Indefinite Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA

Indefinite alimony — sometimes called permanent spousal support — is one of the most consequential financial issues a Virginia divorce can raise. For the spouse seeking support, it can mean long‑term security; for the spouse asked to pay, it can create an open‑ended obligation that lasts for years. In either position, the outcome turns on how the parties present the statutory factors to the court. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent both payors and recipients in indefinite‑alimony matters throughout the Virginia Beach area, including appearances before the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The firm focuses on building a thorough factual record so that the court can make a fully informed decision under Va. Code § 20‑107.1. To schedule a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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

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What Indefinite Alimony Means in Virginia Beach

Virginia law treats spousal support not as a fixed entitlement but as a fact‑intensive remedy. Under Va. Code § 20‑107.1, a court may award support “for a defined duration or in the nature of permanent periodic support.” The latter — commonly called indefinite or permanent alimony — is reserved for situations in which the evidence shows that the party seeking support will not be able to become self‑supporting within a reasonable time. In Virginia Beach, these matters are heard in the Circuit Court when they arise in a divorce action, or separately in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court if support is sought outside a pending divorce.

Virginia is not a community‑property state. The court applies the thirteen factors in § 20‑107.1, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s age and health, the standard of living established during the marriage, the earning capacities of the parties, and the contributions each spouse made to the family’s well‑being. In Virginia Beach, where many households include military personnel, civilian professionals, and small‑business owners, the factual picture can be especially nuanced. A spouse who gave up a career to support a partner’s military assignments or business growth often presents a compelling case for indefinite support. At the same time, a payor spouse may demonstrate that the other party has the ability to re‑enter the workforce with appropriate training — an argument that, if successful, can result in rehabilitative support instead of an indefinite award.

Virginia Beach Circuit Court judges have considerable discretion, and the outcome frequently hinges on the quality of the evidence presented. A spouse asking for indefinite support must show more than a current inability to work; the record must demonstrate that, after a reasonable period of vocational rehabilitation, the requesting spouse will still lack the capacity to achieve self‑sufficiency. Conversely, a payor seeking to limit support to a defined term benefits from evidence of the other party’s earning potential, education, and employment history. Because the stakes are high, having counsel who understands how these factors are litigated in the Virginia Beach courts can affect the trajectory of the case.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Indefinite Alimony Cases

Every indefinite‑alimony case starts with a careful review of the marriage’s financial history. The firm’s approach focuses on gathering the documents and testimony that speak directly to the § 20‑107.1 factors. That often includes tax returns, pay stubs, retirement‑account statements, and business records, as well as evidence of each spouse’s education, vocational training, and health. When necessary, the firm works with vocational evaluators, forensic accountants, and medical professionals to build a record that clearly supports the client’s position.

Negotiation is the first step in most cases. Many indefinite‑support disputes are resolved through a property settlement agreement that defines the amount, duration, and conditions of the support obligation — for example, tying termination to the occurrence of a specified event such as the recipient’s remarriage or cohabitation. If settlement is not possible, the case proceeds to an evidentiary hearing before the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. At that stage, the firm’s attorneys present witness testimony and documentary evidence that address each factor the court must consider. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys focus on presenting a well‑organized case that allows the judge to see the full financial picture without unnecessary delay. Because Virginia Beach is part of the Fourth Judicial District, the firm is familiar with the local court’s procedural expectations and scheduling practices.

After an award is entered, the matter may not be over. Circumstances can change — a supported spouse may find employment, a payor’s income may drop, or the recipient may begin living with a new partner. The firm assists clients with post‑decree modification and enforcement proceedings in the Virginia Beach courts when such changes affect the ongoing support obligation.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brought his trial experience to family law and has concentrated on complex divorce and support matters for decades. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), which addressed procedural aspects of equitable distribution. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys practice in multiple practice areas, including family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation. On indefinite‑alimony matters, clients benefit from the collective experience of attorneys who understand both the financial analysis and the courtroom dynamics that drive these cases. Because the firm serves clients from its Richmond location, individuals in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana have access to representation that is grounded in Virginia law and familiar with the local courts. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to arrange a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is indefinite alimony in Virginia?

Indefinite alimony is court‑ordered spousal support that continues for an open‑ended period, without a predetermined termination date. Virginia courts award indefinite support when the evidence demonstrates that the party seeking support cannot achieve self‑sufficiency within a reasonable time, even after receiving vocational training or education. The award is governed by the factors in Va. Code § 20‑107.1. Indefinite support differs from rehabilitative alimony, which is set for a defined duration aimed at enabling the recipient to become self‑supporting.

How does a Virginia court decide whether to award indefinite alimony?

The judge considers the thirteen statutory factors in Va. Code § 20‑107.1, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, age, health, and contributions to the family. No single factor controls; the court weighs all of them together. A spouse who left the workforce for many years to care for children or support a partner’s career often has a stronger case for indefinite support, but the payor can rebut that by showing the other party’s ability to become employed with reasonable effort. The quality of the evidence presented by each side is critical.

Can indefinite alimony be modified or terminated in Virginia Beach?

Yes, indefinite alimony can be modified or terminated if the party seeking the change proves a material change in circumstances. Common grounds for modification include a substantial change in either party’s income, the recipient’s remarriage, or cohabitation in a relationship analogous to marriage. Termination also occurs upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient, unless the parties agreed otherwise in a written settlement. Modification petitions are filed in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, depending on the original jurisdiction.

Do I need a lawyer to pursue or defend against indefinite alimony in Virginia Beach?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but indefinite‑alimony cases involve complex financial evidence, statutory factors, and long‑term consequences that make experienced representation advisable. An attorney can help you gather the right documents, present the financial picture coherently, and avoid procedural missteps that could weaken your position. Because the Virginia Beach courts exercise substantial discretion, having counsel who understands how local judges apply § 20‑107.1 can affect the outcome. To discuss your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What is the difference between indefinite alimony and rehabilitative alimony?

Rehabilitative alimony is awarded for a defined period to allow the recipient to obtain education or training and become self‑supporting; indefinite alimony has no set end date and is reserved for situations where self‑sufficiency is not realistically achievable. The court may also award a “defined duration” award that is not rehabilitative — for example, a lump‑sum or periodic payment spread over several years to balance the financial impact of the divorce. The label matters less than the underlying facts, and the court’s determination flows from the evidence presented under § 20‑107.1.

How can I reach an indefinite alimony lawyer in Virginia Beach?

Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. The firm accepts clients from Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and throughout the Fourth Judicial District. Appointments are available at the firm’s Richmond location, and telephone consultations are offered for your convenience. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced in handling indefinite‑alimony cases and can review your circumstances at an initial meeting.

Authoritative Sources:
Virginia Code § 20‑107.1 – Spousal Support Factors |
Virginia Code § 20‑91 – Grounds for Divorce |
Virginia Beach Circuit Court

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.