Manassas Spousal Support Attorney

The breakup of a marriage can leave one spouse in a very vulnerable position, especially if that family relied on one income. If you earn less than your spouse does, you need to know about your right to receive spousal support (also known as “alimony” in other jurisdictions). If you are the primary breadwinner for the spouse you are about to divorce, learn about your legal obligations and options regarding spousal support.

Contact our Manassas spousal support attorney today by calling (703) 215-1880!

Understanding Spousal Support in Virginia

In Virginia, spousal support is not automatically granted in every divorce. The court determines whether spousal support is appropriate based on several factors. Some of the key considerations include:

• The length of the marriage
• The financial needs and resources of both parties
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The contributions of each spouse to the family, including non-monetary contributions like homemaking and child-rearing
• The earning capacity and employability of both parties
• Any history of marital misconduct or fault, such as adultery or abuse

The goal of spousal support is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living following the divorce. It may be awarded on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Types of Spousal Support

There are several types of spousal support that may be awarded in a Manassas divorce case:

• Temporary spousal support: This type of support is granted during the divorce proceedings and ends once the divorce is finalized. It is intended to provide financial assistance to the lower-earning spouse while the case is ongoing.
• Permanent spousal support: Permanent support is awarded at the conclusion of the divorce proceedings and can vary in duration. This type of support may continue indefinitely, for a defined duration, or until the receiving spouse remarries or experiences a substantial change in circumstances. This type of support may continue indefinitely or until the receiving spouse remarries or experiences a substantial change in circumstances.
• Rehabilitative spousal support: Rehabilitative support is designed to help the lower-earning spouse become self-sufficient. This support is often awarded when one spouse needs time to gain education, training, or work experience to reenter the workforce. It is generally provided for a fixed period.
• Lump-sum spousal support: In some cases, spousal support may be awarded as a one-time, lump-sum payment. This can be a negotiated settlement between the parties or ordered by the court in specific circumstances.