In Virginia, spousal support (alimony) is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 based on 13 statutory factors. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. An Alimony Lawyer Virginia can help you understand your rights to support or defend against a support claim.
What Virginia Law Says About Alimony
Virginia law defines spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1, which gives courts authority to award support based on 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. A spousal support lawyer Virginia can explain how these factors apply to your specific situation. Virginia is not a community property state — it uses equitable distribution for property and spousal support. The court may award temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent support depending on the circumstances. Mr. Sris, who founded the firm in 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia General Assembly | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the official statute governing spousal support, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Virginia Judicial System website.
How Alimony Cases Work in Virginia Courts
Virginia courts follow a specific process for spousal support cases. The court first determines whether a support award is appropriate, then calculates the amount and duration. A spousal maintenance lawyer Virginia can guide you through each step.
- File a complaint for spousal support or respond to a complaint filed against you.
- Exchange financial disclosures, including income, expenses, assets, and debts.
- Attend a pendente lite (temporary) hearing if immediate support is needed.
- Participate in mediation to attempt settlement before trial.
- Present evidence at trial on the 13 statutory factors for support.
- Receive a final support order from the Circuit Court judge.
In Virginia, spousal support (alimony) carries no criminal penalty but non-compliance with court orders can result in contempt proceedings with jail time up to 12 months.
| Issue | Classification | Duration | Amount | Modification | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Support | Pendente lite | During divorce proceedings | Based on need and ability to pay | Modifiable upon changed circumstances | Taxable to recipient (pre-2019 agreements) |
| Rehabilitative Support | Fixed term | Limited period for education/training | Based on need and ability to pay | Modifiable upon changed circumstances | Taxable to recipient (pre-2019 agreements) |
| Permanent Support | Indefinite | Until death, remarriage, or cohabitation | Based on 13 statutory factors | Modifiable upon changed circumstances | Taxable to recipient (pre-2019 agreements) |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Alimony Case?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division and spousal support in Virginia. This rare achievement demonstrates the firm’s deep understanding of Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) also handles complex family law matters requiring advanced strategy. He has been practicing since 1997 and has personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results span all practice areas including family law, criminal defense, traffic, and immigration.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location and Availability
Our Fairfax location is conveniently located near the Fairfax County Circuit Court, accessible via I-66 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Virginia, including Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford counties.
An Alimony Lawyer Virginia near you — we serve all Virginia communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony in Virginia
How is alimony calculated in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia courts use 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 to determine spousal support, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. No fixed formula exists — each case is decided individually.
Can alimony be modified in Virginia?
Yes. Spousal support can be modified upon a showing of a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, disability, or a significant increase in income. The party seeking modification must file a motion with the court that issued the original support order.
How long does alimony last in Virginia?
It depends. Rehabilitative support lasts for a fixed period. Permanent support continues until the recipient dies, remarries, or cohabitates. Temporary support ends when the divorce is finalized. The duration depends on the marriage length and each spouse’s circumstances.
Is alimony taxable in Virginia?
It depends. For divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, alimony is not taxable to the recipient and not deductible by the payor under federal tax law. Pre-2019 agreements follow the old rule where alimony was taxable to the recipient and deductible by the payor.
What happens if my ex-spouse stops paying alimony?
Yes. If your ex-spouse stops paying court-ordered spousal support, you can file a motion for contempt of court. The court may order the payor to pay the arrears, impose fines, or even jail time for willful non-compliance. A spousal support lawyer Virginia can help enforce the order.
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.