Permanent Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
You are sitting across from your spouse—or maybe you are alone in your living room—and the word “permanent” attached to alimony keeps echoing in your mind. The thought of paying support without an end date, or the fear that you will not receive enough to maintain any stability after a long marriage, can turn an already painful divorce into something overwhelming. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work with individuals throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana who are confronting exactly that prospect. We focus on presenting a clear, fact-driven picture to the court so that the outcome reflects what is fair under Virginia law. If you are ready to talk through your situation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
How We Approach Permanent Alimony Cases in Virginia Beach
Permanent spousal support is rarely the starting point in a Virginia divorce. It becomes a possibility when a marriage has lasted many years and one spouse’s earning capacity or health makes it unrealistic to expect self‑sufficiency through rehabilitative support alone. Our role is not to push for one outcome or another; it is to make sure the Virginia Beach Circuit Court has the evidence it needs to apply the factors listed in Va. Code § 20‑107.1.
We often begin by examining the duration of the marriage, the standard of living established during it, and each party’s financial resources. Where one spouse sacrificed career advancement to support the family or where a health condition limits the ability to work, those facts must be organized in a way the court can weigh against the payer’s ability to provide support. Our team also looks at fault grounds, because adultery or other conduct may affect the court’s analysis. In every case, we aim to build a record that supports a reasoned decision—not one driven by emotion.
What to Expect When Permanent Alimony Is at Issue
Virginia Beach family law matters are heard in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B. Because the Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and equitable distribution, the alimony analysis usually runs alongside the division of property. The judge is required to consider equitable distribution first, then determine whether spousal support—and what type—is appropriate. That sequencing matters, because the assets each spouse walks away with affect the support calculus.
Early in the case, either spouse can request temporary support through a pendente lite motion. That hearing typically takes place before the final trial and addresses immediate needs like housing and monthly bills. The temporary award does not dictate the permanent outcome, but it can set expectations. After discovery and, in many instances, mediation, the matter proceeds to a final hearing where both sides present evidence on the factors the court must weigh. We prepare our clients to show their actual financial picture, not a speculation, so the judge can make findings based on the reality of both households.
The Legal Framework: Permanent Alimony Under Virginia Law
Virginia courts consider thirteen statutory factors when deciding whether to award permanent spousal support. Those factors include the parties’ ages, physical and mental condition, the length of the marriage, the contributions each party made to the family’s well-being, and the earning capacity of each spouse. The court also looks at the standard of living during the marriage and whether one spouse’s career or educational advancement was derailed by the marriage. If a spouse committed adultery, that can bar an award of permanent support.
The practical effect of a permanent alimony order can be significant. For the recipient, it may mean continued access to health insurance or the ability to stay in the marital home. For the payor, it creates an ongoing obligation that can last until the death of either party or the recipient’s remarriage. In some cases, the court reserves the right to revisit the award if circumstances change materially—such as a substantial increase or decrease in income, or the onset of a disability. Because these orders can shape a person’s financial life for years, it is essential to put the strongest possible presentation before the court at the divorce stage.
Attorney Credentials
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since founding the firm in 1997. He is admitted 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) and has firsthand familiarity with how Virginia’s equitable distribution and spousal support statutes are applied in Circuit Courts across the Commonwealth.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The Of Counsel attorneys who work on Virginia family law matters are licensed in Virginia and contribute their own trial and negotiation backgrounds to each case. Every client’s matter is handled with attention to the particular facts, because no two marriages—and no two financial pictures—are alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is permanent alimony in Virginia?
Permanent alimony is court‑ordered spousal support that continues until the death of either party or the recipient’s remarriage, with no set end date. Virginia courts reserve permanent support for cases where a spouse cannot become self‑supporting through rehabilitative efforts, often because of age, health, or a long absence from the workforce. The decision is based on the thirteen factors in Va. Code § 20‑107.1. Even when permanent support is awarded, a material change in circumstances can later justify a modification if the court retains jurisdiction.
How does a Virginia Beach Circuit Court decide whether to award permanent alimony?
The court weighs the statutory factors, with a focus on the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and whether one spouse’s ability to work has been diminished by the marriage. Evidence about the standard of living during the marriage, the division of property, and fault grounds such as adultery also plays a role. The judge has broad discretion, so the quality of the financial documentation and witness testimony presented can significantly influence the outcome. There is no mathematical formula; each case turns on its own set of facts.
Can I be ordered to pay permanent alimony if I am already paying child support?
Yes, child support and spousal support are separate obligations, and a court can order both in the same case. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court calculates child support under the Virginia guidelines based on the parties’ combined gross income, while spousal support is determined using the statutory factors. A payor’s overall financial picture—including the child support amount—is part of the spousal support analysis, but the existence of a child support order does not bar an award of permanent alimony.
How long does permanent alimony last?
Permanent alimony continues until the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient, unless the court later modifies the order. Cohabitation in a relationship analogous to marriage can also be a ground for termination under Virginia law. If the payor dies, the obligation generally ends immediately. Some divorce decrees provide that the support is non‑modifiable, but in most cases, Virginia law allows modification upon a showing of a material change in circumstances, such as a substantial change in income or a serious health event.
Can permanent alimony be modified later?
Yes, a Virginia court can modify permanent alimony if the person seeking the change proves a material change in circumstances that was not anticipated when the original order was entered. Examples include a significant and involuntary loss of income, a disability, or the recipient’s remarriage or cohabitation. The party requesting modification must file a motion with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court and present evidence supporting the change. Until the court issues a new order, the existing support obligation remains in full effect.
What if my ex‑spouse refuses to pay permanent alimony?
If a payor fails to comply with a permanent alimony order, the recipient can ask the court to enforce the order through contempt proceedings or income garnishment. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court has the authority to enter a show‑cause order requiring the payor to explain the non‑payment. If the court finds contempt, it can order jail time, a monetary judgment for arrears, and attorney fees. The Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement can also assist with income withholding in some cases. Prompt action when payments stop is important to limit the accumulation of arrears.
Do I need a lawyer for a permanent alimony case in Virginia Beach?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but permanent alimony decisions rest on detailed statutory factors that are difficult to present effectively without legal experience. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court expects the parties to submit financial statements, tax returns, and testimony that tie the facts to the thirteen factors. A lawyer can help gather and present that evidence, cross‑examine the opposing party’s financial claims, and argue for an outcome that reflects the family’s actual financial reality. For questions about your specific case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How can I prepare for a meeting about permanent alimony?
Gather as much documentation about your household finances as you can: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, retirement account statements, and a list of monthly expenses. Think about the length of the marriage and whether either spouse experienced career interruptions or health issues that affect earning capacity. Write down any questions you have about the process or about your goals. Having that information organized helps us give you a realistic assessment of what the Virginia Beach court is likely to consider important in your case.
Request a Consultation
If you need guidance on permanent alimony in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, or Oceana, we are ready to talk through the factors that matter in your marriage. Reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation. Appointments are available by phone or in person at our Richmond location. We listen to your concerns and help you understand what Virginia law provides before you make decisions that will shape your financial future.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule.
For a detailed statutory breakdown, see our comprehensive analysis at srislawyer.com.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.