Indefinite Alimony Lawyer Virginia, VA

You are facing the end of a long‑term marriage and wondering whether you will be able to receive ongoing financial support. Perhaps your spouse was the primary breadwinner, or you left the workforce years ago to raise children, and you worry about how you will maintain your standard of living. Under Virginia law, a court may award indefinite spousal support when a spouse cannot become self‑supporting or when a defined durational award would be inadequate. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys help individuals across Virginia understand whether indefinite alimony may be available in their circumstances and work to present a clear financial picture to the court. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On this page

What Indefinite Alimony Means in Virginia

In Virginia, spousal support—often called alimony—falls into several categories. Indefinite alimony is not the same as permanent alimony in every case; it means the award continues without a fixed end date, but the obligation may be modified or terminated if the circumstances of either party change. Virginia Code § 20‑107.1 governs all spousal support awards and sets out the factors the court weighs when deciding whether to order indefinite support.

A judge may award indefinite alimony when the spouse seeking support cannot become self‑supporting, or when a defined durational award would not meet the spouse’s needs. For example, a spouse who spent decades out of the workforce caring for children, or who has a disability that limits earning capacity, may need indefinite support. The court also considers the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and the age and physical condition of both parties. Because no two family situations are the same, the outcome depends on the specific facts of each case. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have experience presenting the financial and personal evidence that Virginia judges require when deciding indefinite alimony.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Indefinite Alimony Cases

When you sit down with Mr. Sris or one of the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, the first step is a careful review of your financial history and your ability to earn income in the future. The team gathers tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and, when relevant, experienced attorney assessments of vocational capacity or ongoing medical needs. They then build a narrative that explains to the court why a durational award is not sufficient and why indefinite support is warranted under the statutory factors.

If your spouse is the potential payor, the same thorough preparation works in reverse: the firm scrutinizes the claimed income and expenses to present a fair counter‑argument. Because many indefinite‑alimony disputes also involve disagreements over asset division, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel coordinate their approach with the equitable‑distribution side of the case to avoid inconsistent positions. Throughout the process, the team keeps you informed about realistic expectations, though the final decision always rests with the judge. No attorney can promise a particular result, but Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive combined legal experience and work to achieve favorable outcomes.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he understands how to present evidence persuasively in a courtroom. Mr. Sris argued before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), which addressed procedural issues in the distribution of retirement assets—an area that often intersects with spousal support calculations. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional experience from backgrounds that include former prosecution, state‑police investigation, and trial advocacy. Like Mr. Sris, they handle family law matters across the Commonwealth. Collectively, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results spanning multiple practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is indefinite alimony in Virginia?

Indefinite alimony is spousal support ordered without a fixed end date, continuing until a court modifies or terminates it based on a substantial change in circumstances. Under Virginia Code § 20‑107.1, a judge may award indefinite support when the recipient cannot achieve self‑sufficiency through reasonable efforts, or when a durational award would not meet their needs. The court reviews the marriage’s length, the standard of living, the contributions of each spouse, and the paying spouse’s ability to continue support. Because indefinite alimony can last for many years, the judge’s decision is fact‑intensive and often contested. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

How does a Virginia court decide whether to award indefinite alimony?

The court weighs 13 statutory factors, including each spouse’s financial resources, the time needed for the recipient to acquire education or training, the standard of living during the marriage, the marriage’s duration, and the age and physical health of both parties. No single factor controls. For indefinite support, the judge must also find that the recipient cannot become self‑supporting or that a defined term would be inadequate. The court may also consider fault grounds for divorce, such as adultery, when determining the amount and duration of support. The firm’s attorneys prepare detailed financial affidavits and, when appropriate, enlist vocational attorneys to present a full picture to the court.

Can indefinite alimony be modified or terminated?

Yes, either party may petition the court to modify or terminate indefinite alimony if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as remarriage of the recipient, a significant change in income, or a health‑related change in the ability to pay. Virginia courts retain jurisdiction over spousal support orders, and the moving party must prove the change is substantial and was not foreseeable at the time of the original order. For example, a paying spouse who loses a job may seek a reduction, while a recipient who cohabits with a new partner may see support terminated. The process requires filing a motion and presenting updated financial evidence. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What factors does a Virginia court consider for indefinite alimony?

The 13 factors include each spouse’s financial resources and earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the age, physical and mental condition of each spouse, the contributions of each spouse to the family, the tax consequences of the award, and any other facts the court deems relevant. For indefinite support, the judge gives particular weight to whether the recipient can become self‑supporting at a standard of living comparable to the marital standard. The court also examines whether a defined durational award would leave the recipient in need of continued support. The firm’s attorneys walk clients through each factor and explain how the evidence may influence the court’s decision.

Do I need a lawyer for indefinite alimony in Virginia?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, indefinite‑alimony cases often involve complex financial and legal issues that benefit from experienced representation. Determining earning capacity may require vocational evidence; tracing assets and income streams often requires forensic accounting. A lawyer can also help you understand whether a settlement offer is fair and can present your position effectively in court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled alimony matters throughout Virginia and can explain your options. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437‑7747.

Virginia legal resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) |
Virginia Judicial System

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

Practicing since 1997 · Virginia family law

(888) 437-7747