Alimony Lawyer Virginia, VA
Alimony, referred to as spousal support in Virginia, is one of the most consequential financial issues to arise in a divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, a Virginia circuit court may order support for a spouse after considering a list of statutory factors—including the duration of the marriage, the standard of living enjoyed during the union, the financial resources and earning capacities of each spouse, and the contributions each party made to the family’s wellbeing. Alimony can take several forms: temporary support while the divorce is pending, rehabilitative support for a defined period to allow a spouse to gain education or training, and permanent or indefinite support in cases where a spouse cannot become self-supporting because of age, health, or long absence from the workforce. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has handled alimony matters throughout Virginia since 1997. He and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent both recipients and payors of spousal support. Their approach involves a thorough evaluation of the financial circumstances, the likely application of the statutory factors, and the practices of the particular circuit court where the case is pending. Whether you need to secure support or contest a demand, having counsel who understand Virginia’s equitable distribution framework and spousal support law is a critical step. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What Alimony Means in Virginia
In Virginia, alimony is not automatic. The judge has broad discretion to decide whether support should be paid, how much, and for how long. The legislature has provided guidance through the list of factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1. These include the financial resources of each spouse, the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, and the contributions each spouse made to the family’s wellbeing—including non-monetary contributions such as staying home to raise children. The court also considers the tax consequences of any award, the ability of the paying spouse to meet their own needs while providing support, and any other factor the court deems relevant. Because Virginia follows equitable distribution rather than community property, the division of assets also influences the need and amount of alimony. A spouse who receives a larger share of marital assets may have a reduced need for ongoing support. Working with counsel who can connect the property distribution to the support analysis is essential.
Alimony can take several forms. Pendente lite support provides temporary financial assistance while the divorce is pending and is often addressed early in the case. Rehabilitative support is intended to give a spouse a defined period—commonly linked to education or job training—to become self-supporting. Permanent or indefinite support is reserved for situations where a spouse, because of age, health, or a lengthy absence from the workforce, cannot realistically achieve self-sufficiency. The circuit court retains jurisdiction to modify support later if circumstances change. Understanding how the local court approaches each type is a key part of the representation Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel provide.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Alimony Cases
When a client consults the firm about alimony, the initial focus is on gathering a complete picture of both spouses’ financial circumstances—income, assets, debts, earning capacity, and the lifestyle maintained during the marriage. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys then apply the statutory factors to the facts, drawing on their experience with how judges in Virginia circuit courts tend to weigh the various considerations. This allows them to give a realistic assessment of what a court might order, as well as the range of negotiated outcomes that may be possible. In many cases, spousal support is resolved through settlement along with property division, avoiding courtroom litigation.
When an agreement is not possible, the firm prepares for trial. That preparation includes working with financial professionals if needed to clarify income or asset issues, and building a presentation that matches the evidence to the statutory factors. The goal is a result that is fair and sustainable. After an alimony order is entered, circumstances sometimes change—a job loss, remarriage, or significant change in health. Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel team also handle post-divorce modification and enforcement actions, representing clients who need to seek a change or defend against one. Because the firm practices in multiple jurisdictions, Mr. Sris can also assist clients where alimony issues cross state lines—for example, where the paying spouse lives in Maryland or the District of Columbia and enforcement is needed in Virginia.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law in Virginia since founding the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings a trial-tested perspective to alimony disputes. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a measure that addressed equitable distribution issues. His understanding of Virginia’s family-law statutes and circuit court procedures guides the firm’s approach to every alimony matter. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who practice across multiple practice areas including family law, work alongside Mr. Sris to provide thorough representation. Their collective experience spans the financial aspects of divorce—from straightforward support calculations to complex cases involving business valuations, executive compensation, and multi-state assets. Every alimony matter benefits from a team that is familiar with Virginia’s courts and with the practical realities of negotiating and trying support issues. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Virginia court decide the amount of alimony?
A Virginia court determines alimony by weighing the statutory factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the duration of the marriage, the financial resources of each spouse, the standard of living during the marriage, and the contributions each spouse made to the family. The judge has wide discretion and may consider any additional factor deemed relevant. The analysis often intersects with the equitable distribution of property, as a larger property award may reduce the need for ongoing support. The specific outcome depends on the unique facts of each case.
How long does alimony last in Virginia?
The duration of alimony depends on the type of support awarded—temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent—and the specific circumstances of the marriage. Rehabilitative support is limited to the time reasonably necessary for the recipient to obtain education or training. Permanent or indefinite support can continue until the death of either party, the recipient’s remarriage, or a further court order. The court retains the ability to modify or terminate support if a substantial change in circumstances occurs.
Can alimony be modified after the divorce?
Yes, a Virginia court can modify an alimony award if the party seeking the change demonstrates a material change in circumstances that was not anticipated at the time of the original order. Common grounds include a substantial change in income, job loss, illness, or the recipient’s cohabitation in a marriage-like relationship. The modification process requires filing a motion in the circuit court that issued the original decree. Both payors and recipients may seek advice from counsel before pursuing a modification.
Do I need a lawyer to handle alimony in Virginia?
While you are not required to have a lawyer, alimony determinations involve complex financial analysis and statutory factors that are most effectively navigated with the help of experienced counsel. A lawyer can help uncover hidden income, present a comprehensive picture of the marital lifestyle, and negotiate a settlement that reflects the statutory criteria. For those facing a contested alimony claim, representation can make a significant difference in the outcome. To discuss your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between alimony and property division?
Alimony is ongoing financial support from one spouse to the other, while property division is the one-time allocation of marital assets and debts under Virginia’s equitable distribution law. The two are related: the distribution of property can affect the need for support, and the factors considered for each overlap. An experienced alimony lawyer will evaluate both components together to pursue a fair overall financial resolution. Alimony is modifiable, whereas property division is generally final after the decree is entered.
Can I get alimony while the divorce is still going on?
Yes, Virginia courts can award pendente lite spousal support to provide financial assistance while the divorce is pending. Either spouse may file a motion seeking temporary support, and the court can order payments based on the immediate needs of the requesting spouse and the other spouse’s ability to pay. The temporary award remains in effect until a final decree is entered, at which point a permanent or rehabilitative support order may be put in place. Contact our firm to discuss whether pendente lite support is appropriate in your situation.
Navigate Alimony in Virginia: Alimony Modification | Temporary Alimony | Rehabilitative Alimony | Alimony Enforcement | Family Law Lawyer Virginia
Virginia Law Resources: Virginia Code Title 20 – Domestic Relations | Virginia Judicial System
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.