
In Hanover County, spousal support is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 based on 13 statutory factors. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented case results across all practice areas in Hanover County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines spousal support (also called alimony or spousal maintenance) as payments from one spouse to the other after separation or divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court considers 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. An Alimony Lawyer Hanover County can help you understand whether you qualify for support or may be required to pay it. The law does not presume either spouse is entitled to support — each case is decided on its specific facts.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) and has deep experience with spousal support litigation. The firm was founded in 1997 and has 120+ years of combined attorney experience.
For the full text of Virginia’s spousal support statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and local rules, visit the Hanover County General District Court website.
- File a Complaint for Spousal Support: Your spousal support lawyer Hanover County files a complaint or counterclaim at Hanover County Circuit Court, 7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069. Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Request Pendente Lite Support: File a motion for temporary spousal support. The court typically schedules a hearing within 21-60 days of your motion.
- Exchange Financial Disclosures: Both parties must complete and exchange VS-1 financial statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements within 21 days of the request.
- Attend Mediation (Optional but Recommended): Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party. Many Hanover County cases resolve at mediation without a trial.
- Final Hearing or Trial: If no agreement is reached, the court applies the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 to determine support amount and duration.
In Hanover County, spousal support violations can result in contempt of court, wage garnishment, and lien placement on property.
| Issue | Classification | Potential Consequence | Duration | Additional Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Court-Ordered Support | Civil Contempt | Jail up to 12 months | Until purge condition met | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept |
| Modification of Support | Material Change in Circumstances | Support amount adjusted up or down | Ongoing | Retroactive modification limited to date of filing |
| Spousal Support Arrears | Judgment | Lien on property, bank levy | Until paid in full | Interest accrues at 6% per year |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha Powers handles family law matters including spousal support, equitable distribution, and custody for Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in Virginia and Florida.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 120+ years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts spousal support determinations in Hanover County.
In Hanover County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals and charge reductions in traffic and sex crimes matters at Hanover County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive). Our location is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33.
Near Me: Alimony lawyer near Hanover Courthouse, Mechanicsville, and Ashland.
Neighborhoods Served: Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, Doswell.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
NAP: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Hanover County, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month or 1-year separation before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Hanover County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee: approximately $86. Additional costs: sheriff service ($12), private process server ($50-$100), Guardian ad Litem ($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 Hanover County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors. Hanover County J&DR Court handles standalone custody; Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
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).
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer | Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer | Hanover County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Hanover County DUI Lawyer
View Attorney Profile | Richmond Office Location
