Can I get alimony in Virginia
The question “Can I get alimony in Virginia?” arises in nearly every divorce where one spouse faces financial uncertainty. The short answer is that Virginia courts have the authority to award spousal support—commonly called alimony—when the facts support it, but no one is automatically entitled to it. Whether you live in Arlington, Falls Church, or anywhere in Northern Virginia, the Circuit Court examines your marriage’s circumstances against a detailed statutory framework. The same judge who divides marital property under equitable distribution also decides whether alimony is warranted, how much, and for how long. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team help clients present a clear picture of their financial needs—or their ability to pay—before the Arlington County Circuit Court, the Fairfax County Circuit Court, and other courts around the Commonwealth. If you are considering divorce or have already separated, understanding how Virginia courts approach alimony can prepare you to protect your interests. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
What Alimony Means in Virginia
In Virginia, alimony—officially “spousal support”—is a court‑ordered payment from one former spouse to the other after a divorce. It is separate from property division and is designed to address a financial imbalance that the divorce creates. A spouse who gave up a career to care for children, for instance, may need time and resources to become self‑supporting. A longer marriage in which one party earned substantially more than the other often triggers an alimony inquiry. The evaluation is not automatic; Virginia courts weigh a list of factors set out in Virginia Code § 20‑107.1, including the duration of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, each spouse’s age and health, their respective earning capacities, and the contributions each made to the family home. Marital fault—such as adultery or cruelty—may also influence the award, even though Virginia permits no‑fault divorce. The judge has broad discretion to tailor an award to the unique circumstances of the couple.
Clients living in Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, and the surrounding Northern Virginia communities have their alimony claims heard in the Arlington County Circuit Court or the Fairfax County Circuit Court, which exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over divorce. The judges who sit on those benches apply the same statute but bring their own experience to the bench, which makes it important to present your financial picture in a way that aligns with how that particular court tends to weigh spousal support issues. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. maintains locations that allow Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to meet with clients in Fairfax and Arlington, so you can discuss how local court practices may affect your case without traveling far.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Alimony Cases
Every alimony matter begins with a thorough assessment of both sides’ finances. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review income, earning capacity, education, work history, and the contributions each spouse made during the marriage—whether they were financially measurable, like a paycheck, or non‑monetary, like managing the household and raising children. If a spouse has voluntarily reduced income or is deliberately unemployed, that fact may be brought to the court’s attention. The team works to build a record that clearly supports a fair outcome, whether you are the party requesting support or the party who may be asked to pay it.
Once the financial landscape is understood, the firm explores whether an agreement on spousal support can be reached without a trial. Many couples resolve alimony through a negotiated separation agreement, which can be incorporated into the final divorce decree. When settlement is not possible, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to try the issue before the court, presenting evidence and argument about need, ability to pay, and any fault factors that the statute allows. Throughout the process, the attorneys focus on practical solutions that address your financial future, not on generating unnecessary conflict. To discuss your specific circumstances, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., brings a background as a former prosecutor to family law matters, including alimony cases. His experience in the courtroom—and his training in accounting and information systems—allows him to interpret complex financial records and present them effectively. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His work with the legislature keeps him familiar with the policy debates that shape Virginia’s family law statutes. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris is joined by a team of Of Counsel, each of whom has over a decade of legal experience. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. They handle alimony claims collaboratively, so you benefit from multiple perspectives on your case. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors does a Virginia judge consider when deciding alimony?
Virginia Code § 20‑107.1 lists 13 factors the judge must consider, including each spouse’s age, health, earning capacity, education, and the standard of living established during the marriage. The duration of the marriage, the contributions of each party to the family’s well‑being, and any marital fault are also weighed. No single factor controls; the court balances them all to reach a just result. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How long can alimony last after a Virginia divorce?
There is no fixed rule. A court may award alimony for a defined period—often called rehabilitative alimony—to help a spouse become self‑supporting. In a long marriage where one spouse cannot reasonably become self‑supporting due to age or health, the court may order support for an indefinite duration. The award remains modifiable if the circumstances of either party change substantially. To discuss how these principles apply to your marriage, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can fault affect alimony in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia is one of the states that permits the judge to consider marital fault when deciding whether to award spousal support and in what amount. Adultery, cruelty, desertion, and other fault grounds are relevant under the statute. Because fault can influence both the entitlement to alimony and the amount, you should be prepared to address it in your case. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer to seek alimony in Arlington, Virginia?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but alimony disputes often involve complicated financial evidence and legal arguments. Presenting income, assets, and expenses clearly is critical, and a misstep can have long‑term financial consequences. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with how the Arlington County Circuit Court and other Northern Virginia courts handle spousal support cases. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can alimony be modified after the divorce is final?
A support order that is not based on a clear waiver in a settlement agreement is generally modifiable. If the paying spouse suffers a job loss or the recipient’s financial picture improves significantly, a court may adjust the amount. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients evaluate whether a modification is justified under current law. To learn more, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
Related pages:
Authoritative resources:
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.