Spousal Support and Alimony Attorney Serving Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake
Alimony (spousal support) is a hot, often contested issue when one party is forced to pay a former spouse. Also, unlike child support, there are no clear guidelines on how to determine amounts of support, which can make the process subjective. Because of this uncertainty, it is important to work with an experienced attorney you can trust to properly assess your case and aggressively protect your rights.
To protect your rights in a divorce or spousal support dispute, call me directly at 757-491-1331 or contact me by e-mail to schedule an initial consultation.
Protect your rights and security during an alimony dispute
Whether you are seeking to collect alimony or prevent unmanageable support obligations, it is absolutely critical to know your rights and work with a trusted alimony and spousal support attorney. As your attorney, I will do my best to create realistic expectations, inform you of potential pitfalls in your case, and aggressively pursue your interests either in negotiations or in court.
Alimony is based on the need of one spouse to receive support income and the ability to pay of the other spouse. The following factors are relevant:
- Current income of both parties
- Employment history of the parties
- Duration of marriage
- Education of both parties
- Standard of living established during the marriage
Temporary alimony or spousal support
It is possible for you to receive temporary support while the divorce is in process. At first, it may be unusually high, taking into account the recent separation of the parties, the expense of two households and probably a very high mortgage payment for the former marital residence. This is achieved through the first short hearings, which are called pendente lite or temporary support and relief hearings.
Rehabilitative alimony or spousal support
When a couple is married less than 10 years, alimony may be paid for a period of time and then end. The court will generally order rehabilitative alimony to provide the lower earning spouse support while they return to school or receive training to increase income. You may be liable for rehabilitative alimony or eligible to receive it if your spouse was the sole breadwinner and you do not have the education or skill to support yourself at the same standard of living or if your respective incomes show marked discrepancy.
Permanent alimony or spousal support
Once permanent alimony is ordered, it only ends if either party dies or if the recipient spouse remarries or cohabits for a period of more than 12 months. Alimony can be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, for instance, in the respective income of the parties. If you are seeking to receive permanent alimony or want to prevent permanent alimony obligations, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can inform you of your rights and prepare your case at the outset to achieve your desired results.
For more information about factors found in the Virginia Code regarding spousal support, click here
Call 757-491-1331 or contact me by e-mail to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake lawyer. Se habla español. Our law office offers plenty of free parking for clients.
