Spousal Support
Spousal Support Lawyers
When a couple marries, they have an obligation to be financially responsible for and to each other for as long as the marriage lasts. Even when the marriage does not last “until death do they part,” the court may order continued financial obligations from one spouse to the other. This post-divorce financial support is referred to as spousal support. Whether you believe you have a legal right to receive spousal support after your divorce or wonder if you are legally obligated to pay spousal support to your ex-spouse, an experienced divorce attorney can help.
When is Spousal Support Awarded?
In Virginia, spousal support is only granted when it is deemed necessary. This can vary from one divorce situation to the next. However, courts are more likely to consider granting spousal support in cases where:
- The couple was married for a long time
- The two spouses have a large income gap
- One spouse has a disability
- One spouse is unemployed
Other factors or situations that the court might consider when deciding on spousal support include the reasons leading to the divorce, such as adultery. If the spouse who committed adultery is the one seeking support, the court might be more likely to deny the request.
The Specifics of Spousal Support in Divorce
Just as no two marriages or divorces are the same, spousal support is different in each case. There is no calculation or rule about if and how much a spouse should receive. However, judges will examine several factors when making their determination, such as:
- The incomes of each partner
- The financial needs of both parties
- Each spouse’s age and mental and physical conditions
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The number of years the marriage lasted
- The contribution of one partner to the education, training, or increased earning power of the other
- If it was necessary for one spouse to stay home during the marriage due to the age or special circumstances of any children
- The property interests of each spouse
When you hire an experienced divorce lawyer, you can learn more about if and how spousal support will apply to your divorce. The judge might order this form of support to be paid in one lump sum or periodic payments. Spousal support payments could last for a predetermined amount of time or be unspecified and end if the paying spouse dies or the receiving spouse remarries or cohabits.
Meet with a Well-Versed Spousal Support Lawyer
Spousal support is often one of the most stressful and contentious issues that must be addressed in a divorce. A well-versed divorce attorney at Mahoney Richmond Thurston, PLLC, can address your spousal support questions. They can also help you understand how much spousal support you might be entitled to or if you might owe spousal support payments to your soon to be ex-spouse. Contact us to schedule your divorce case review today.
Andrew T. Richmond 
Reeves W. Mahoney
Nicole M. Thurston
Jessica N. TrotmanVirginia Beach Location
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