Alimony in Virginia
State-specific overview · Family Law
Virginia courts award alimony based on a 12-factor test with no presumption favoring either spouse.
How Virginia treats Alimony
Virginia law (Code § 20-107.1) requires judges to consider factors including the standard of living during marriage, earning capacity, age, health, and contributions to the marriage. Alimony terminates automatically if the recipient remarries or cohabits with another person in a romantic relationship. The state recognizes four types: permanent, rehabilitative, reimbursement, and pendente lite (during divorce proceedings).
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.