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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.