be served. For service members stationed in Virginia but domiciled elsewhere, the residency requirement may still be met if they intend to remain in the Commonwealth. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate your specific situation.

How are child custody and visitation handled when one parent is deployed?

Virginia courts base custody decisions on the best interests of the child, considering ten statutory factors including the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s willingness to support the child’s contact with the other parent, and any history of family abuse. A deployment or potential deployment is a factor the court may weigh when crafting a parenting plan. The SCRA also provides protections for deployed parents, allowing the court to enter temporary orders that preserve the parent‑child relationship during deployment and provide for a return to the prior schedule afterward.

Do I need a lawyer for a military divorce, or can I handle it myself?

You are not required to hire an attorney, but the division of military retirement, application of the SCRA, and potential child custody issues make legal representation advisable. Mistakes in a separation agreement—such as failing to address survivor benefits or the tax implications of a pension division—can be costly and difficult to undo. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help you navigate these complexities and prepare an agreement that protects your interests.

What is the cost of a military divorce in Arlington County?

Fees vary by case complexity and the specific services needed. A straightforward uncontested divorce with a signed agreement costs less than a contested divorce involving custody disputes or business valuation. At an initial consultation, Mr. Sris and his team can discuss the likely scope of work and provide a clear engagement agreement. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.

How long does a military divorce take in Virginia?

The timeline depends on the required separation period, the court’s calendar, and whether the case is contested. After meeting the separation period, an uncontested divorce can often be finalized within a few months if all paperwork is in order. A contested divorce—one requiring a trial on custody, support, or property division—may take significantly longer. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to resolve cases efficiently while protecting your rights.

Are there special protections for service members who cannot appear in court?

The SCRA allows a service member to request a stay of court proceedings when military duties materially affect the ability to appear, and it provides a mechanism to set aside a default judgment entered during a period of active duty. The court may also appoint an attorney to represent a service member who cannot be present. Our team is experienced in invoking these protections appropriately and in crafting resolutions that can proceed without requiring your physical presence.

What is the 2019 HB 635 that Mr. Sris testified about?

HB 635, passed in 2019, revised Va. Code § 20‑107.3(g) to clarify procedures for dividing retirement benefits in divorce. The bill addressed coordination between state court orders and the federal rules governing qualified domestic relations orders and military retired pay. Mr. Sris’s testimony supported the legislation. His firsthand familiarity with the statutory language means he can apply the law as it exists after the amendment.

Request a Consultation

To discuss your military divorce with Mr. Sris or a member of his Of Counsel team, call the firm’s toll‑free number at (888) 437‑7747 or the Arlington location directly at (703) 589‑9250. Consultations are by appointment; phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The office is located at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209.

Explore related resources:
Virginia Military Divorce Lawyer |
Fairfax County Family Lawyer |
Prince William County Family Lawyer

For a full statutory breakdown, see our comprehensive analysis.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 589-9250
Toll‑free: (888) 437-7747

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.