Divorce can be emotionally messy, but it is often money that causes individuals to suffer significant stress. When one partner to an ending makes little to no money on their own, they may fear how they will support themselves in the future. In Virginia, spousal support is an option for those in need of post-divorce financial assistance.
This post will provide some important information spousal support in Virginia. It should not be used as legal advice and questions about divorce, spousal support, and family law should be directed to knowledgeable Richmond-based attorneys. Every case will evolve based on its own facts and may have different outcomes depending on the circumstances of the parties.
What is spousal support?
Spousal support is money paid from one party to a divorce to the other during and after the divorce process. In Virginia, spousal support is based on need, which means it is not awarded in every divorce case. If both spouses to a divorce can independently care for their own financial needs, then spousal support will not be awarded.
How is spousal support determined?
As stated, spousal support is based on need. A court will look at many factors to decide if it should be awarded. Factors can include, but are not limited to, the length of the marriage, the income potentials of the parties, the presence of disabilities, and standard of living enjoyed by the parties during the marriage.
How long does spousal support last?
Spousal support can be short-term or long-term. It will depend on the need of the receiving spouse. It can be paid in a single lump-sum amount, or it may be paid over years. Different events like remarriage of the recipient spouse can terminate spousal support, and it can be modified by the parties.
Divorcing parties have many questions about spousal support and other divorce-related topics. It is important that they seek out case-specific information from knowledgeable family law professionals.