Permanent Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
Permanent alimony—also referred to as indefinite spousal support—is one of the most significant financial issues that can arise in a Virginia divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, a Virginia Beach Circuit Court judge may award ongoing support to a spouse who cannot become self-supporting due to age, health, or other circumstances recognized by the statute. The court weighs thirteen statutory factors before making a spousal support determination, considering the duration of the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, contributions to the family, and the standard of living established during the marriage. For a spouse who has been out of the workforce for many years or who faces medical limitations, permanent alimony can provide essential financial stability. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in permanent alimony matters throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and the surrounding Hampton Roads communities. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience in Virginia family law to each spousal support case, working toward outcomes that reflect the statutory factors and the specific facts of the marriage. To request a consultation about permanent alimony in Virginia Beach, call (888) 437-7747.
What Permanent Alimony Means in Virginia Beach
Virginia law recognizes several forms of spousal support. Temporary alimony—also called pendente lite support—may be ordered while a divorce is pending to maintain the financial status quo. Rehabilitative alimony is awarded for a defined period to give a spouse time to obtain education or training and re-enter the workforce. Permanent alimony, by contrast, is support that continues indefinitely. Virginia courts do not presume permanent alimony in any case; the party seeking support must demonstrate a need for ongoing assistance and an inability to become self-supporting despite reasonable efforts.
In Virginia Beach, spousal support determinations are made by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, which has jurisdiction over divorce and equitable distribution matters. The Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may address related custody, visitation, and child support issues in the same proceeding. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the Circuit Court evaluates thirteen factors when deciding whether to award support, the amount, and the duration. These factors include the earning capacity and financial resources of each party, the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the age and physical and mental condition of each spouse, contributions made by each spouse to the family’s well-being, and the equitable distribution of marital property. A spouse who has been married for a lengthy period, has limited work experience, or has health conditions that prevent gainful employment may be more likely to receive an award of permanent support. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys help clients in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana present evidence on each of the thirteen factors, ensuring the court has a full picture of the financial realities of both parties before reaching a decision. Results in any particular case depend on the specific facts presented; past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Permanent Alimony Cases
Every permanent alimony matter begins with a thorough review of the marriage’s financial history. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work with clients to gather documentation of income, expenses, assets, debts, and the contributions each spouse made during the marriage—both financial and non-financial. In cases where one spouse has been out of the workforce, the analysis includes an assessment of that spouse’s potential earning capacity, the feasibility of job training or education, and any barriers to employment such as age or health. Where appropriate, the firm may consult with vocational attorneys or forensic accountants to develop a complete financial picture for the court.
Once the factual record is developed, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys engage with the other side—through negotiation, mediation where productive, or litigation when necessary. Virginia Beach Circuit Court proceedings follow the Virginia Rules of the Supreme Court, and the firm’s familiarity with local practice and the Fourth Judicial District bench helps clients understand what to expect at each stage. Whether the goal is to secure permanent support, defend against an alimony claim, or seek modification of an existing order, the firm works to present a well-prepared, fact-driven case focused on the statutory factors. Because every marriage presents unique financial circumstances, the strategy in each case is tailored to the evidence available and the client’s objectives. For a consultation about a permanent alimony matter in Virginia Beach, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings insight into courtroom dynamics and evidence presentation to every family law matter the firm handles. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York—a multi-state scope that distinguishes the firm from many Virginia Beach family law practices. Mr. Sris takes a hands-on approach to permanent alimony cases, working directly with clients on strategy and appearing in Virginia Beach Circuit Court for contested proceedings.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional depth to family law representation. Collectively, they have backgrounds that include prior prosecutorial experience, law enforcement service, and extensive trial practice in Virginia courts. Of Counsel to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., these attorneys support the firm’s Virginia Beach family law practice while also handling matters in other practice areas across the Commonwealth. The firm serves clients from its Richmond Location and appears regularly in Virginia Beach courts for divorce, spousal support, custody, and equitable distribution matters. To discuss a permanent alimony case with Mr. Sris or the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is permanent alimony different from other types of spousal support in Virginia?
