In Virginia, spousal support (alimony) is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 based on 13 statutory factors. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. An Alimony Lawyer Virginia can help you pursue or defend support claims.
What Virginia Law Says About Alimony
Virginia law defines spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1, which gives courts authority to award support to a spouse based on 13 specific factors. These include the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, financial resources, and contributions as a homemaker. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning support is determined by fairness rather than a strict formula. The court may award temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent support depending on the circumstances. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, brings former prosecutor experience to family law cases, providing strategic insight into how judges evaluate these factors.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia General Assembly | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the official text of Virginia’s spousal support statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms related to spousal support, visit the Virginia Judicial System website.
Insider Procedural Edge: How Alimony Cases Work in Virginia
In Virginia courts, judges apply the 13 statutory factors from Va. Code § 20-107.1 to each case individually. The court considers each spouse’s income, assets, and needs before making a support determination.
- File a complaint for divorce or spousal support in the appropriate Virginia Circuit Court.
- Request pendente lite (temporary) support if you need financial assistance during the divorce process.
- Provide financial disclosure documents including tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
- Attend mediation or a hearing where the court considers the 13 statutory factors.
- Receive a final spousal support order that may be modifiable based on future changes in circumstances.
In Virginia, spousal support (alimony) is not a penalty but a financial award determined by the court under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Type of Support | Duration | Purpose | Modifiable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary (Pendente Lite) | During divorce proceedings | Maintain status quo during litigation | Yes |
| Rehabilitative | Fixed term (e.g., 2-5 years) | Allow recipient to gain education or job skills | Yes, with changed circumstances |
| Permanent | Indefinite (until death or remarriage) | Long-term support for spouse unable to become self-sufficient | Yes, with material change in circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Alimony Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (the equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha Powers focuses exclusively on family law matters including alimony, divorce, and equitable distribution. She provides case-specific strategies for clients seeking or defending spousal support claims.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results span all practice areas including family law, criminal defense, and traffic matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location and Availability
Our Fairfax location is centrally located to serve clients throughout Virginia. We are accessible via I-66 and the Capital Beltway (I-495).
Looking for an Alimony Lawyer Virginia near you? We serve clients in Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, and all Virginia communities.
Neighborhoods served: Fairfax, Arlington, Reston, Herndon, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church, Manassas, Woodbridge, Leesburg, Ashburn, Warrenton, Stafford, Fredericksburg.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony in Virginia
How is alimony calculated in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia courts calculate alimony using 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including each spouse’s earning capacity, financial resources, and the marriage duration. There is no fixed formula — the court determines a fair amount based on these factors.
Can alimony be modified in Virginia?
Yes, alimony can be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, significant income change, or remarriage of the recipient. You must file a motion with the court that issued the original support order.
How long does alimony last in Virginia?
It depends on the type of support awarded. Temporary support lasts during divorce proceedings. Rehabilitative support has a fixed term. Permanent support continues until death, remarriage, or a court order modifying it based on changed circumstances.
What is the difference between alimony and spousal support in Virginia?
No, there is no legal difference. “Alimony” and “spousal support” are used interchangeably in Virginia law. The court uses the term “spousal support” in Va. Code § 20-107.1, but both terms refer to the same financial award from one spouse to another.
Can I get temporary alimony while my divorce is pending?
Yes, you can request pendente lite (temporary) spousal support during the divorce process. The court will consider your financial needs and your spouse’s ability to pay. This temporary award can be modified when the final divorce is granted.
Related Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Hub page for all family law matters
- Henrico County Divorce Lawyer — Nearby locality family law services
- Chesterfield County Divorce Lawyer — Nearby locality family law services
- Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer — Related practice area
- Virginia Petit Larceny Lawyer — Related practice area
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.