Marriage not only unites the couple legally, but it also combines their home, property and finances. While it might not be split evenly, each spouse has obligations to the other during their union. A divorce severs their union; however, it does not immediately end the...
Spousal Support
How does a job change affect spousal support?
Spousal support might be awarded in your divorce if the court thinks that it’s necessary to help you enjoy the marital standard of living until such time as you become self-sufficient. There are many other factors that go into the court’s initial determination, but an...
Determining a spousal support award
There are many items to address when a couple decides to divorce. One important issue is spousal support, also known as alimony. The court may consider several factors when determining how much to award. Factors for consideration The amount of spousal support the...
The basic rules of spousal support in a Virginia divorce
When a Virginia couple decides to end their marriage, one of the first questions each spouse asks is, “Can the court order alimony?” The answer to this question can be frustrating, but the correct answer is, “It depends.” The answer depends upon many factors which...
How long does spousal support last?
If a spouse is a stay-at-home parent during the marriage or does not earn as much as their spouse, they may be entitled to spousal support from their spouse if they get divorced. Courts may award spousal support to people who may need financial support during and/or...
Spousal support: Ensuring the financial security of both spouses
Divorce is often an overwhelming and confusing process. On top of emotional upheaval, those going through divorce frequently face financial uncertainty. In addition to dividing marital property and child support, Virginia law provides for payment of alimony, referred...
Can cohabitation end a spousal support obligation?
A spousal support obligation can be burdensome if you’re the one paying it. It can rock your own financial stability and prevent you from achieving your financial goals. Although you may have negotiated a spousal support resolution that you felt was fair at the time...
How a supporting spouse’s retirement impacts a support order
Spousal support is a key part of many Virginia divorce cases. Among the issues that are weighed include the lifestyle from the marriage, the income and potential income of both parties, contributions during the marriage and more. In many cases, the party who is paying...
How can I change a spousal support order?
Divorce is a challenging time for a family to have to go through, and the stresses are not just emotional but financial as well. Women who have supported the family by taking care of children and overseeing the household while their husbands were at work can feel...
The basics on spousal maintenance in Virginia
Those in Fairfax County going through a divorce know that there are many financial issues that will need to be settled or decided by the court. Specifically, spouses will want to make sure they can care for themselves financially once they are single. For this reason,...