When two spouses no longer share the same household, their total living expenses often go up, and their total income usually does not. It’s also often the case, especially in a long-term marriage, that one spouse is financially dependent on the other. When the marriage ends, the dependent spouse may need continued financial support.

Commonly known as alimony, in Virginia that support is referred to as spousal support. Spousal support may be awarded during the pendency of the divorce, and in the final divorce decree. Spouses may agree on a spousal support award. If they are unable to agree, and one spouse is seeking

How Spousal Support is Calculated

In Virginia, spousal support is governed by Virginia Code § 20-107.1. That statute refers to several factors that courts weigh in making alimony determinations. Those factors include:

• The obligations, needs, and financial resources of the parties;
• The standard of living established during the marriage;
• The duration of the marriage;
• The age and physical and mental condition of the parties and any special circumstances of the family;
• The extent to which the needs of a child would make it appropriate for one party not to seek employment outside the home;
• The contributions, monetary and non-monetary, of each party to the well-being of the family;
• The property interests of the parties;
• The marital property settlement;
• The earning capacity and employment opportunities available to the parties;
• The opportunity and ability for parties to get the employment training needed to enhance their earning abilities;
• Decisions regarding employment, career, economics, education, and parenting arrangements made by the parties during the marriage;
• The extent to which either party contributed to the education or career of the other;
• Such other factors, including tax consequences and the reasons for the dissolution of the marriage, as are necessary to consider the equities between the parties.

Virginia Code § 20-107.1 also applies to the duration of spousal support. In some cases, an award of spousal support may be indefinite. If spousal support is to continue for a certain duration, a reason must be given for that duration.

As you can see, the Virginia spousal support determination is highly fact-specific. It is critical to work with a family law attorney who understands Virginia spousal support law and knows how best to present evidence in support of your position.

How Our Experienced Virginia Spousal Support Attorneys Can Help

The amount of spousal support you may ultimately pay or receive could be in the tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars. The skill of your attorney can have a significant impact on the outcome of the spousal support award in your case. Accordingly, you should view your choice of attorney as an investment in your financial future.

The Virginia spousal support attorneys of Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield have practiced family law for their entire careers and concentrate their entire practice in family law. Our extensive experience in this practice area allows us to advocate effectively for what you need.

While you may work primarily with one attorney, you will benefit from the collaboration between all members of our team, each of whom brings their unique strengths and skills to the table. Together, we craft a strategy calculated to achieve your goals and protect your financial well-being. Our attorneys are known for their tactical approach to dispute resolution, including disputes regarding spousal support.

We understand how important having enough resources is to building the future you want. Money issues in divorce can be a great source of anxiety. We make it a priority to protect not only your financial health but your peace of mind.

We invite you to contact Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield to schedule a consultation to discuss your individual situation and learn how our spousal support attorneys can help you during an initial determination, modification, or termination of a spousal support award.