In Fairfax County, spousal support (alimony) is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 using 13 statutory factors. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County. An Alimony Lawyer Fairfax can help you understand your rights to support or your obligation to pay.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Spousal support, also called alimony or spousal maintenance, is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1 in Virginia. The court considers 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, financial resources, and standard of living during the marriage. An Alimony Lawyer Fairfax can explain how these factors apply to your specific situation. Virginia does not use a formula for spousal support — each case is decided individually based on the evidence presented. A spousal support lawyer Fairfax can help you prepare the necessary financial documentation for your case. A spousal maintenance lawyer Fairfax can assist with both temporary and permanent support requests.
For the full text of Virginia’s spousal support statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Fairfax County Circuit Court procedures, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all spousal support matters. The court requires both parties to file detailed financial statements (VS-1 and VS-2 forms) before any support hearing. Judges in Fairfax County closely examine each spouse’s actual income and earning capacity, not just reported wages.
- File a complaint for spousal support at Fairfax County Circuit Court, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210.
- Complete and file financial disclosure statements (VS-1 and VS-2) within 21 days of the initial pleading.
- Attend mandatory financial mediation if ordered by the court to attempt settlement.
- Participate in a pendente lite (temporary) support hearing if interim support is needed.
- Present evidence at the final hearing on the 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
- Receive the court’s final spousal support order, which may include terms for modification or termination.
In Fairfax County, spousal support (alimony) is not a penalty — it is a financial award based on need and ability to pay under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Duration | Modification | Tax Treatment | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Support | Pendente lite — based on immediate need | Until final decree | Upon showing changed circumstances | Taxable to recipient (pre-2019 agreements) | Income withholding, contempt |
| Permanent Support | 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Indefinite or for a fixed term | Material change in circumstances required | Not taxable for agreements after 2018 | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Lump Sum Support | One-time payment in lieu of periodic support | Single payment | Generally not modifiable | Not taxable if structured as property settlement | Judgment enforcement |
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 Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts spousal support determinations in divorce cases. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters including high-net-worth spousal support cases involving business valuation and retirement assets.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County Circuit Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and Route 50.
Looking for an alimony lawyer near Fairfax County? We serve clients throughout Northern Virginia.
We serve the following communities: Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How is spousal support calculated in Fairfax County, Virginia?
No. Virginia does not use a formula for spousal support. The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, financial resources, and the standard of living during the marriage. An Alimony Lawyer Fairfax can explain how these factors apply to your case.
How long does spousal support last in Virginia?
It depends. Spousal support can be for a fixed term (rehabilitative support) or indefinite (permanent support). The court considers the duration of the marriage, the recipient’s ability to become self-supporting, and other factors. Support typically ends upon the death of either party or the recipient’s remarriage.
Can spousal support be modified in Fairfax County?
Yes. Either party can request a modification of spousal support upon showing a material change in circumstances. Examples include job loss, a significant increase in income, disability, or cohabitation. The modification is retroactive only to the date of filing the motion.
Is spousal support taxable in Virginia?
It depends. For divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, spousal support is not taxable to the recipient and not deductible by the payor. For agreements before 2019, the old tax rules apply — support is taxable to the recipient and deductible by the payor.
What is the difference between spousal support and child support in Virginia?
Spousal support (alimony) is financial support for a former spouse based on need and ability to pay under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Child support is calculated using Virginia’s statutory guidelines based on both parents’ incomes. Child support is a legal right of the child and cannot be waived by the parents.