In Chesapeake, temporary alimony (pendente lite support) is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, providing financial support during divorce proceedings. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. A Temporary Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake helps secure interim spousal support while your divorce is pending.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, temporary alimony — also called pendente lite support — is financial support paid by one spouse to the other during the pendency of a divorce case. Va. Code § 20-107.1 authorizes the court to award this interim spousal support based on 13 statutory factors, including the needs of the requesting spouse and the other spouse’s ability to pay. Unlike permanent spousal support, temporary alimony ends once the divorce is finalized or a final support order is entered. The court considers the same factors as final spousal support but applies them to the immediate financial situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled numerous pendente lite matters in Chesapeake. A Temporary Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake can help you understand how these factors apply to your case.
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly) which governs temporary spousal support. For court procedures, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website for local filing requirements and hearing schedules.
In Chesapeake Circuit Court, temporary alimony motions are typically heard within 21-60 days of filing. The court focuses on immediate financial needs rather than long-term analysis. Judges in the First Judicial District often require both parties to submit current financial statements (VS-1 forms) before the hearing.
- File a Motion for Pendente Lite Support — Your Temporary Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake files the motion with Chesapeake Circuit Court at 307 Albemarle Drive.
- Prepare Financial Disclosures — Complete the VS-1 financial statement showing your income, expenses, assets, and debts.
- Attend the Hearing — The court schedules a hearing where both parties present evidence of financial need and ability to pay.
- Receive Temporary Order — The judge issues a pendente lite support order that remains in effect until final divorce decree.
- Modify if Circumstances Change — Either party can request modification if income or expenses change significantly during the divorce process.
- Finalize at Divorce — The temporary order is replaced by the final spousal support determination in the divorce decree.
In Chesapeake, temporary alimony (pendente lite support) carries no criminal penalties but failure to pay can result in contempt of court with potential jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Temporary Alimony | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months (if willful) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, bank levy, lien on property |
| Willful Non-Payment of Pendente Lite Support | Criminal Contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, loss of professional license |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our firm-wide favorable outcome rate exceeds 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law experience. Our Temporary Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake team includes Mr. Sris and Samantha Rae Powers, who bring decades of combined experience in pendente lite support matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable resolutions in family law matters. Our Temporary Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake has secured interim spousal support for clients during divorce proceedings.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Temporary Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake — near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
How long does temporary alimony last in Chesapeake?
Yes. Temporary alimony (pendente lite support) lasts until the divorce is finalized or a final spousal support order is entered. In Chesapeake, this typically ranges from 2-4 months for uncontested cases to 12-24 months for contested divorces.
Can I get temporary alimony before my divorce is final?
Yes. Pendente lite support is specifically designed to provide financial support during the divorce process. Your Temporary Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake files a motion with Chesapeake Circuit Court, and a hearing is typically set within 21-60 days.
What factors does the court consider for temporary alimony?
The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including each spouse’s financial needs, ability to pay, standard of living during marriage, and duration of the marriage. The focus is on immediate financial circumstances rather than long-term analysis.
How much does temporary alimony cost in Chesapeake?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for a pendente lite motion is approximately $86, plus sheriff service of process ($12) or private process server ($50-$100). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity. Mediation costs $100-$300/hour per party if required.
Can temporary alimony be modified?
Yes. Either party can request modification if there is a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, change in income, or change in living expenses. The modification request is filed with Chesapeake Circuit Court.
What happens if my spouse doesn’t pay temporary alimony?
Non-payment can result in contempt of court proceedings. The court may order wage garnishment, bank levy, property liens, or even jail time for willful non-compliance. Your Temporary Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake can file a motion for enforcement.
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.