In Virginia Beach, indefinite alimony (permanent spousal support) is available under Va. Code § 20-107.1 for marriages lasting 15+ years or where a spouse cannot become self-supporting. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our Virginia Beach indefinite alimony lawyer handles long-term support modifications and enforcement.
What Is Indefinite Alimony Under Virginia Law?
Indefinite alimony, also known as permanent spousal support, is a long-term financial award paid from one former spouse to another after divorce. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, Virginia courts consider 13 factors when determining spousal support, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Unlike temporary or rehabilitative support, indefinite alimony has no set end date and continues until either party dies, the recipient remarries, or the court modifies the order based on a material change in circumstances. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) and brings deep experience to complex spousal support cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Indefinite vs. Permanent Spousal Support in Virginia Beach
Virginia law uses the term “indefinite alimony” rather than “permanent spousal support” because the award can be modified or terminated upon a material change in circumstances. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, indefinite alimony is presumptively appropriate for marriages lasting 15 years or more, or where a spouse has a physical or mental disability that prevents self-support. A permanent spousal support lawyer Virginia Beach can explain how the 13 statutory factors apply to your specific situation, including the duration of the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, and contributions as a homemaker.
For the complete statutory framework governing spousal support in Virginia, review Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing requirements in Virginia Beach, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: How Virginia Beach Courts Handle Indefinite Alimony
Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles all spousal support matters, including indefinite alimony. The court applies the 13-factor test under Va. Code § 20-107.1 strictly, with particular emphasis on the duration of the marriage and the disparity in earning capacity. A long-term alimony lawyer Virginia Beach knows that judges in the Fourth Judicial District often require detailed financial affidavits and vocational experienced testimony before awarding indefinite support.
- File a Complaint for Divorce: File your complaint for divorce at Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B. Include a request for spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
- Serve the Complaint: Have the complaint served on your spouse by sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: Request a temporary spousal support hearing, typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Exchange Financial Disclosures: Both parties must exchange complete financial statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and asset valuations.
- Participate in Mediation: While not mandatory in Virginia Beach, mediation can help resolve support issues without trial.
- Final Hearing or Trial: Present evidence on the 13 statutory factors. The court issues a final spousal support order.
In Virginia Beach, indefinite alimony carries no fixed penalty — the court determines the amount and duration based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Spousal Support (Contempt) | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months (coercive) | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property, suspension of driver’s license |
| Failure to Pay Spousal Support (Criminal) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Criminal record, potential jail time |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Indefinite Alimony Cases in Virginia Beach
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Virginia Beach family law cases. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute — a credential that directly strengthens our spousal support advocacy. Our Virginia Beach indefinite alimony lawyer understands the local court procedures and the 13-factor test under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Virginia Beach Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable settlements in family law and criminal defense matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). The drive from our Richmond office to Virginia Beach is approximately 90 miles via I-64 East.
Looking for an indefinite alimony lawyer near Virginia Beach? We serve clients throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
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 Indefinite Alimony in Virginia Beach
How long does a marriage need to last for indefinite alimony in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Virginia courts presume indefinite alimony is appropriate for marriages lasting 15 years or more. For shorter marriages, the requesting spouse must show a disability or inability to become self-supporting.
Can indefinite alimony be modified in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Either party can request modification upon a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, retirement, or a change in health. The court reviews the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
What is the difference between indefinite and rehabilitative alimony?
Indefinite alimony has no set end date and continues until death, remarriage, or court modification. Rehabilitative alimony is temporary, typically lasting 2-5 years, to allow the recipient to gain education or job skills.
Does adultery affect indefinite alimony in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, adultery by the requesting spouse can bar spousal support entirely. Adultery by the paying spouse does not automatically prevent an award but is one of the 13 factors the court considers.
How is indefinite alimony calculated in Virginia Beach?
No. Virginia has no fixed formula for spousal support. The court considers 13 factors including each party’s earning capacity, the marriage duration, and the standard of living. Judges have broad discretion in setting the amount.
Related pages: Virginia Family Law Lawyer | Henrico County Divorce Lawyer | Chesterfield County Divorce Lawyer | Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Virginia Beach DUI Lawyer
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.