Indefinite Alimony Lawyer New Kent County, VA
Indefinite spousal support, commonly called indefinite alimony, is one of the most consequential financial issues a person can face in a New Kent County divorce. Under Virginia Code § 20-107.1, a court may award support for an undefined duration when the recipient spouse cannot reasonably become self-supporting due to age, health, disability, or other factors that make workforce reentry unlikely. For individuals in New Kent, Providence Forge, Quinton, and surrounding communities, these determinations unfold at the New Kent County Circuit Court located at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., together with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, handles indefinite alimony matters with a practical understanding of how the Ninth Judicial District applies the statutory spousal-support factors. If you are confronting a potential indefinite support obligation—or you need support to maintain financial stability after a long marriage—call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
What Indefinite Alimony Means in New Kent County
Virginia law distinguishes three types of spousal support: temporary (pendente lite), rehabilitative, and indefinite. Indefinite support is the least common but carries profound long-term consequences because it can last until the death of either party or the recipient’s remarriage, with no fixed end date. A court will order indefinite alimony only after finding that the requesting spouse faces a substantial barrier to self-sufficiency—typically advanced age, a chronic medical condition, or a decades-long absence from the workforce during the marriage.
In New Kent County, indefinite alimony issues arise in the Circuit Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-96. The same judge who divides marital property under § 20-107.3 also decides whether indefinite support is appropriate, applying the thirteen factors listed in § 20-107.1. Those factors include the parties’ ages and health, the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, contributions to the other’s education or career, and any grounds for divorce that affected the family finances. Because New Kent County is a smaller jurisdiction located along the I-64 corridor between Richmond and Williamsburg, its docket moves at a pace set by the Circuit Court’s calendar; contested alimony trials are fact-intensive and often involve testimony from vocational attorneys, medical professionals, and forensic accountants.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Indefinite Alimony Cases
When a client approaches the firm about indefinite alimony—whether as the potential payor or the recipient—the first step is a detailed financial and factual intake. The attorney evaluates the length of the marriage, the health and work history of both parties, and the marital lifestyle documented by tax returns, bank statements, and employment records. Early identification of key issues allows the team to build a focused presentation for the New Kent County Circuit Court.
For the spouse seeking support, counsel ensures that the court sees a complete picture of the requesting party’s limited earning capacity and the standard of living during the marriage. For the spouse facing a support demand, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys scrutinize the claimed disability or barrier to employment, often working with vocational evaluators to identify realistic job opportunities and rebutting inflated expense claims. In either position, the firm negotiates from a position of thorough preparation; if settlement is not achievable, the team tries the matter before the Circuit Court, presenting evidence in a way that respects the judge’s discretion under § 20-107.1.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and has practiced family law in Virginia for decades, appearing regularly in Central Virginia courts including New Kent County Circuit Court. He is a former prosecutor, bringing an experienced litigation perspective to every hearing. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to family law matters. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. in your case. The firm’s Richmond location, at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225, serves clients throughout New Kent County, Providence Forge, and Quinton. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is indefinite alimony in Virginia?
Indefinite alimony is a Virginia spousal support award with no fixed end date, granted only when the recipient cannot reasonably become self-supporting due to age, disability, or other statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1. It differs from rehabilitative support, which is designed to help a spouse gain skills and transition to independence. Indefinite support continues until the death of either party or the recipient’s remarriage, and it can be modified if a substantial change in circumstances occurs. Because of its open-ended nature, courts scrutinize the recipient’s actual barriers to employment thoroughly.
How does the New Kent County Circuit Court decide whether to award indefinite alimony?
The judge evaluates all thirteen factors in Virginia Code § 20-107.1, weighing things like the marriage’s length, the parties’ ages and health, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse’s earning capacity. The court will not order indefinite support unless it is clearly established that the recipient’s inability to work is deep-seated and not merely a temporary setback. Vocational-expert testimony is often a key piece of evidence. Disputes are heard at the New Kent County Circuit Court, 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124.
Can indefinite alimony be modified or terminated?
Yes, indefinite alimony can be modified or terminated if the person receiving support experiences a material change in circumstances, such as cohabitation in a relationship analogous to marriage, substantial improvement in health, or significant increase in income. The paying spouse must file a motion with the Circuit Court and prove the change is both substantial and not temporary. Likewise, the recipient spouse can seek an increase if the payor’s income rises significantly. Each side should have counsel evaluate the facts before filing.
Do I need a lawyer for an indefinite alimony case in New Kent County?
While you are not required to hire a lawyer, indefinite alimony claims involve complex financial evidence, vocational assessments, and statutory factors that are difficult to navigate without experienced counsel. A lawyer can ensure the correct financial disclosures are made, marshal expert testimony, and present a persuasive argument under § 20-107.1. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in New Kent County Circuit Court and can provide an honest assessment of your circumstances. To discuss your case, call (888) 437-7747.
What should I bring to a consultation about indefinite alimony?
Bring tax returns from the last three years, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, your spouse’s financial information if available, medical records if health is an issue, and a list of monthly expenses. A detailed marital history—how long you have been married, any gaps in employment, and the education levels of both parties—helps counsel provide practical guidance. The consultation is confidential, and the information you share will be used only to evaluate your situation under Virginia law.
How long does it take to resolve an indefinite alimony dispute in New Kent County?
The timeline varies by case complexity and the Circuit Court’s calendar, but contested alimony trials generally take several months to over a year from filing to final order. Discovery, including depositions and expert reports, accounts for much of that time. Cases that settle through negotiation or mediation can resolve more quickly. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to move cases efficiently while building a thorough record to protect clients’ interests.
Other Virginia Family Law Services: visit our pages for
Fairfax County,
Fairfax City,
Falls Church,
Prince William County, and
Manassas.
Virginia Law & Court Resources:
Va. Code § 20-107.1 (spousal support factors) |
New Kent County Circuit Court |
Virginia’s Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.