Permanent Alimony Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA

For a spouse who has relied on the other’s income throughout a long marriage, the prospect of losing that financial support raises serious concerns. Virginia law provides for spousal support—often called alimony—and in certain circumstances a Virginia Beach Circuit Court may order support that continues indefinitely. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in permanent alimony matters across Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and the broader Hampton Roads area. We understand both sides of the issue and work toward resolutions that reflect the financial realities of the parties. To discuss your situation with an experienced family law attorney, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Permanent Alimony Means in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Permanent alimony—now referred to in the Virginia Code as spousal support of indefinite duration—is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1. Unlike rehabilitative support designed to help a dependent spouse become self-supporting, permanent support is not tied to a fixed endpoint. A Virginia court may order indefinite support when the recipient spouse cannot be expected to achieve self-sufficiency, often because of age, health, or a long absence from the workforce during the marriage. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, exercises exclusive original jurisdiction over divorce and associated spousal support matters. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in this court and are familiar with the way local judges apply the statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.

The court weighs thirteen statutory factors when determining whether permanent support is appropriate. Those factors include the earning capacity of each spouse, the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, monetary and nonmonetary contributions to the family, and any decisions made by the recipient spouse that affected career opportunities. Because the analysis is fact-intensive, the outcome varies significantly from one case to another. Whether you are seeking permanent support or are the spouse from whom support is requested, having an attorney who can present a thorough financial profile to the court is important. Our Richmond location serves Virginia Beach clients and we maintain availability by appointment to discuss permanent alimony matters.

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

Every spousal support case begins with a careful review of the financial history and current circumstances of both parties. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys collect tax returns, pay stubs, business records, and evidence of the marital lifestyle to build a factual record that accurately reflects the financial picture. In permanent alimony disputes, the central question is whether the party seeking support can be expected to reenter the workforce at a level that will maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to that enjoyed during the marriage. When the evidence shows that self-sufficiency is unlikely, we present that evidence in a manner that aligns with the statutory factors the Virginia Beach Circuit Court will apply.

The process may involve temporary support pendente lite, discovery, negotiations, and if necessary, trial. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to settle where a fair agreement is achievable, but they are prepared to litigate the issue when a settlement cannot be reached. Because permanent support orders can have long‑lasting financial consequences, we also advise clients on the tax treatment of spousal support and the interaction between support and equitable distribution of marital property under Va. Code § 20-107.3. At every stage, we strive to help clients understand their options and make informed decisions.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has concentrated his practice on family law for decades and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris has extensive courtroom experience and testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute additional experience in family law, civil litigation, and financial matters. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Our Richmond location represents clients throughout Virginia Beach and the surrounding communities. To speak with an attorney about permanent alimony or any other family law concern, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is permanent alimony in Virginia?

Permanent alimony, now called spousal support of indefinite duration, is a court-ordered payment that continues without a fixed end date. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, a Virginia court may award indefinite support when the recipient spouse is unlikely to become self-supporting—often due to advanced age, disability, or a marriage of long duration. The court evaluates thirteen statutory factors, including each spouse’s earning capacity, health, and contributions to the family. The goal is to provide the supported spouse with a financial remedy that reflects the economic realities of the marriage.

When does a Virginia court award permanent spousal support?

A court considers permanent spousal support when the facts show the recipient spouse cannot reasonably be expected to achieve financial independence. Factors that frequently support an indefinite award include a long marriage (often twenty years or more), a substantial disparity in income, a spouse who left the workforce to raise children or support the other’s career, and physical or mental health limitations. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court weighs all relevant factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 and exercises broad discretion.

How is permanent alimony different from temporary or rehabilitative alimony?

Temporary and rehabilitative alimony are for a limited time, while permanent spousal support is indefinite. Temporary support (pendente lite) lasts during the divorce proceedings. Rehabilitative support is awarded for a defined period—often a few years—to allow the recipient to obtain education or training. Permanent support, in contrast, continues unless and until a significant change in circumstances justifies modification or termination. Each type serves a different purpose under Virginia law.

Can a permanent alimony award be modified or terminated in Virginia?

Yes, a permanent spousal support order may be modified or terminated if the paying spouse proves a material change in circumstances. Common grounds for modification include a substantial and involuntary reduction in income, remarriage of the recipient, cohabitation in a relationship analogous to marriage, or the paying spouse reaching full retirement age. However, the requesting party must file a motion with the court and meet the statutory standard. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can advise you on whether your situation warrants a modification request.

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

While you are not legally required to retain a lawyer, permanent alimony cases involve complex financial and legal issues that benefit from experienced representation. A mistake in presenting your financial picture or analyzing the statutory factors can have lasting consequences. An attorney can help you gather the right evidence, negotiate a settlement, and if necessary, advocate for you at a hearing before the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. To discuss your case, call (888) 437-7747.

How do I prepare for a consultation about permanent alimony?

Gather financial documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, retirement account statements, and a list of monthly expenses. Be ready to discuss the length of the marriage, each spouse’s work history, education, health, and any prior support orders. The more complete the financial picture you provide, the better an attorney can assess the likely range of outcomes. For a consultation with Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

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

Last reviewed: July 2026