Permanent Alimony Lawyer New Kent County — Understanding Long-Term Support
Permanent alimony in New Kent County is court-ordered spousal support under Va. Code § 20-107.1 that continues until a change in circumstances, such as remarriage or death. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Permanent Alimony
Virginia law, specifically Va. Code § 20-107.1, governs spousal support, including permanent alimony. The statute does not use the term “permanent” but provides for support awards that continue for an indefinite duration. The court considers 13 statutory factors to determine the need, amount, and duration of support. These factors include the standard of living during the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, and the duration of the marriage. An indefinite spousal support lawyer New Kent County can analyze how these factors apply to your situation. The goal is to provide support to a dependent spouse who lacks sufficient resources to maintain a reasonable standard of living post-divorce.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the New Kent County Circuit Court website.
Procedural Insights for New Kent County
New Kent County Circuit Court handles all spousal support matters. The court’s analysis is fact-intensive. For long-term marriages where one spouse has been out of the workforce, the court is more likely to consider an indefinite award. A long-term spousal maintenance lawyer New Kent County can prepare the necessary financial documentation. The process typically involves:
- Filing a complaint for divorce or a separate motion for spousal support with the Circuit Court.
- Exchanging detailed financial disclosures, including tax returns and bank statements.
- Attending a pendente lite hearing for temporary support, if requested.
- Participating in settlement negotiations or mediation.
- Presenting evidence at a final hearing if an agreement cannot be reached.
- Addressing post-judgment modifications if circumstances change significantly.
Factors Considered for Spousal Support
In New Kent County, spousal support is determined by weighing multiple statutory factors, with no single factor being decisive.
| Key Factor | Court’s Consideration |
|---|---|
| Marital Standard of Living | A baseline for determining need and amount. |
| Earning Capacity & Employability | Education, skills, age, and time out of the workforce. |
| Duration of Marriage | Longer marriages (often 20+ years) favor indefinite support. |
| Contributions to the Marriage | Homemaking, child-rearing, and career sacrifices. |
| Financial Resources & Needs | Income, assets, debts, and obligations of each party. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris, the managing attorney, personally played a key role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3. This deep involvement in Virginia family law provides a strong foundation for handling complex spousal support cases.
Samantha Powers
Of Counsel | Virginia Bar 2023 | Florida Bar 2005 | J.D./M.A. University of Florida 2005 | Ph.D. Communication UCSB 2017 | 18+ years experience. Samantha Powers focuses her practice on Virginia family law matters, including spousal support, divorce, and complex property division.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Documented Case Results
Our firm has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex family law matters.
Contact Our New Kent County Permanent Alimony Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts. We represent clients in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in New Kent County, Virginia?
It depends. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement can take 2-4 months. A contested divorce often takes 9-18 months. Complex cases with business valuation can take 12-24 months. Temporary support hearings are typically set within 21-60 days of a motion.
How much does a divorce cost in New Kent County, Virginia?
The Circuit Court filing fee is about $86. Additional costs include service of process ($12-$100), pendente lite motion costs, Guardian ad Litem fees ($500-$2,500+), and mediation ($100-$300/hour per party). Attorney fees vary based on case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, based on factors in Va. Code § 20-107.3. Separate property, like pre-marriage assets or inheritances, is excluded from division.
How is child custody decided in New Kent County, Virginia?
Custody is based on the child’s best interests under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court considers 10 factors, including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Standalone custody cases go to J&DR Court; custody within divorce goes to Circuit Court.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation (no minor children with an agreement) or a 1-year separation. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for one year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for one year or more.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in New Kent County and DUI defense.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.