Spousal Support Lawyer New Kent County — What Factors Determine Your Support?
Spousal support in New Kent County is determined by 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. As a Spousal Support Lawyer New Kent County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for support modifications and enforcement. We have documented results in New Kent County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Spousal Support Law
Spousal support, also called alimony, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another after separation or divorce. In Virginia, awards are governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court has broad discretion to consider the needs of the requesting spouse and the other spouse’s ability to pay. Support can be temporary (pendente lite) during the case or permanent after a final decree. The goal is to provide for a spouse who lacks sufficient resources, not to punish the paying spouse.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court forms and filing information are available at the Virginia Courts website.
Local Process for Spousal Support in New Kent County
All spousal support matters in New Kent County are heard in the Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle. The process typically begins with filing a complaint for divorce or a separate petition for support. The court will schedule a pendente lite hearing for temporary support, usually within 21-60 days of the motion being filed. For final support, the court considers evidence presented at trial or through a negotiated agreement.
- Consult with a spousal support lawyer to review your financial situation and legal options.
- File the appropriate pleading (Complaint for Divorce or Petition for Support) with the New Kent County Circuit Court clerk.
- Exchange mandatory financial disclosures and engage in discovery if the support amount is contested.
- Attend mediation or settlement conferences, which are often ordered by the court.
- Present your case at a hearing, providing evidence on all relevant statutory factors.
- Obtain the court’s final order detailing the amount, duration, and payment method for support.
Spousal Support Factors and Considerations
In New Kent County, spousal support is not automatic and is based on a detailed analysis of statutory factors.
| Factor Considered | Description | Impact on Award |
|---|---|---|
| Marital Standard of Living | The lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage. | Primary benchmark for determining need. |
| Earning Capacity & Obligations | Each party’s income, assets, and debts. | Determines ability to pay and need. |
| Duration of Marriage | Length of the marriage. | Longer marriages often support longer-term awards. |
| Physical & Mental Condition | Health and age of each spouse. | Can justify support for a spouse unable to work. |
| Contributions to Family | Childcare, homemaking, career sacrifices. | Non-monetary contributions are valued. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in the evolution of Virginia family law. This background informs our approach to complex spousal support cases involving business assets or unusual income streams.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results
In New Kent County, our firm has a record of 11 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex financial support cases is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting who personally contributed to amending Virginia’s equitable distribution law.
Contact Our New Kent County Spousal Support Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients in New Kent County. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 33. We are a spousal support lawyer near me New Kent County for residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones answered 24/7. Meetings by appointment only.
Spousal Support FAQs for New Kent County
How is spousal support calculated in Virginia?
It depends. Virginia does not use a strict formula. Judges consider 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including need, ability to pay, the marital standard of living, and the length of the marriage. An affordable spousal support lawyer New Kent County can analyze how these factors apply to your case.
Can spousal support be modified in Virginia?
Yes. Either party can petition the court for a modification if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in either party’s income, remarriage of the receiving spouse, or cohabitation.
How long does spousal support last?
It depends on the court’s order. Support can be awarded for a defined period (rehabilitative) or indefinitely. Duration is based on the statutory factors, and the order should specify the terms. In some cases, support terminates upon the remarriage of the recipient or the death of either party.
What is the difference between pendente lite and permanent spousal support?
Pendente lite support is temporary, ordered during the divorce proceedings to maintain the financial status quo. Permanent support is ordered in the final divorce decree and is based on a full consideration of the long-term factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
What happens if spousal support is not paid?
The receiving spouse can file a Motion for Rule to Show Cause for contempt with the court that issued the order. The court can enforce payment through wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or even jail time for willful non-payment.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other legal issues, we provide criminal defense and DUI defense in New Kent County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.