Virginia Family Law Attorney Ensuring Your Interests Are Protected

Woodbridge family lawyer assists divorcing couples with spousal support

When you and your spouse divorce, there are a number of decisions you need to make that will have a long-term impact on your quality of life. One of the decisions the Virginia courts generally make on behalf of those involved is whether or not one spouse must provide the other with monetary support, which is also known as alimony or spousal support. At The Saunders Law Firm, PLLC, in Woodbridge, I have extensive experience guiding clients throughout Virginia in divorce actions involving spousal support. Whether you are the recipient of support or must pay it, I offer skilled counsel in ensuring an equitable result.

Spousal Support is one of the most frequently fought-over issues in divorce, and while courts and lawyers strive to split marital assets equitably, “equitable” does not necessarily mean “equal.” At The Saunders Law Firm, PLLC, I know the laws governing spousal support and the courts tasked with making support decisions. Whether your divorce is amicable or contentious, I always work to reach a fair agreement between our client and the opposing party.

Virginia attorney experienced in negotiating and litigating alimony agreements

When determining whether or not spousal support should be granted, how much should be awarded, and how long it should continue, Virginia judges weigh certain factors, including a couple’s length of marriage, their standard of living during the marriage, the relative income of each individual, and the needs of each spouse. Retaining an experienced family law attorney can help you convince the court that you need support, increasing the chance that spousal support will be awarded. Alternatively, I can also work to convince the judge that your ex-spouse does not need spousal support or needs less than he or she asked for.

In Virginia, there are four types of spousal support agreements:

• Temporary Spousal Support. This type of spousal support provides support during the divorce action, which may include attorney fees and relevant litigation costs.
• Rehabilitative Spousal Support. Rehabilitative spousal support helps a dependent spouse become self-reliant and may end when an ex-spouse has found a job or has completed his or her education. Rehabilitative Spousal Support requires periodic payments by one spouse to another but has a certain end date. These periodic payments can terminate prior to the end of the defined period if the payee remarries, resides with a person analogous to marriage for more than one year, or if either spouse dies.
• Lump Sum Spousal Support. A lump sum award of spousal support is a set amount that is due when a court awards it. Lump Sum spousal support can be paid all at once or in installments but the total amount is known at the time of award.
• Permanent Spousal Support. Permanent Spousal Support is given to a spouse who is seriously ill or who has demonstrated economic need. This agreement can be modified due to changing financial needs or other circumstances. Permanent spousal support provides for a periodic payment for an undefined duration is a specific sum that an ex-spouse pays at designated intervals. Permanent spousal support payments end upon death, remarriage of the spouse receiving support, and may end if the recipient spouse cohabits in a marriage-like relationship for a year or more, or by further order of the court.

I work with you to determine what kind of alimony is the best for your situation.

Advocate striving for your peace of mind

At The Saunders Law Firm, PLLC, I represent clients who are seeking spousal support as well as those who will be required to pay it. My clients are often concerned about whether they are required to pay spousal support if their circumstances change. Others come to me if they are not receiving the spousal support payments specified by the agreement. I can help you present evidence to the court as to why the amount you pay should be decreased or request that the court properly enforce the existing spousal support agreement.

Contact an experienced Virginia family law attorney for spousal support assistance

At The Saunders Law Firm, PLLC, I am dedicated to working toward an equitable spousal support result for the clients I represent throughout Virginia. Call me at 703-672-0808 or contact me online to schedule a consultation at my Woodbridge office.