In Lexington, 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 14 documented case results in Lexington. A Temporary Alimony Lawyer Lexington can help you secure fair interim spousal support.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington 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. The court considers 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the earning capacity of each spouse, the standard of living during the marriage, and the duration of the marriage. Unlike permanent spousal support, temporary alimony is designed to maintain the status quo until the final divorce decree. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep familiarity with Virginia family law.
For temporary alimony specifically, Va. Code § 20-107.1 provides the legal framework for pendente lite support. This statute allows the court to order interim spousal support based on the needs of the requesting spouse and the ability of the other spouse to pay. The court may also consider the same 13 factors used for permanent spousal support, but the focus is on immediate financial needs during the divorce process.
For more information, review the Virginia Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Lexington General District Court website.
In Lexington Circuit Court, temporary alimony motions are typically heard within 21-60 days of filing. The court expects both parties to submit financial statements (VS-1 forms) and recent tax returns. Judges in the 25th Judicial District often schedule pendente lite hearings on the same day as other temporary matters.
- File a motion for pendente lite support with Lexington Circuit Court.
- Complete and file the VS-1 financial statement with supporting documents.
- Serve the motion on your spouse through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing at 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450.
- Present evidence of financial need and your spouse’s ability to pay.
- Receive a temporary support order pending final divorce decree.
In Lexington, temporary alimony carries financial obligations that can include monthly payments, attorney fees, and court costs if a party fails to comply with the court order.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay temporary alimony | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Willful non-payment | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Driver’s license suspension possible |
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 VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), a landmark achievement in Virginia family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Secondary attorney: Samantha Rae Powers — VA Bar 2023, FL Bar 2005, J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005, Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017, 18+ years experience. She handles family law matters in Virginia.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60. If you need a temporary alimony lawyer near Lexington, we serve the entire Lexington area including Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Washington and Lee University, and Natural Bridge. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does temporary alimony last in Lexington, Virginia?
It depends. Temporary alimony lasts until the final divorce decree is entered, unless the court modifies or terminates the order earlier. Typically, it continues through the pendente lite period, which can range from 2-4 months for uncontested cases to 12-24 months for contested divorces.
Can I get temporary alimony if my spouse refuses to pay in Lexington?
Yes. If your spouse refuses to pay temporary alimony as ordered, you can file a motion for contempt with Lexington Circuit Court. The court may impose sanctions including wage garnishment, property liens, or even jail time for willful non-compliance.
What factors does the Lexington court consider for pendente lite support?
The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including each spouse’s earning capacity, the standard of living during marriage, the duration of the marriage, and each party’s financial resources. The court focuses on immediate financial needs during the divorce process.
Is temporary alimony the same as pendente lite support in Lexington?
Yes. Temporary alimony and pendente lite support are the same thing. Both refer to interim spousal support paid during the divorce proceedings before a final decree is entered. The legal term is “pendente lite” support, which means “pending the litigation.”
How do I file for temporary alimony in Lexington Circuit Court?
File a motion for pendente lite support with Lexington Circuit Court at 2 South Main Street. You must complete a VS-1 financial statement, serve the motion on your spouse, and attend a hearing. The court typically schedules hearings within 21-60 days of filing.