Permanent alimony is indefinite support awarded when a spouse cannot become self-supporting, while rehabilitative alimony is time-limited support intended to allow a spouse to gain education or job skills, and temporary alimony maintains the status quo during the divorce proceeding. Virginia courts do not routinely award permanent alimony; the party seeking it must show a demonstrated need and an inability to achieve self-sufficiency despite reasonable efforts. The court considers the thirteen factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the duration of the marriage, each party’s age and health, and the standard of living during the marriage. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys help clients evaluate which type of support is appropriate based on the specific facts of the marriage. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What factors does a Virginia court consider when deciding permanent alimony?
Virginia courts evaluate thirteen statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including each spouse’s earning capacity, financial resources, age, health, contributions to the family, the duration of the marriage, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Additional factors include the equitable distribution of marital property, the time and expense needed for a spouse to acquire education or training, and any history of fault grounds such as adultery or cruelty that may be relevant to support. The court weighs all factors together; no single factor is determinative. Permanent alimony is generally reserved for long-term marriages where one spouse has limited ability to enter or return to the workforce. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a divorce take in Virginia Beach?
Uncontested divorces in Virginia Beach typically resolve in a matter of months after filing, depending on the applicable separation period, while contested divorces with spousal support or property disputes take longer—often a year or more. Virginia requires a six-month separation period for no-fault divorce when there are no minor children and the parties have a signed separation agreement, or a one-year separation in other no-fault cases. Fault-based divorces on grounds such as adultery may proceed without a separation period. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court schedules hearings on its own calendar, and contested permanent alimony cases involving extensive financial discovery or expert testimony may extend the timeline. For an estimate based on the facts of your specific case, call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation with Mr. Sris or the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys. Results may vary.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No, Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the Virginia Beach Circuit Court classifies property as marital, separate, or hybrid, then distributes marital assets based on eleven statutory factors. Separate property—including assets owned before the marriage and gifts or inheritances received individually during the marriage—is generally not subject to division. The property classification and distribution process often affects spousal support determinations, since the assets each party receives in equitable distribution influence their financial needs and resources. For a consultation about property division and alimony, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
Can permanent alimony be modified after it is ordered?
Yes, permanent alimony in Virginia may be modified if the party seeking the change demonstrates a material change in circumstances that was not anticipated at the time of the original order. A material change might include a significant increase or decrease in either party’s income, involuntary job loss, serious illness or disability, or retirement reaching customary retirement age. The party seeking modification must file a motion with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and present evidence supporting the changed circumstances. An existing support obligation continues until the court rules on the modification request. Modification proceedings can be complex, particularly when the original support award was part of a negotiated settlement. For guidance on modifying a permanent alimony order, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What happens if my former spouse stops paying court-ordered alimony?
If a former spouse stops paying court-ordered alimony, the receiving spouse may file an enforcement action with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court seeking remedies that include a judgment for arrearages, wage garnishment, or contempt proceedings. Virginia courts have authority to enforce spousal support orders through various mechanisms, including income withholding orders directed to the paying spouse’s employer, liens on real or personal property, and, in appropriate cases, orders to show cause why the non-paying spouse should not be held in contempt. Willful failure to pay court-ordered support can result in fines, attorney fee awards to the enforcing party, and in extreme cases, incarceration. Prompt action is advisable when payments stop, as arrearages can accumulate quickly. To discuss enforcement of a spousal support order in Virginia Beach, call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Additional Virginia family law resources: Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach | Spousal Support Lawyer Norfolk | Divorce Lawyer Chesapeake | Family Law Lawyer Hampton | Equitable Distribution Lawyer Virginia Beach
Official Virginia legal resources: Virginia Code Title 20 — Domestic Relations | Virginia Beach Circuit Court | Virginia Judicial System
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. Engaging Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Requires a signed engagement agreement. The firm has locations in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are admitted to practice as set forth in their individual biographies. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice; consult with an attorney about your specific situation. © 1997-2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.