In Falls Church, indefinite alimony (permanent spousal support) is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 24 documented case results in Falls Church. Your long-term support options depend on the length of your marriage and each spouse’s financial circumstances.
Last verified: April 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Indefinite alimony, also called permanent spousal support, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another that continues indefinitely. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, the Falls Church Circuit Court considers 13 factors when deciding whether to award indefinite alimony. These factors include the duration of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and their financial resources. Unlike rehabilitative spousal support, which has a set end date, indefinite alimony does not automatically terminate. The court may award it when one spouse cannot become self-supporting due to age, disability, or the need to care for minor children. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. since 1997, personally amended this statute, giving him unique insight into its application in Falls Church cases.
For indefinite alimony specifically, the court applies the same 13-factor test under Va. Code § 20-107.3 but with particular emphasis on factors related to long-term need and ability to pay. The court examines whether the requesting spouse made significant career sacrifices during the marriage, such as leaving the workforce to raise children or supporting the other spouse’s career advancement. In Falls Church, where many families have dual-income households, the court closely analyzes each spouse’s earning potential and retirement needs. The key distinction from other spousal support types is that indefinite alimony does not require a specific end date — it continues until either spouse dies, the receiving spouse remarries, or the court modifies the order based on a material change in circumstances.
For the complete statutory framework governing indefinite alimony in Falls Church, review Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing requirements, visit the Falls Church General District Court website.
Falls Church Circuit Court handles all indefinite alimony matters. The court requires a corroborating witness for uncontested hearings. Mediation is available but not mandatory. Forensic accountants are used for complex financial cases.
- File a complaint for spousal support at Falls Church Circuit Court, 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W.
- Serve the other spouse with the complaint and summons.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing for temporary support (typically within 21-60 days).
- Exchange financial documents including tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
- Participate in mediation to attempt settlement.
- Proceed to trial if no agreement is reached; the court applies the 13-factor test.
In Falls Church, indefinite alimony under Va. Code § 20-107.3 carries no fixed penalty but involves ongoing financial obligations determined by the court.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay court-ordered spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property, credit damage |
| Failure to pay court-ordered spousal support (willful) | Criminal contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential jail time |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs spousal support in Virginia. This achievement provides the firm with unique authority in Falls Church indefinite alimony cases. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all Falls Church family law cases. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience in Virginia family law.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 24 total documented case results across all practice areas in Falls Church, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals and favorable dispositions in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 3 miles from Falls Church Circuit Court, accessible via Route 7 (Broad Street/Leesburg Pike), Route 29, I-66, and I-495.
Indefinite alimony lawyer near Falls Church — serving all Falls Church neighborhoods.
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How long does a divorce take in Falls Church, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution: 12-24 months. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Falls Church, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Falls Church Circuit Court handles all property division.
How is child custody decided in Falls Church, Virginia?
Custody in Falls Church is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Falls Church J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Falls Church Circuit Court.
Can indefinite alimony be modified in Falls Church?
Yes. Either spouse can request modification if there is a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, disability, retirement, or the receiving spouse’s remarriage. The court reviews the change under Va. Code § 20-107.3 factors.
What factors determine indefinite alimony in Falls Church?
The court considers 13 factors including marriage duration, standard of living, each spouse’s earning capacity, financial resources, age, health, and contributions as a homemaker. The requesting spouse must show inability to become self-supporting.
How does indefinite alimony differ from rehabilitative support?
Indefinite alimony continues without a set end date until death, remarriage, or court modification. Rehabilitative support has a specific end date and is designed to help a spouse become self-supporting through education or training.
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.