In Arlington County, indefinite alimony (permanent spousal support) is available under Va. Code § 20-107.1 for marriages of 15+ years or where a spouse cannot become self-supporting. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended the equitable distribution statute governing support.
Virginia Law on Indefinite Alimony and Permanent Spousal Support
Virginia law under Va. Code § 20-107.1 allows courts to award indefinite alimony — also called permanent spousal support — when a marriage lasted 15 years or longer, or when a spouse cannot achieve self-support due to age, disability, or childcare responsibilities. Unlike temporary support, indefinite alimony continues until death, remarriage, or court modification. Arlington County Circuit Court applies 13 statutory factors including the duration of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse’s earning capacity. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), which directly affects how spousal support is calculated in property division cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the full text of Virginia’s spousal support statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing requirements, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: How Arlington County Courts Handle Indefinite Alimony
Arlington County Circuit Court judges apply the 13-factor test under Va. Code § 20-107.1 strictly. In our experience, the court places heavy weight on the length of the marriage and the disparity in earning capacity.
- File a complaint for spousal support at Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Serve the other party with the complaint and a financial disclosure affidavit.
- Attend mandatory financial mediation if ordered by the court.
- Present evidence of marriage length, earning capacity, and need at a pendente lite hearing.
- Obtain a temporary or permanent spousal support order from the judge.
- File for modification if circumstances change (job loss, retirement, cohabitation).
In Arlington County, indefinite alimony (permanent spousal support) carries no fixed penalty — the court determines amount and duration based on 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Factor | Description | Impact on Support |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Duration | 15+ years typically qualifies for indefinite support | Longer marriage = higher likelihood of indefinite award |
| Earning Capacity | Each spouse’s ability to earn income | Large disparity favors support award |
| Standard of Living | Marital standard of living during the marriage | Support aims to maintain this standard |
| Age and Health | Physical and mental condition of each spouse | Disability or advanced age may justify indefinite support |
| Childcare Responsibilities | Custody of minor children | Primary custodian may receive additional support |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Indefinite Alimony Cases in Arlington County
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm 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, the equitable distribution statute that governs how marital property is divided — a statute that directly affects spousal support calculations in divorce cases. This amendment is a documented, real-world achievement that no other family law firm in Virginia can claim. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Samantha Rae Powers — Of Counsel, Family Law
VA Bar 2023 | FL Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha Powers focuses exclusively on Virginia family law matters including indefinite alimony, spousal support modification, and equitable distribution. She works alongside Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Case Results in Arlington County for Indefinite Alimony and Spousal Support
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable dispositions in family law matters. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Indefinite Alimony Lawyer Serving Arlington County and Nearby Communities
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
If you are searching for an indefinite alimony lawyer near Arlington County or a permanent spousal support lawyer Arlington County, we are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indefinite Alimony in Arlington County
How long does indefinite alimony last in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. Indefinite alimony in Arlington County lasts until the recipient spouse dies, remarries, or the court modifies the order. It does not automatically end at a specific date.
Can indefinite alimony be modified in Arlington County?
Yes. Either party can request modification if there is a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, retirement, disability, or cohabitation. The court reviews the 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
What is the difference between indefinite alimony and permanent spousal support in Virginia?
No. In Virginia, indefinite alimony and permanent spousal support are the same thing. Both refer to ongoing support awarded under Va. Code § 20-107.1 for marriages of 15+ years or when a spouse cannot become self-supporting.
How is indefinite alimony calculated in Arlington County?
It depends. The court considers 13 factors including marriage duration, earning capacity, standard of living, age, health, and childcare responsibilities. There is no fixed formula — each case is decided individually.
Do I need a lawyer for indefinite alimony in Arlington County?
Yes. Indefinite alimony cases involve complex financial evidence and legal arguments under Va. Code § 20-107.1. An experienced lawyer can help present your case effectively at Arlington County Circuit Court.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.