Indefinite Alimony Lawyer Chesapeake — What Factors Determine Permanent Support?
Indefinite alimony in Chesapeake is a court-ordered, permanent spousal support obligation governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1. An indefinite alimony lawyer Chesapeake from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can analyze the 13 statutory factors to fight for or defend against a long-term support order. Our firm has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Indefinite Alimony
Virginia courts may award indefinite alimony, also known as permanent spousal support, when a spouse cannot become self-supporting after a marriage of long duration. The primary statute is Va. Code § 20-107.1, which lists 13 factors the court must consider. This is distinct from rehabilitative or reimbursement alimony, which have defined end dates. The goal is not to punish either party but to provide support where a significant economic disparity exists due to the marriage. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep involvement in shaping family law.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Family law cases in Chesapeake are filed at the Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Local Court Process for Alimony in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake Circuit Court, a request for indefinite alimony is typically made within a divorce complaint or a separate petition. The court examines the statutory factors in detail, often requiring detailed financial disclosures. Judges here are familiar with cases involving long-term marriages where one spouse has been out of the workforce.
- File a Complaint for Divorce or a Petition for Spousal Support in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Complete mandatory financial disclosures, including a detailed Statement of Property and a Financial Affidavit.
- Engage in discovery, which may include depositions, interrogatories, and requests for documents related to income, assets, and employability.
- Attend a pendente lite hearing for temporary support while the case is pending, if necessary.
- Participate in settlement negotiations or court-ordered mediation to attempt to resolve the support issue.
- Proceed to a final hearing or trial where both parties present evidence on all 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Key Factors in Awarding Indefinite Alimony
In Chesapeake, indefinite alimony depends on a multi-factor test, with no set formula, focusing on need and ability to pay.
| Factor (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | Court’s Consideration |
|---|---|
| Obligations, needs & financial resources | Current monthly expenses vs. income from all sources. |
| Standard of living during marriage | Lifestyle established prior to separation. |
| Duration of the marriage | Marriages of 20+ years are more likely to result in indefinite awards. |
| Physical & mental condition | Age and health impacting employability. |
| Contributions to family well-being | Career sacrifices, child-rearing, homemaking. |
| Earning capacity & employability | Education, skills, and time needed for training. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Experience with Chesapeake Family Law Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. In Chesapeake, we have a documented record of handling sensitive financial and support issues. Mr. Sris’s unique background includes personally amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing a strategic advantage in cases involving intertwined support and property division.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our approach to indefinite alimony cases is thorough and evidence-driven. We have 6 total documented case results in Chesapeake across all practice areas. For instance, our team, including secondary attorney Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor with a background in accounting—meticulously analyzes financial records and employment potential to build a compelling case for or against permanent support.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesapeake Indefinite Alimony Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients with Chesapeake family law matters. We are accessible via I-64 and other major routes. Serving Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Indefinite Alimony in Chesapeake: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between indefinite alimony and permanent spousal support in Virginia?
None. “Indefinite alimony” and “permanent spousal support” are interchangeable terms in Virginia law for ongoing support without a fixed end date, awarded under Va. Code § 20-107.1 when one spouse cannot become self-sufficient after a long marriage.
How long do you have to be married to get indefinite alimony in Chesapeake?
It depends. There is no statutory minimum, but Virginia courts are more inclined to award indefinite alimony in marriages of long duration, typically those lasting 20 years or more. The key is the economic dependency created by the marriage, not just the calendar length.
Can indefinite alimony be modified or terminated in Virginia?
Yes. A permanent spousal support lawyer Chesapeake can file a petition to modify or terminate indefinite alimony based on a material change in circumstances, such as the recipient’s cohabitation, a significant increase in income, or the payor’s retirement.
Is indefinite alimony taxable in Virginia?
No. For divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, alimony payments are not deductible by the payor and are not taxable income to the recipient, according to federal law. This applies to indefinite alimony and all other spousal support.
What if my ex-spouse who pays indefinite alimony loses their job?
They must petition the Chesapeake Circuit Court for a modification based on reduced income. The court may reduce the payment amount but is unlikely to terminate indefinite alimony solely for job loss unless the change is permanent and severe. The obligation continues during the modification process.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist clients in Henrico County and with Chesapeake criminal defense matters.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.