Types Of Alimony In Virginia
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FAQ
The formula stated in § 16.1-278. is: (a) 30% of the gross income of the payor less 50% of the gross income of the payee in cases with no minor children and (b) 28% of the gross income of the payor less 58% of the gross income of the payee in cases where the parties have minor children in common.
Two of the biggest alimony factors in Virginia when awarding spousal support are the financial need of the party asking for support and the ability of the person paying to supplement the income of the requesting spouse to meet their needs.
Factors that may determine spousal support in Virginia include but are not limited to: Factors which contributed to the dissolution of the marriage. Age differences between the two parties. Assets owned by either party. Debts owed by one or both parties.
California determines alimony based on the recipient's “marital standard of living,” which aims to allow the spouse to continue living in a similar manner as during the marriage.
There is no fixed rule or set duration that automatically makes one spouse eligible or ineligible for alimony payments. However, marriage length is a crucial factor judges consider when determining whether to award alimony and, if so, how much and for how long.
You can start a spousal support case in Virginia Juvenile & Domestic Relations district courts by filing a petition. Find your local J&DR district court at this page, with links to each local court. The local J&DR district court can provide you more information about how to file a spousal support petition.
It's really up to the court, but couples that have been married for 20 years or more will usually have permanent spousal support—although the word “permanent” is used loosely, because the support obligation ends when one of the spouses dies.
One of the most significant disqualifying factors for alimony in Virginia is adultery. If you've been unfaithful during your marriage, you may lose your right to receive spousal support. Other fault-based grounds for divorce, such as cruelty or desertion, can also impact alimony decisions.
For couples without children, the formula involves subtracting 50% of the gross income of the receiving spouse from 27% of the gross income of the paying spouse. If there are children involved, the courts consider 58% of the receiving spouse's income and 26% of the paying spouse's income.
Spousal support issues arise in Virginia divorces where the parties have been married for a substantial length of time and there is a significant gap in their incomes. In these cases, determination of a proper amount and duration of spousal support (called “alimony” in other states) can become very difficult.
