In Virginia, temporary alimony (pendente lite support) provides financial support during divorce proceedings under Va. Code § 20-107.1. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Temporary Alimony Lawyer Virginia can help you secure interim spousal support while your case is pending.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Circuit Courts | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Statutory Definition of Temporary Alimony in Virginia
Virginia law authorizes temporary spousal support, known as pendente lite support, under Va. Code § 20-107.1. This interim spousal support lawyer Virginia provision allows a court to order one spouse to pay financial support to the other while the divorce case is ongoing. The purpose is to maintain the status quo and prevent either spouse from suffering financial hardship during the litigation period. The court considers 13 statutory factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. A Temporary Alimony Lawyer Virginia can explain how these factors apply to your specific situation.
In Virginia, temporary alimony (pendente lite support) provides financial support during divorce proceedings under Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court considers 13 factors to determine the amount and duration of interim support.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay temporary spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months (if willful) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Wage garnishment, lien on property, attorney fees awarded |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
External Citation Links
For the official Virginia statute governing temporary spousal support, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing information, visit the Virginia Judicial System website.
Insider Procedural Edge
In Virginia Circuit Courts, a motion for pendente lite support is typically heard within 21-60 days of filing. The court will issue a temporary support order based on the financial affidavits submitted by both parties.
- File a motion for pendente lite support with the Circuit Court in the jurisdiction where the divorce is pending.
- Complete and serve a detailed financial disclosure affidavit (Form VS-1) on your spouse.
- Attend the pendente lite hearing, where both parties present evidence of income, expenses, and assets.
- Receive the court’s temporary support order, which remains in effect until the final divorce decree.
- Comply with the order or file a motion to modify if circumstances change significantly.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
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 handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also handles complex family law matters and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Case Results
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Pack Trigger Block
Our Fairfax location is approximately 20 miles from the Virginia Circuit Courts, accessible via I-66 and Route 29. If you need a Temporary Alimony Lawyer Virginia near Fairfax, we are conveniently located. We serve clients throughout Virginia including Fairfax, Arlington, Reston, Herndon, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church, Manassas, Woodbridge, Leesburg, Ashburn, Warrenton, Stafford, and Fredericksburg.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a temporary alimony order in Virginia?
Yes, a pendente lite hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. The court will issue a temporary support order based on financial affidavits submitted by both parties.
What factors does a Virginia court consider for temporary alimony?
The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, and each party’s financial resources and needs.
Can temporary alimony be modified in Virginia?
Yes, temporary alimony can be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a change in income, employment status, or the financial needs of either party. A motion to modify must be filed with the court.
Is temporary alimony the same as pendente lite support?
Yes, temporary alimony is also called pendente lite support. It provides financial support to a spouse during the divorce proceedings before a final divorce decree is entered.
What happens if my spouse does not pay temporary alimony?
If your spouse fails to pay court-ordered temporary alimony, you can file a motion for contempt. The court may order wage garnishment, place a lien on property, or even impose jail time for willful non-compliance.
Do I need a lawyer for a temporary alimony hearing?
It depends. While you can represent yourself, having a Temporary Alimony Lawyer Virginia can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a fair support order. The court process involves complex financial disclosures and legal arguments.
How is temporary alimony calculated in Virginia?
Virginia does not have a specific formula for temporary alimony. The court considers 13 statutory factors, including each spouse’s income, expenses, and the standard of living during the marriage. The goal is to maintain the status quo during the divorce.
Can temporary alimony be awarded retroactively?
Yes, a Virginia court can award temporary alimony retroactively to the date the motion was filed. The court has discretion to determine the effective date of the support order.