In Virginia, permanent alimony (indefinite spousal support) is available under Va. Code § 20-107.1 for long-term marriages; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide. A Permanent Alimony Lawyer Virginia can help you understand your rights to long-term support.
Last verified: April 2026 | Statewide — court varies by locality | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law under Va. Code § 20-107.1 allows for permanent alimony, also called indefinite spousal support, in cases involving long-term marriages where one spouse has significant financial need and the other has the ability to pay. The court considers 13 statutory factors, including the duration of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse’s earning capacity. A Permanent Alimony Lawyer Virginia can explain how these factors apply to your specific situation.
For the full text of Virginia’s spousal support statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Virginia Judicial System website.
- Gather financial documents including tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements for both spouses.
- File a motion for spousal support with the appropriate Virginia Circuit Court.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support if needed.
- Participate in discovery and financial disclosure with the other party.
- Negotiate a settlement agreement or proceed to trial for a court order.
- Finalize the support order and ensure it is enforceable.
In Virginia, spousal support is determined by the court based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Marriage Duration | Long-term marriages (15+ years) often qualify for permanent alimony. |
| Financial Need | The receiving spouse must demonstrate need for support. |
| Ability to Pay | The paying spouse must have the financial resources to provide support. |
| Standard of Living | The court considers the marital standard of living. |
| Earning Capacity | Each spouse’s current and potential income is evaluated. |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. A Permanent Alimony Lawyer Virginia from our firm can provide case-specific guidance.
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ documented results with 93%+ favorable outcome rate. An indefinite spousal support lawyer Virginia from our firm can discuss how these results relate to your case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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Q: Can I get permanent alimony in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia law allows for permanent alimony under Va. Code § 20-107.1 for long-term marriages where one spouse has significant financial need and the other has the ability to pay.
Q: How long does a marriage need to last for permanent alimony?
It depends. Virginia courts often grant permanent alimony in marriages lasting 15 years or more, but each case is evaluated based on 13 statutory factors.
Q: Can permanent alimony be modified?
Yes, permanent alimony can be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a change in income, remarriage, or cohabitation of the receiving spouse.
Q: What is the difference between permanent alimony and temporary spousal support?
Temporary spousal support (pendente lite) is paid during the divorce process. Permanent alimony is awarded after the divorce is finalized and continues indefinitely unless modified.
Q: Does adultery affect permanent alimony in Virginia?
Yes, adultery can be a factor in spousal support decisions. If the receiving spouse committed adultery, the court may consider this when determining support.
Virginia Family Law Lawyer — our state-level hub page.
For nearby localities, see our Henrico County divorce lawyer and Chesterfield County divorce lawyer pages.
Related practice areas in Virginia: Virginia reckless driving lawyer and Virginia domestic violence lawyer.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.