In Arlington County, indefinite alimony (permanent spousal support) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, which considers 13 factors for long-term support awards. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution).
Virginia Law on Indefinite Alimony and Permanent Spousal Support
Indefinite alimony, also known as permanent spousal support, is a form of long-term financial support awarded under Virginia law. Unlike rehabilitative spousal support (designed for a limited duration to help a spouse become self-supporting), indefinite alimony continues until the death of either party, the remarriage of the recipient, or a court order modifying or terminating the award. The primary statute governing all spousal support in Virginia is Va. Code § 20-107.1, which provides the legal framework for both temporary and permanent support awards. This statute requires the court to consider 13 specific factors when determining the amount and duration of support, including the duration of the marriage, the financial resources and needs of each party, the standard of living established during the marriage, and each party’s earning capacity. Indefinite alimony is most commonly awarded in long-term marriages (typically 15-20 years or more) where one spouse has significantly lower earning capacity or has been out of the workforce for an extended period. The court has broad discretion in determining whether indefinite alimony is appropriate based on the unique circumstances of each case. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (the equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Specific Statute for Indefinite Alimony in Arlington County
Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court may award spousal support for a defined duration or for an indefinite period. The statute explicitly provides that in cases involving a marriage of long duration (generally 15 years or more) and where there exists a significant disparity in earning capacity, the court may award permanent spousal support. The 13 factors the court must consider include: (1) the obligations, needs, and financial resources of the parties; (2) the standard of living established during the marriage; (3) the duration of the marriage; (4) the age and physical and mental condition of the parties; (5) the contributions of each party to the well-being of the family; (6) the property interests of the parties; (7) the earning capacity of each party; (8) the ability of the party seeking support to secure employment; (9) the opportunity of the party seeking support to acquire education or training; (10) the tax consequences to each party; (11) the extent to which the party seeking support contributed to the other party’s education or career; (12) the decisions regarding employment, career, economics, education, and parenting arrangements made by the parties during the marriage; and (13) any other factors the court deems necessary. This sub-topic-specific statute is the primary legal authority for indefinite alimony determinations in Arlington County.
For the full text of Virginia’s spousal support statute, visit the Virginia Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and local rules, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: How Arlington County Courts Handle Indefinite Alimony
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all spousal support determinations, including indefinite alimony. The court applies the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 with particular attention to the length of the marriage and the disparity in earning capacity. In Arlington County, judges frequently consider the high cost of living in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area when determining support amounts.
- File a complaint for divorce or spousal support at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the other party with the complaint and request for pendente lite (temporary) support if needed.
- Attend mandatory financial disclosure — both parties must file complete financial statements within 21 days.
- Participate in mediation or settlement conference to attempt resolution before trial.
- Present evidence at trial on the 13 statutory factors, including testimony from vocational experts or forensic accountants if needed.
- Receive the court’s final order specifying the amount, duration, and terms of spousal support.
In Arlington County, indefinite alimony carries no fixed penalty — the court determines amount and duration based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Duration | Amount Factors | Modification | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indefinite Alimony | Equitable distribution state — court discretion | Until death, remarriage, or court order | 13 factors under § 20-107.1 | Material change in circumstances required | Taxable to recipient (pre-2019); not taxable (post-2019 divorce agreements) |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Indefinite Alimony Case in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (the equitable distribution statute), a credential that demonstrates deep familiarity with Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Arlington County, the firm has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. The firm’s attorneys include Samantha Rae Powers (VA Bar 2023, FL Bar 2005, J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005, Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017, 18+ years experience) and Mr. Sris (former prosecutor, founded firm 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Bar: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY).
Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results in Arlington County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, nolle prosequi dispositions, and favorable resolutions in family law matters. The firm’s firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington County Location
Our Arlington location is located at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serving clients at the Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). The office is accessible via major highways in the Arlington area. We serve the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
If you are searching for an indefinite alimony lawyer near Arlington County, we are conveniently located to serve you.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indefinite Alimony in Arlington County
How long does a marriage need to last for indefinite alimony in Arlington County?
Yes, Virginia courts generally consider marriages of 15-20 years or more as long-term marriages where indefinite alimony may be appropriate. However, the court considers all 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, not just duration.
Can indefinite alimony be modified in Arlington County?
Yes, indefinite alimony can be modified upon a material change in circumstances. Either party may petition the Arlington County Circuit Court to increase, decrease, or terminate support based on changes in income, employment, health, or other relevant factors.
What is the difference between rehabilitative and indefinite alimony in Virginia?
Rehabilitative alimony is temporary support designed to help a spouse become self-supporting, typically lasting 2-5 years. Indefinite alimony continues indefinitely until death, remarriage, or court modification, and is typically awarded in long-term marriages.
Does adultery affect indefinite alimony in Arlington County?
Yes, adultery can affect spousal support in Virginia. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court may consider adultery as a factor in determining support. Adultery by the spouse seeking support may bar or reduce an award, while adultery by the paying spouse may increase support.
How is indefinite alimony calculated in Arlington County?
No, there is no fixed formula for indefinite alimony in Virginia. The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including each party’s income, earning capacity, standard of living during marriage, and the marriage duration. The court has broad discretion.
Can I get indefinite alimony if I was a stay-at-home parent in Arlington County?
Yes, being a stay-at-home parent is a significant factor the court considers under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court evaluates your contributions to the family, your current earning capacity, and the time needed to acquire education or training for employment.
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.