When Is Spousal Support Awarded in Virginia?
Written by our divorce lawyers in Manassas
With ongoing changes in both the law and society, spousal support in Virginia continues to evolve. In the past, a spouse who committed adultery could be completely barred from receiving support. While that is still a risk, recent changes mean that fault—such as adultery—is no longer always an automatic disqualification. Instead, the court now considers a spouse’s role in causing the divorce when determining the amount and duration of support.
For more than 30 years our divorce lawyers in Manassas have been helping people receive spousal support in Prince William County, Fairfax, Arlington, Gainesville, Haymarket, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Bristow, Warrenton, Centreville, Stafford, Chantilly, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Alexandria, Annandale, and throughout Northern Virginia.
Who gets what
It’s important to understand that spousal support is not meant to punish either party. Its purpose is to help reduce the financial impact of divorce, particularly for the spouse who is less financially independent. When deciding whether to award support, the court looks at several factors, including:
- Ages of the parties
- Assets
- Earning capacity
- Length and history of the marriage.
Spousal support can be structured in different ways. The court may order payments over time or award a lump sum. Ongoing payments might last for a set number of years or, in some cases, for an indefinite period.
These awards are not necessarily permanent—they can be modified later if there is a significant change in circumstances. In certain situations, the court may also require the paying spouse to maintain a life insurance policy.
Spousal support does not have to be decided at the time the divorce is finalized. In some cases, a spouse may choose to reserve the right to seek support in the future. Typically, this reservation lasts for up to half the length of the marriage.
If you are in need of experienced divorce lawyers who get results, please contact us online or by calling 703-361-0776.
Divorce lawyers in Manassas serving Fairfax County, Prince William County, and all of Northern Virginia.
