Many divorces include an order for spousal support in order for the spouse with the lesser income to maintain the standard of living of the former marriage. Sometimes spousal support is for a defined duration for the spouse to become financially independent. However, sometimes the spouse ordered to pay support refuses to do so once the divorce is finalized. In this situation, an experienced Virginia divorce attorney Read More
How Long Do You Have to Pay Spousal Support?
A common issue that is litigated in many Virginia divorce cases is the payment of spousal support from the higher earning spouse to the lesser earning spouse during and after divorce proceedings. One of the most common questions our office fields from spouses is how long do you have to pay spousal support once the divorce is finalized, and the answer is that it depends on the type of support awarded as well as the Read More
Can Alimony Be Terminated in Virginia When an Ex Cohabitates With a New Partner?
Spousal support, or “alimony” as it is often called, can be awarded in a Virginia divorce matter in a variety of payment structures: it can be awarded in a lump sum; it can be awarded in periodic payments for a specific duration (e.g. 3 years); or it can be awarded in periodic payments for an undefined duration. When alimony is awarded in periodic payments, the person paying the alimony can generally cease paying the Read More
The 3 Types of Virginia Protective Orders
A protective order is a legal document issued by the court. Any person who is a victim of an act of violence, act of force, or who has been subjected to threats of bodily injury, sexual assaults or death, must ensure that a Virginia Protective Order is issued as quickly as possible. Although a Protective Order cannot ultimately stop an abuser who intends harm, it does put certain legal protections in place. If an Read More
Can Spousal Support in Virginia Be Court-Ordered?
If you are in the process of filing for divorce in Virginia, you need to understand the laws regarding spousal support. In Virginia, spouses have a duty to provide financial support for each other, but also to provide financial support for themselves. Spousal support in Virginia is an award for financial support that is granted to a dependent spouse. Also known as maintenance or alimony, this award is dependent upon Read More
When Does the Payment of Spousal Support End in Virginia?
When does the payment of spousal support end in Virginia? This is a common question among divorcing couples. Length of Time for Spousal Support Spousal support, whether court ordered or agreed to by the spouses with the help of a Virginia spousal support lawyer, can be paid in a lump sum or periodic payments for a set number of years or an unspecified period of time. A spouse has a better chance to receive spousal Read More
Overview of Current Virginia Spousal Support Laws
When a single-income couple is facing divorce after a long marriage, the non-working spouse can request spousal support. It is also awarded in circumstances where both spouses are employed but have significant differences in their incomes. Indefinite spousal support is a form of spousal support that continues until one party petitions the court to change the support due a material change in circumstance. Certain Read More
Should Spousal Support Be Awarded in Your Case?
While every case is different, there are always a number of deciding factors that go into determining spousal support. In Virginia, alimony is not required by law but can be agreed on by the parties involved or requested by a judge. Because divorce proceedings can become fervently disputed, it’s essential to discuss your interests with your lawyer so he or she can best represent you and your rights throughout the Read More
