In James City County, permanent alimony (indefinite spousal support) is available under Va. Code § 20-107.3 for marriages of 15+ years or where a spouse cannot support themselves. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented case results in James City County. Mr. Sris personally amended this statute.
Understanding Permanent Alimony Under Virginia Law
Permanent alimony, also known as indefinite spousal support or long-term spousal maintenance, is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.3. This statute, personally amended by Mr. Sris, allows a court to award ongoing support to a spouse when the marriage lasted 15 years or longer, or when one spouse is unable to support themselves due to age, disability, or lack of marketable skills. The court considers 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Unlike temporary support, permanent alimony continues indefinitely unless modified by a court order or terminated by death or remarriage of the recipient spouse.
Last verified: April 2026 | Williamsburg/James City County GDC | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources for James City County Family Law
For the complete text of Virginia’s spousal support laws, visit the Virginia General Assembly website for Va. Code § 20-107.3. For court procedures and local rules, visit the Williamsburg/James City County General District Court website.
How James City County Courts Handle Permanent Alimony Cases
James City County Circuit Court handles all permanent alimony matters. The court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested hearings. Mediation is available but not mandatory.
- File a complaint for spousal support at the James City County Circuit Court, 5201 Monticello Ave, Suite 4, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse through the sheriff’s office ($12 fee) or a private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend the pendente lite hearing (typically within 21-60 days) for temporary support while the case proceeds.
- Participate in discovery, including financial affidavits, tax returns, and possibly vocational evaluations.
- Attend mediation (if ordered) or proceed to a final hearing where the court applies the 13 statutory factors.
In James City County, permanent alimony awards depend on the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3, with no fixed minimum or maximum amount.
| Factor | Description | Impact on Award |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Duration | 15+ years typically supports permanent alimony | Longer marriages favor indefinite support |
| Earning Capacity | Each spouse’s ability to support themselves | Lower capacity increases likelihood of permanent award |
| Standard of Living | Established during the marriage | Higher standard may justify larger award |
| Age and Health | Physical and mental condition of each spouse | Poor health favors permanent support |
| Contributions as Homemaker | Non-financial contributions to the family | Significant contributions support permanent award |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Permanent 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 every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs permanent alimony in Virginia. This is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law attorney in James City County can claim. The firm has 4,739+ total case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
This page is also supported by Samantha Rae Powers, Of Counsel, who handles family law matters across Virginia. Ms. Powers holds a J.D./M.A. from the University of Florida (2005) and a Ph.D. in Communication from UCSB (2017), with 18+ years of experience.
Case Results in James City County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 total documented case results across all practice areas in James City County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ case results 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.
Our Location Serving James City County
Our Richmond Location serves clients at James City County courts (5201 Monticello Ave), accessible via I-64, Route 60, Route 5, and Route 199 (Humelsine Pkwy).
Looking for a permanent alimony lawyer near James City County? We serve Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot.
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 Permanent Alimony in James City County
How long does a divorce take in James City County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months.
How much does a divorce cost in James City County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris).
How is child custody decided in James City County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment).
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer
- Henrico County Family Law Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer
- James City County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- James City County DUI Lawyer
- Our Attorneys
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.