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Spousal Support Attorneys Who Fight Tenaciously for You in Northern VA

Respected family law practice serving clients Northern Virginia for more than a decade

Divorce is the separation of two lives. It requires the resolution of many issues, including whether spousal support should be paid and, if so, how much should be paid. Yet many couples cannot agree how best to resolve alimony disputes. At The Leiser Law Firm we have handled numerous spousal maintenance cases. Our lawyers are well versed in divorce and family law in Virginia, and we know how the system works. We provide you with sound advice, reliable guidance, and fearless representation.

What is spousal support?

Spousal support — also known as alimony or spousal maintenance — is an obligation to make payments to one spouse after or during a divorce. Virginia law allows spouses to draft their own spousal maintenance agreement if they wish. In the event that you and your spouse cannot agree on a spousal support arrangement, the court steps in and decides if and how much support should be paid and by whom. Following are the factors the court considers when resolving a spousal support dispute:

  • The obligations, needs and financial resources of the parties, including income from all pension, profit-sharing and retirement plans
  • The standard of living established during the marriage
  • The duration of the marriage
  • The age and physical and mental condition of the parties and any special circumstances of the family
  • The extent to which the age, physical or mental condition or special circumstances of any child of the parties would make it appropriate that a party not seek employment outside of the home
  • The contributions, monetary and nonmonetary, of each party to the well-being of the family
  • The property interests of the parties, real and personal, tangible and intangible
  • The provisions made with regard to the marital property under § 20-107.3
  • The earning capacity, including the skills, education and training of the parties and the present employment opportunities for persons possessing such earning capacity
  • The opportunity for, ability of, and the time and costs involved for a party to acquire the appropriate education, training and employment to obtain the skills needed to enhance earning ability
  • The decisions regarding employment, career, economics, education and parenting arrangements made by the parties during the marriage and their effect on present and future earning potential, including the length of time one or both of the parties have been absent from the job market
  • The extent to which either party has contributed to the attainment of education, training, career position or profession of the other party
  • Other factors, including tax consequences, affecting the fairness of the agreement

Generally, in short marriages, the court awards temporary or rehabilitative spousal support. However, if a marriage lasted many years or if the support-seeking spouse is elderly, long-term or permanent alimony may be awarded.

How long does spousal support last?

Alimony payments may last an unspecified amount of time. However, in some cases, spousal support may be ordered for a set period of time. In Northern Virginia, spousal support may be paid in a lump sum or through periodic payments. If the receiving spouse remarries, spousal support automatically ends. Spousal maintenance also ends if either spouse dies or if the recipient former spouse lives in a relationship substantially like marriage for more than one year.

Choose a divorce law firm that focuses on getting results

When a spousal support matter affects with your life, you need experienced legal help. We at The Leiser Law Firm provide clients in Northern Virginia with competent alimony guidance. Call 703-734-5000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation to discuss your case with one of our skilled attorneys.