Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a financial obligation one spouse may be required to pay the other during or after a divorce. In Virginia, alimony is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1, which sets out 13 factors for the court to consider. For residents of Virginia Beach, these matters are heard in the Virginia Beach City Circuit Court or the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, depending on the procedural context. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in alimony proceedings across Virginia Beach and the surrounding communities, including Sandbridge and Oceana. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring multi-state experience to family law matters; the firm has practiced since 1997. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about your alimony matter. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Alimony (Spousal Support) Means in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Alimony is a separate financial remedy that addresses the ongoing needs of a lower-earning spouse. The Virginia Beach City Circuit Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over divorce actions, including spousal support determinations, while the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may hear standalone support matters. The court examines 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 to decide whether alimony is appropriate and, if so, its amount and duration.
These factors include the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, age, physical and mental condition, contributions to the marriage (including homemaking), the standard of living during the marriage, and the needs of each party. The court also considers whether either spouse has an independent means of support and any other equitable considerations. Because the standard is flexible, outcomes vary based on the specific facts. in handling family law matters at the Virginia Beach courts, the Circuit Court handles all divorce-linked support, while standalone modification or enforcement actions may proceed in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. An experienced attorney can help a client present relevant evidence and advocate for a fair result.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Alimony Cases in Virginia Beach
When a client seeks spousal support—whether as part of an initial divorce filing, a post-divorce modification, or enforcement of an existing order—the firm’s approach begins with a thorough review of the parties’ financial circumstances and the history of the marriage. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate the applicable statutory factors and identify the strong $1s for the client’s position. For a spouse seeking support, that may involve demonstrating a need for rehabilitation or, in longer marriages, a basis for indefinite support. For a spouse contesting support, the analysis focuses on the requesting party’s earning capacity and the equitable factors that weigh against an award.
If a temporary support order is needed while the divorce is pending, the firm may file a pendente lite motion to request a hearing. The court schedules such hearings on its calendar; the timeline varies by case. Throughout the process, the firm seeks to negotiate a resolution where possible, but is prepared to present the matter to the court when a contested hearing is necessary. The goal is a support order that reflects the client’s circumstances and comports with Virginia law. To discuss your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris founded the firm in 1997 and serves as its Owner and Founder. A former prosecutor, he is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced practitioners who contract directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. and work collaboratively on family law and other matters. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors does a Virginia Beach court consider when deciding alimony?
Virginia law (Va. Code § 20-107.1) provides 13 factors the court evaluates, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, age, physical and mental condition, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living during the marriage. The court will also consider whether either spouse has an independent means of support. The outcome is fact-specific; an experienced attorney can help present relevant evidence. For guidance on your individual situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can alimony be modified after a divorce in Virginia?
Yes, spousal support orders can be modified if there has been a material change in circumstances since the original order, unless the order expressly states it is non-modifiable. Common changes include a significant increase or decrease in either party’s income, loss of employment, or a change in health that affects earning capacity. The court reviews the same 13 factors to decide whether modification is warranted. To discuss modification, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How is alimony different from child support in Virginia?
Alimony (spousal support) is paid to a former spouse for that spouse’s own needs, while child support is paid for the benefit of the parties’ children and is calculated under mandatory guidelines based on the parents’ combined gross income. In Virginia, child support follows a formula that considers custody arrangements and the number of children; alimony is determined by the court’s equitable consideration of the 13 statutory factors and is not subject to a fixed formula. Alimony may be temporary, rehabilitative, or indefinite; child support generally continues until the child reaches 18, unless a longer period applies.
What types of alimony are available in Virginia?
Virginia law recognizes several types of spousal support: temporary (pendente lite) support while a divorce is pending, rehabilitative support for a set period to allow a spouse to gain education or job skills, and indefinite support in longer marriages or when a spouse cannot become self-supporting due to age or health. The type and amount depend on the specific facts and the factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. An attorney can explain which type may apply to your circumstances. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Do I need a lawyer to seek alimony in Virginia Beach?
While you are not legally required to have an attorney to pursue spousal support, navigating the process without experienced counsel can be challenging. An attorney can help gather financial documentation, present a strong case to the court, and negotiate a fair resolution. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have practiced in Virginia family courts since 1997 and can assist you through each stage. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Learn about family law services in other Virginia localities: Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Prince William County, Manassas.
For the full text of Virginia’s family law statutes, see the Virginia Code Title 20. For court information, visit the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.