In Virginia Beach, spousal support is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1, considering 13 factors including the duration of the marriage and each spouse’s financial resources. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. A Partner Support Lawyer Virginia Beach can explain your rights.
Under Virginia law, spousal support (also called spousal maintenance or alimony) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court considers 13 statutory factors to determine whether support is appropriate and in what amount. Virginia is not a community property state — it follows equitable distribution principles under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. A Partner Support Lawyer Virginia Beach can help you understand how these statutes apply to your specific situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Spousal support (partner maintenance) is distinct from child support under Va. Code § 20-108.1. While child support follows strict guidelines based on combined gross income, spousal support involves judicial discretion applying the 13 factors in § 20-107.1. A domestic partner support lawyer Virginia Beach can explain the difference between spousal support and child support in your case.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors) and Virginia Beach General District Court website. These resources provide the legal framework for partner maintenance cases in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all spousal support matters. The court requires a pendente lite (temporary) hearing within 21-60 days of filing a motion for temporary support. Judges in Virginia Beach typically schedule these hearings on Friday mornings.
- File a complaint for divorce or spousal support at Virginia Beach Circuit Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Complete and file Financial Disclosure Statement (Form DC-411) within 21 days of service.
- Attend pendente lite hearing for temporary support (typically set within 21-60 days).
- Participate in discovery — exchange financial documents including tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court (available but not mandatory in Virginia Beach).
- Final hearing or trial for permanent spousal support determination.
In Virginia Beach, spousal support carries no fixed penalty — the court determines amount and duration based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Issue | Classification | Duration | Amount Range | Modification | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary (pendente lite) support | Court order during divorce | Until final decree | Based on need and ability to pay | Modifiable upon showing changed circumstances | Taxable to recipient (pre-2019 agreements) |
| Permanent spousal support | Final court order | Indefinite or for defined term | Discretionary — no set formula | Modifiable upon material change in circumstances | Taxable to recipient (pre-2019 agreements) |
| Rehabilitative support | Time-limited support | Fixed term (typically 2-5 years) | Sufficient for education/training | Limited modification | Taxable to recipient (pre-2019 agreements) |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential that directly impacts spousal support cases in Virginia Beach. A partner maintenance lawyer Virginia Beach from our firm brings this depth of experience to every case.
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) also oversees all Virginia Beach family law cases. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
In Virginia Beach, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). The Virginia Beach courts are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Looking for a Partner Support Lawyer Virginia Beach near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront or Town Center? We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
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How long does spousal support last in Virginia Beach?
It depends. The duration is based on the length of the marriage and other factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. For marriages under 5 years, support may last 1-3 years. For marriages over 20 years, support may be indefinite. A Partner Support Lawyer Virginia Beach can provide a case-specific estimate.
Can spousal support be modified in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Spousal support can be modified upon showing a material change in circumstances — such as job loss, remarriage, or significant income change. The party seeking modification must file a motion with Virginia Beach Circuit Court and demonstrate the change was not voluntary.
Is Virginia a community property state for spousal support?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Spousal support is determined separately from property division under Va. Code § 20-107.1. A domestic partner support lawyer Virginia Beach can explain how equitable distribution affects your support case.
What factors does the court consider for spousal support in Virginia Beach?
The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, earning capacity, standard of living during marriage, and contributions as a homemaker. A partner maintenance lawyer Virginia Beach can help you prepare evidence for each factor.
How much does a spousal support case cost in Virginia Beach?
Circuit Court filing fee for a spousal support motion: approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), private process server ($50-$100), and Guardian ad Litem fees if custody is involved ($500-$2,500+). Mediation costs $100-$300/hour per party.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.