Indefinite Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

For many spouses in Virginia Beach, the end of a marriage raises critical financial questions. When one party cannot become self‑supporting due to age, illness, or a lengthy absence from the workforce, Virginia law authorizes indefinite spousal support under Va. Code § 20‑107.1. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway hears these matters, and a carefully presented case — supported by financial evidence and a clear understanding of the statutory factors — can make a substantial difference in the outcome. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys concentrate on family law matters, including indefinite alimony claims, throughout the Virginia Beach area. To speak with us about your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

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What Indefinite Alimony Means in Virginia Beach

Indefinite alimony is a form of spousal support ordered when a recipient spouse is unlikely to become self‑supporting within a determinable period. Unlike rehabilitative alimony — which is time‑limited and intended to allow a spouse to obtain education or training — indefinite alimony continues until a material change in circumstances warrants modification or termination. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over spousal support determinations in divorce cases, including requests for indefinite support. Proceedings follow the equitable framework of Va. Code § 20‑107.1, and the same court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway also handles related matters such as equitable distribution and divorce grounds under Va. Code § 20‑91.

Virginia courts evaluate indefinite alimony requests by examining thirteen statutory factors, including the duration of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, each spouse’s age and health, and the contributions each made to the family’s well‑being. The court’s analysis is highly fact‑specific; no single factor is dispositive. Because the result turns on both financial documentation and the credibility of the testimony presented, parties frequently benefit from working with counsel familiar with how these factors are weighed in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Standalone support‑related petitions not embedded in a divorce complaint are heard in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Indefinite Alimony Cases

When a client approaches the firm about indefinite alimony, the initial step is a thorough review of the marriage’s financial history. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys gather income documentation, tax returns, business records, and evidence of each spouse’s earning capacity. In many cases, the ability of the receiving spouse to return to the workforce — and the time and expense necessary to acquire marketable skills — is central to the court’s decision. Where experienced attorney analysis is needed, the firm works with vocational evaluators, medical professionals, and forensic accountants, ensuring the court receives a complete picture.

Negotiation plays a role in many indefinite alimony matters. A well‑documented financial presentation often encourages a settlement that avoids the uncertainty of trial. If the parties cannot agree, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare the case for hearing in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, presenting the evidence and legal argument in a manner that addresses the statutory factors head‑on. Throughout the process, the firm remains mindful that the order can remain in place for years; the goal is to craft a resolution — whether through agreement or judicial determination — that reflects a fair assessment of the parties’ circumstances under Virginia law.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since the firm was founded in 1997. As a former prosecutor, he brings a trial‑tested perspective to civil matters, including spousal support litigation. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), which revised provisions of Va. Code § 20‑107.3 related to equitable distribution — a statute often litigated alongside spousal support claims. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive collective experience in family law and civil litigation. Each Of Counsel attorney has handled matters in Virginia courts and is experienced in the documentation, negotiation, and trial skills that indefinite alimony cases demand. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. To discuss your situation with Mr. Sris or a member of the firm’s legal team, call (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is indefinite alimony in Virginia?

Indefinite alimony is a court‑ordered payment from one spouse to another that continues without a predetermined end date, reserved for cases where the recipient cannot become self‑supporting. Unlike rehabilitative support — which runs for a set term — indefinite alimony remains in place until a court finds that a material change in circumstances justifies a modification. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court decides whether indefinite support is appropriate by applying the thirteen factors listed in Va. Code § 20‑107.1. The order can be revisited if, for example, the paying spouse experiences a significant income reduction or the recipient spouse remarries or cohabits in a manner analogous to marriage.

What factors does a Virginia court consider when deciding whether to award indefinite alimony?

Virginia courts weigh thirteen statutory factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s age and health, the standard of living during the marriage, and the contributions each made to the family. Other factors involve earning capacity, education, the duration any spouse was absent from the job market, and the reasonable needs of the requesting spouse. The judge also considers the extent to which a spouse contributed to the other’s education or career advancement. No single factor controls the outcome; the court balances all of them to reach an equitable result based on the evidence presented at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.

Can indefinite alimony be modified or terminated later?

Yes, a party may petition the Virginia Beach Circuit Court to modify or terminate an indefinite alimony award if the requesting spouse proves a material change in circumstances that was not reasonably foreseen at the time of the original order. Commonly cited changes include a significant medical setback, involuntary job loss, retirement, or the recipient’s remarriage or cohabitation. The burden of proof rests on the party seeking the modification, and the court expects detailed financial documentation. Even after a modification petition is filed, the existing order remains in effect until the court rules; parties should not stop paying support without a court order. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Do I need a lawyer for an indefinite alimony case in Virginia Beach?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, indefinite alimony matters involve complex financial questions and statutory factors that are often challenging to navigate without experienced counsel. A lawyer can help gather the necessary financial evidence, work with vocational or medical experts when needed, and present the facts to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court in a light that aligns with the statutory factors. Self‑represented parties risk overlooking critical documents or legal arguments that could affect the duration and amount of support. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437‑7747.

How do I begin an indefinite alimony claim in Virginia Beach?

An indefinite alimony claim is typically raised as part of a divorce complaint filed in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. If the spouses have not yet filed for divorce, the complaint should include a request for spousal support and clearly state that indefinite support is sought. The court may also enter temporary support orders while the case is pending. After filing, both sides exchange financial information through discovery, and the matter may proceed to mediation, negotiation, or trial. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway schedules the hearing. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Primary legal authority: Virginia Code § 20‑107.1 (Spousal support factors) |
Virginia Judicial System |
Virginia Beach Circuit Court

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Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.