An Indefinite Alimony Lawyer Chesterfield County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles permanent spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Virginia law allows indefinite alimony in marriages lasting 15+ years. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. Our firm has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Statutory Definition of Indefinite Alimony in Chesterfield County
Indefinite alimony, also called permanent spousal support, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another that continues indefinitely. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, Chesterfield County Circuit Court considers 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Virginia law presumes indefinite support is appropriate for marriages lasting 15 years or more, though the court retains discretion based on the specific circumstances of your case.
External Citation Links
Review the official statutes governing spousal support: Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly) — the primary statute for spousal support factors and duration. For court procedures, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website for local rules and filing information.
- File a Complaint for Spousal Support: Your attorney files a complaint in Chesterfield County Circuit Court (9500 Courthouse Road) requesting indefinite alimony. Include supporting documentation of financial need and the other spouse’s ability to pay.
- Serve the Other Party: The sheriff’s office or a private process server delivers the complaint to your spouse. Service costs approximately $12 for sheriff service or $50-$100 for a private process server.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: Request temporary spousal support through a pendente lite motion. The court typically schedules these hearings within 21-60 days of filing. Temporary support can begin while your case proceeds.
- Exchange Financial Disclosures: Both parties must provide complete financial statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and asset valuations. Failure to disclose can result in sanctions or adverse inferences.
- Participate in Mediation or Settlement Negotiations: While mediation is not mandatory in Virginia for spousal support, many Chesterfield County judges encourage it. A property settlement agreement can resolve alimony without trial.
- Attend Final Hearing: If no settlement is reached, the court holds a final hearing. The judge applies the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 to determine the amount and duration of support.
In Chesterfield County, indefinite alimony carries a potential duration of the recipient spouse’s lifetime for marriages lasting 15+ years. The court may order support retroactive to the date of filing.
| Offense | Classification | Duration | Amount Range | Modification | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indefinite Alimony (15+ year marriage) | Equitable remedy under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Indefinite (lifetime of recipient or until remarriage/cohabitation) | Varies based on 13 factors; typically 20-40% of payor’s income | Modifiable upon material change in circumstances | Tax implications; enforcement through wage garnishment or contempt |
| Indefinite Alimony (under 15 year marriage) | Equitable remedy under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Presumptively limited duration; indefinite only in exceptional circumstances | Varies based on 13 factors | Modifiable upon material change in circumstances | Tax implications; enforcement through wage garnishment or contempt |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesterfield County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our firm-wide results include 4,739+ documented cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
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Frequently Asked Questions About Indefinite Alimony in Chesterfield County
Can I get indefinite alimony in Chesterfield County if my marriage lasted less than 15 years?
Yes, but it is less common. Virginia law presumes indefinite alimony is appropriate for marriages lasting 15 years or more. For shorter marriages, the court may award limited-duration spousal support unless exceptional circumstances justify indefinite support. The court evaluates all 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
How long does an indefinite alimony case take in Chesterfield County Circuit Court?
It depends. Uncontested cases with a signed property settlement agreement can resolve in 2-4 months. Contested cases involving complex financial issues or business valuations typically take 9-18 months. Pendente lite hearings for temporary support are usually scheduled within 21-60 days of filing.
Is indefinite alimony modifiable in Chesterfield County?
Yes. Either party can request modification upon a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, retirement, disability, or the recipient’s remarriage or cohabitation. The court retains jurisdiction to modify, suspend, or terminate support. Modifications are filed in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
What factors does Chesterfield County Circuit Court consider for indefinite alimony?
The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, the standard of living during marriage, each spouse’s age and physical condition, and contributions as a homemaker. Financial disclosures and experienced testimony are critical.
Does Chesterfield County require mediation before an indefinite alimony hearing?
No. Mediation is not mandatory in Virginia for spousal support cases. However, many Chesterfield County Circuit Court judges encourage mediation to reduce court congestion. If both parties agree, mediation can help resolve alimony issues without a trial. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party.
Can indefinite alimony be enforced in Chesterfield County?
Yes. If your spouse fails to pay court-ordered alimony, you can file a motion for contempt in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. The court can impose wage garnishment, property liens, or even jail time for willful nonpayment. Enforcement actions typically take 30-90 days from filing.