Norfolk Military Divorce Lawyer Alexandria, VA

Military divorce presents unique legal considerations that civilian divorces do not. For service members and their spouses in Alexandria, Virginia—and across Northern Virginia, including those connected to the Norfolk naval community—the division of military pensions, application of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and jurisdictional questions can shape the outcome of a family law matter. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents clients in Alexandria Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys concentrate their practice on family law, including cases involving military retirement division, equitable distribution, child custody, and support. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What Military Divorce Means in Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria sits within the Eighteenth Judicial District, with family law matters heard in the Alexandria Circuit Court—located at 520 King Street—and the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. For a military family, the marital estate often includes a service member’s pension, which the court may divide only if certain federal jurisdictional requirements are met under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act. The court also considers the factors set out in § 20-107.3, including the duration of the marriage, contributions of each spouse, and the circumstances that led to the dissolution.

Norfolk, home to the world’s largest naval station, is a major center of military life in Virginia. Many service members stationed there choose to reside or maintain legal connections in Alexandria. When a divorce involves a military member, questions about where to file—based on residency under Va. Code § 20-97—can be intertwined with the service member’s state of legal residence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles military divorce cases in Alexandria and is familiar with the interplay between Virginia law and the federal statutes that protect service members, including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which can affect the timing of proceedings. The firm has documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Military Divorce Cases

Military divorce begins with determining the proper court and whether both parties meet Virginia’s residency requirements. The complaint for divorce is filed in the Alexandria Circuit Court, and the non-filing spouse must be served. In a military context, service may be affected by deployment or a service member’s location. The firm evaluates whether the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act requires a stay of proceedings, protecting the service member’s right to participate meaningfully.

Once jurisdiction is established, the case proceeds through the identification and valuation of marital assets. Military pensions are among the most significant assets at stake. The firm works with the parties to determine the marital share of the pension—the portion earned during the marriage—and to prepare a proposed order that complies with both Virginia law and the federal requirements necessary for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service to pay a former spouse directly. Child custody and support are also addressed under Virginia’s best-interests standard, with support calculated pursuant to the statutory guidelines. Contested matters may be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or trial before the Alexandria Circuit Court.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor. He has practiced law since founding the firm in 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional experience in family law, including matters involving complex asset division, child custody, and support. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The firm’s Arlington location serves clients in Alexandria and throughout Northern Virginia. Appointments are available by calling (888) 437-7747. The firm also maintains locations in Fairfax, Richmond, Ashburn, and other areas, with a multi-state practice that addresses cross-jurisdictional issues that can arise in military divorces.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a military pension divided in a Virginia divorce?

The marital share of a military pension is subject to equitable distribution under Virginia law, and division requires a court order that complies with the federal Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act. The court first determines which portion of the pension was earned during the marriage and then decides how to divide that portion fairly, considering the factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Direct payment from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service is available only if the marriage lasted at least ten years overlapping with ten years of creditable military service. The firm prepares the necessary orders to give effect to the court’s ruling. For guidance on your specific situation, call (888) 437-7747.

Can a deployed service member delay a divorce in Alexandria?

Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a deployed service member may request a stay of divorce proceedings if their military duties materially affect their ability to participate in the case. The court will consider whether the stay is warranted based on the circumstances, and the stay may be granted for a reasonable period. Both the service member and the civilian spouse have rights and obligations under the Act, and the firm helps clients navigate these procedural protections. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the residency requirements for filing a military divorce in Virginia?

Virginia requires that at least one party be a resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth for at least six months before filing, as set out in Va. Code § 20-97. A service member may meet this requirement by demonstrating Virginia is their state of legal residence, even if they are stationed elsewhere. The Alexandria Circuit Court will examine evidence such as voter registration, driver’s license, and tax records to determine residency. Cases may be filed where either party resides, and the firm assists in evaluating the proper venue.

Does Virginia fault-based divorce apply to military members?

Yes, Virginia law provides both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce, and either may be used in a military divorce. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, and desertion, while no-fault divorce is available after a one-year separation, or six months if there are no minor children and the parties have a signed separation agreement. Adultery, for example, may have implications under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the firm advises clients on how the choice of grounds can affect both the civil and military aspects of the case. A consultation with Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can clarify the options.

How is child custody determined when one parent is in the military?

Virginia courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, their willingness to support the child’s contact with the other parent, and the child’s needs. Military service, including deployment or frequent relocation, is a factor that the court may weigh, but it is not a basis for automatically denying custody. The Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles custody and visitation matters. The firm works to present a comprehensive picture of the family’s circumstances. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

Can a spouse receive part of a service member’s VA disability benefits in a divorce?

No, VA disability benefits are not marital property under federal law and are not subject to division in a Virginia divorce. However, the court may consider the disability benefits as income for purposes of calculating spousal support or child support. If a service member waives a portion of their military retirement pay to receive disability benefits, the reduction in the gross pension may affect the amount available for division. The firm explains how these interactions can shape the overall financial resolution of the case.

Virginia Legal Resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations)
Alexandria Circuit Court
Virginia Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts

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.