In Chesapeake, temporary alimony (pendente lite support) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, providing interim spousal support during divorce proceedings. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Understanding Temporary Alimony in Chesapeake, Virginia
Temporary alimony, also known as pendente lite support, is financial support paid by one spouse to the other during the pendency of a divorce case. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court considers 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, the financial resources of each party, and the standard of living established during the marriage. This interim spousal support is designed to maintain the status quo until a final divorce decree is entered. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia’s family law framework. Founded in 1997, the firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the official statute governing temporary alimony, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms related to pendente lite motions, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Filing for Temporary Alimony in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake Circuit Court, a motion for pendente lite support is typically set for hearing within 21-60 days of filing. The court expects both parties to submit current financial statements (VS-1 forms) at least 10 days before the hearing.
Prosecutors and judges in the First Judicial District routinely scrutinize income documentation closely, particularly for self-employed spouses or those with variable income.
- File a motion for pendente lite support with the Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive.
- Complete and file a detailed financial statement (VS-1 form) with supporting documentation.
- Serve the motion and financial statement on your spouse through the sheriff’s office or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing where the judge will consider the 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
- If granted, the temporary support order remains in effect until the final divorce decree is entered.
In Chesapeake, temporary alimony is a civil remedy, not a criminal penalty; failure to comply can result in contempt of court with potential jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Temporary Alimony (Contempt) | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months (coercive) | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property, attorney’s fees awarded to the other party |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Temporary 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 family law matters. The firm 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, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential that underscores his deep understanding of Virginia’s family law framework. The firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects its commitment to client-centered representation.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 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 Chesapeake Location
Our Richmond Location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. We serve the communities of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
If you are searching for a temporary alimony lawyer near Chesapeake or a pendente lite support lawyer Chesapeake, we are here to help.
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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Alimony in Chesapeake
How long does temporary alimony last in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Temporary alimony (pendente lite support) lasts until the final divorce decree is entered. The court may extend it if the divorce is delayed, but it typically ends when the judge signs the final divorce order.
Can I get temporary alimony if my spouse refuses to pay?
Yes. If your spouse refuses to pay court-ordered temporary alimony, you can file a motion for contempt with the Chesapeake Circuit Court. The court may impose wage garnishment, property liens, or even jail time for non-compliance.
How is temporary alimony calculated in Chesapeake?
The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including each spouse’s income, earning capacity, standard of living during marriage, and the duration of the marriage. There is no fixed formula — the judge has discretion based on the evidence presented.
Do I need a lawyer for a temporary alimony hearing in Chesapeake?
Yes. While you can represent yourself, having a temporary alimony lawyer Chesapeake significantly improves your chances of securing fair interim support. The court expects proper financial documentation and legal arguments, which an experienced attorney can provide.
What is the difference between temporary alimony and permanent alimony?
Temporary alimony (pendente lite support) is paid during the divorce case and ends when the final decree is entered. Permanent alimony is awarded as part of the final divorce and can continue indefinitely or for a fixed term, depending on the circumstances.
Related Pages: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Divorce Lawyer | Chesterfield County Divorce Lawyer | Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesapeake DUI Lawyer
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.