Virginia Spousal Support

Va. Code 20-107.1 governs spousal support in Virginia. A court may award maintenance and support of either spouse upon a decree of divorce, separate maintenance or annulment, weighing thirteen statutory factors. There is no mandatory duration formula at the final award stage, which makes these cases considerably less predictable than a guideline calculation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles these disputes. Call (888) 437-7747.

What the Court Weighs

The thirteen factors include the duration of the marriage, the age and physical and mental condition of the parties, the standard of living established during the marriage, contributions to the wellbeing of the family, the property and financial resources of each party, earning capacity including the extent to which it was affected by decisions made during the marriage, and other relevant considerations. No single factor controls, and the court explains how it weighed them.

The Adultery Bar

Adultery bars an award of permanent spousal support absent a finding of manifest injustice based on the respective degrees of fault and the relative economic circumstances of the parties. This is the sharpest intersection of conduct and money in Virginia family law, and it is why the grounds pleaded and the support claim cannot be considered separately from one another.

Modification Later

Va. Code 20-109 governs modification of spousal support and requires a material change in circumstances. Where support was fixed by a written agreement rather than by the court, the terms of that agreement affect what can be revisited and on what basis. Those provisions deserve attention at drafting rather than at the point an application becomes necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a formula for spousal support in Virginia?

Not for a final award. Va. Code 20-107.1 directs the court to weigh thirteen statutory factors, and a duration formula is not mandatory. Some jurisdictions use guideline calculations for pendente lite support, which is a different question from the final award.

Does adultery affect spousal support?

Substantially. Adultery bars an award of permanent spousal support absent a finding of manifest injustice based on the respective degrees of fault and the relative economic circumstances of the parties.

Can spousal support be changed later?

Va. Code 20-109 permits modification on a material change in circumstances. Where support was set by written agreement, that agreement’s own terms govern what may be revisited.

About Mr. Sris

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997. He is a former prosecutor, and that experience shapes how he builds a documentary record. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background at George Mason University in accounting and information systems applies to complex financial cases, which is where a contested Virginia divorce usually turns. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle Virginia matters together.

Speak With Mr. Sris

Request a consultation. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Bring tax returns, statements for every account, any agreement signed before or during the marriage, entity documents for any business interest, and a short written timeline. That material lets the first conversation move past intake and into the questions that decide the case.

Last updated: August 25, 2026

This page provides general information about Virginia family law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., principal office: 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032. By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

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