Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
Alimony—also called spousal support—is one of the most contested issues in a Virginia Beach divorce. Whether you are seeking support or are being asked to pay it, the terms of an alimony award can affect your financial future for years. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel concentrate part of their family-law practice on alimony matters in Virginia Beach and the surrounding Hampton Roads communities. Our Richmond location represents clients in the Virginia Beach City Circuit Court and the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, where most support issues are heard. The firm has been serving clients throughout Virginia since 1997. To request a consultation about your alimony concern, reach us at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Alimony Means in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Alimony in Virginia is governed by Va. Code § 20‑107.1, which lists 13 factors the court must weigh when deciding whether to award spousal support, how much, and for how long. Virginia Beach follows the same statutory scheme as the rest of the Commonwealth but applies it through its own local court practices. The Virginia Beach City Circuit Court—located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B—hears all divorce-related matters, including equitable distribution and spousal support. Standalone support petitions, custody, and protective orders are heard in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Alimony is not automatic in Virginia. The court first determines whether one spouse has a need for support and the other has the ability to pay, then looks to the statutory factors—among them the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the contributions each spouse made to the family’s well‑being, and the earning capacities of both parties. Because Virginia is an equitable‑distribution state and not a community‑property state, the division of marital property and an award of alimony are separate determinations, though they often influence one another. An experienced alimony attorney can help you present the facts that the court must consider under § 20‑107.1.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Alimony Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each alimony matter by first gaining a clear picture of the client’s financial circumstances. This typically includes reviewing tax returns, pay stubs, business records, and any existing separation or prenuptial agreements. In Virginia, a pendente lite motion for temporary support may be available early in the case, and the team works to ensure that any immediate need is addressed while the divorce is pending.
Once the factual record is developed, the focus shifts to the statutory factors. The attorneys work to present evidence that speaks to each factor the court may consider—something that requires a thorough understanding of how Virginia Beach judges have applied § 20‑107.1 in cases with similar facts. Where possible, the team negotiates a support agreement that avoids the uncertainty of a court decision. If litigation is necessary, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to advocate in the Virginia Beach City Circuit Court. Throughout, the goal is to reach a fair outcome while keeping the client informed of the process and the realistic range of potential results.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has concentrated his practice on family law and other litigation matters since 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that revised the equitable‑distribution statute, Va. Code § 20‑107.3. His understanding of the interaction between property division and spousal support brings a comprehensive perspective to alimony cases.
The Of Counsel attorneys who work alongside Mr. Sris bring additional depth in family law, litigation, and related areas. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Every alimony case is handled with attention to the financial and personal realities of the client.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is alimony decided in Virginia Beach?
Alimony is decided under Va. Code § 20‑107.1, which lists 13 factors the court considers. The judge will look at the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity and financial resources, and the contributions each made to the marriage. The court has discretion; there is no formula. A spouse seeking support must show both a need and that the other party has the ability to pay.
What types of alimony are available in Virginia?
Virginia law recognizes temporary alimony (pendente lite support) while a divorce is pending, and final spousal support that may be awarded for a defined period, for an indefinite duration, or as a lump sum. The type and length of support depend on the specific circumstances, including the length of the marriage and the recipient’s ability to become self‑supporting through education or training.
Can alimony be modified after the divorce is final?
Yes, a spousal support order can be modified if there has been a material change in circumstances that was not anticipated at the time of the original award. Common grounds include a significant increase or decrease in either party’s income, involuntary job loss, or a change in the recipient’s living situation. The motion is filed in the same court that issued the order.
Do I need a lawyer for an alimony case in Virginia Beach?
While you are not legally required to have an attorney, alimony involves detailed financial disclosure and legal arguments under Va. Code § 20‑107.1. An experienced lawyer familiar with Virginia Beach courts can help you gather the necessary evidence, present it persuasively, and negotiate a settlement that may avoid a contested hearing.
What if my spouse is not paying court‑ordered alimony?
If a spouse fails to obey a spousal support order, you may file a show cause petition in the court that issued the order. The court can hold the non‑paying spouse in contempt and may impose sanctions, including fines or jail time, to compel compliance. Prompt action is important, because the longer the arrearage builds, the more difficult it can be to recover.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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