In Virginia Beach, spousal support is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 based on 13 statutory factors. An Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in the area. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute.
Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach — How Is Spousal Support Determined?
Virginia Spousal Support Law: Va. Code § 20-107.1
Virginia law authorizes spousal support (alimony) under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court considers 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. A spousal support lawyer Virginia Beach can help you understand how these factors apply to your case. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. (founded 1997), brings former prosecutor insight to family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Alimony, also called spousal maintenance, is distinct from child support. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, the court may award periodic payments, lump sum support, or both. A spousal maintenance lawyer Virginia Beach addresses the specific financial needs and abilities of each spouse.
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Virginia Beach Family Law
In Virginia Beach Circuit Court, spousal support hearings are often scheduled within 60 days of a pendente lite motion. The court expects both parties to submit detailed financial statements (VS-1 forms) at least 10 days before the hearing.
- Gather financial documents: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements.
- Complete the VS-1 financial disclosure form with accurate income and expense information.
- File a pendente lite motion for temporary spousal support at Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
- Attend the hearing prepared to present evidence of need and ability to pay.
- Negotiate a settlement or proceed to trial for a final support determination.
- Comply with the court order or seek modification if circumstances change.
In Virginia Beach, spousal support violations can result in contempt of court proceedings with potential jail time.
| Issue | Classification | Potential Consequence | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to Pay Support | Civil Contempt | Up to 12 months incarceration | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept |
| Failure to Appear | Contempt of Court | Up to 10 days incarceration | Up to $1,000 | N/A | Bench warrant issued |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Virginia Beach Alimony Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm 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, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep family law experience. Our Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach team provides case-specific strategies for spousal support matters.
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
Bar Admissions: Virginia (2023), Florida (2005)
J.D./M.A., University of Florida (2005); Ph.D. Communication, UCSB (2017). 18+ years of legal experience. Samantha Powers focuses exclusively on Virginia family law, including alimony, equitable distribution, and custody matters.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex spousal support cases involving business valuation or retirement assets.
Case Results in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Family Law Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Looking for an Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach near the Oceanfront or Town Center? We serve all Virginia Beach neighborhoods including Sandbridge and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony in Virginia Beach
How long does spousal support last in Virginia Beach?
It depends. The duration is based on the length of the marriage and the receiving spouse’s ability to become self-supporting. For marriages under 10 years, support may last 25-50% of the marriage duration. Longer marriages may result in permanent support.
Can spousal support be modified in Virginia Beach?
Yes. A material change in circumstances, such as job loss, remarriage, or significant income change, can justify modification. You must file a motion with Virginia Beach Circuit Court to request a change.
Is adultery a factor in spousal support decisions?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, adultery by the receiving spouse can bar spousal support. Adultery by the paying spouse does not automatically prevent support but is one of the 13 factors the court considers.
How is spousal support calculated in Virginia Beach?
No fixed formula exists. The court applies 13 factors including each spouse’s income, earning capacity, standard of living, and contributions to the marriage. A spousal support lawyer Virginia Beach can estimate potential support based on your specific circumstances.
What is the difference between spousal support and child support?
Child support follows Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income. Spousal support is discretionary and based on 13 statutory factors. Child support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school. Spousal support may be permanent or temporary.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Learn more about our Virginia Family Law Lawyer services. For nearby localities, see our Henrico County Family Law Lawyer and Chesterfield County Family Law Lawyer. For other practice areas in Virginia Beach, visit our Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer page.