In Fairfax County, spousal support is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 based on 13 factors. An Alimony Lawyer Fairfax County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results in the area. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Consultation by appointment.
Virginia Spousal Support Law in Fairfax County
Virginia law provides for spousal support (also called alimony or spousal maintenance) under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court considers 13 statutory factors to determine whether to award support, the amount, and the duration. A spousal support lawyer Fairfax County can explain how these factors apply to your case. Virginia recognizes three types of spousal support: pendente lite (temporary during the divorce), rehabilitative (short-term to help a spouse become self-supporting), and permanent (for long-term marriages or where one spouse cannot work). The court has broad discretion in setting support terms. A spousal maintenance lawyer Fairfax County can help you understand your rights under Virginia law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s spousal support statute, visit the Virginia Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and local rules, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Fairfax County Spousal Support
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all spousal support matters. The court schedules pendente lite hearings within 21-60 days of filing. Judges in Fairfax County closely examine each of the 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
- File a complaint for divorce or spousal support at Fairfax County Circuit Court, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210.
- Complete and file Financial Statement (VS-1 form) with the court within 21 days of filing.
- Attend mandatory financial disclosure exchange with your spouse or their attorney.
- Participate in pendente lite hearing if temporary support is needed during the divorce.
- Negotiate a spousal support agreement or proceed to trial for a final determination.
- File for modification if circumstances change significantly after the support order.
In Fairfax County, spousal support violations can result in contempt of court proceedings with potential jail time and fines.
| Issue | Classification | Duration | Financial Impact | Modification | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pendente Lite Support | Temporary court order | Until final divorce decree | Based on need and ability to pay | Modifiable upon showing changed circumstances | Enforceable through contempt proceedings |
| Rehabilitative Support | Fixed-term award | Typically 2-5 years | Based on 13 statutory factors | Modifiable unless waived by agreement | May require job training or education plan |
| Permanent Support | Indefinite duration | Until death, remarriage, or cohabitation | Based on length of marriage and economic disparity | Modifiable upon material change in circumstances | Terminates upon death of either party or remarriage of recipient |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fairfax County 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, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. The firm has 4,739+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Alimony Lawyer Fairfax County team understands the local court procedures and judges’ expectations at Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Fairfax County Family Law Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Our firm-wide results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC total 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax Location
Our Fairfax location is near Fairfax County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and the Capital Beltway.
Alimony Lawyer Fairfax County — serving Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony in Fairfax County
How long does spousal support last in Fairfax County, Virginia?
It depends. The duration depends on the type of support ordered. Pendente lite support lasts until the final divorce decree. Rehabilitative support typically lasts 2-5 years. Permanent support continues until death, remarriage, or cohabitation of the recipient.
Can spousal support be modified in Fairfax County?
Yes. Either party can request modification upon showing a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, significant income change, or health issues. The court reviews the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 again before modifying support.
Is Virginia a community property state for spousal support?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Spousal support is determined based on need and ability to pay, not a 50/50 split. The court considers 13 statutory factors to reach a fair outcome for both parties.
What factors does the Fairfax County court consider for spousal support?
The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse’s contributions as a homemaker.
How much does a spousal support case cost in Fairfax County?
Circuit Court filing fee for a divorce complaint is approximately $86. Additional costs include sheriff service of process ($12), private process server ($50-$100), and attorney fees. Guardian ad Litem for custody cases costs $500-$2,500+.
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.