New Kent County Alimony Lawyer — How Is Spousal Support Determined?
An alimony lawyer New Kent County can help you handle a spousal support case under Virginia law. Spousal support, also called alimony, is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1 and is decided by the New Kent County Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Spousal Support Law
In Virginia, spousal support (alimony) is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another for maintenance and support. It is distinct from child support and is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1. The court has broad discretion to award support on a temporary (pendente lite) or permanent basis, considering the needs of the requesting spouse and the other spouse’s ability to pay. The goal is fairness, not punishment.
The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, brings a unique perspective, having personally contributed to the amendment of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, which is often intertwined with support determinations.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). All spousal support cases in New Kent County are filed at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
New Kent County Spousal Support Process
In New Kent County, a spousal support petition is typically filed alongside a divorce complaint in Circuit Court. The court examines 13 statutory factors, including the standard of living during the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, and the duration of the marriage. A key local procedural fact is that New Kent County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 12001 Courthouse Circle.
- Consult with a spousal maintenance lawyer New Kent County to evaluate your case.
- File a complaint for divorce or separate support in New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Exchange financial disclosures and complete discovery.
- Attend mediation or settlement conferences if ordered by the court.
- Present evidence at a hearing on the statutory factors.
- Obtain the court’s final order detailing the support amount, duration, and terms.
Spousal Support Factors & Considerations
In New Kent County, spousal support is not automatic and is based on a detailed analysis of statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
| Factor Considered | Description | Impact on Award |
|---|---|---|
| Marital Standard of Living | The lifestyle established during the marriage. | Primary benchmark for determining need. |
| Earning Capacity | Each party’s ability to earn income, including education and skills. | Determines ability to pay and need for support. |
| Duration of Marriage | Length of the marital partnership. | Longer marriages often support longer-term or permanent awards. |
| Contributions to Family | Non-monetary contributions as a homemaker or parent. | Recognizes non-financial contributions to the marital estate. |
| Age & Physical/Mental Condition | Health and age of each spouse. | Affects ability to work and become self-supporting. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Alimony Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law matters. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a deep, practical understanding of Virginia family law that directly benefits clients in related 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 in family law litigation and settlement.
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
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of 11 case results in New Kent County across all practice areas. In family law, favorable outcomes can include negotiated settlements that avoid court-imposed support orders, modifications of existing orders, or successful enforcement actions. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex financial support cases, leveraging his background in accounting and information systems.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Alimony Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts. We represent individuals in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. For a spousal support lawyer near New Kent County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Alimony Lawyer New Kent County FAQs
How is alimony calculated in Virginia?
It depends. Virginia has no official formula for spousal support. The New Kent County Circuit Court uses 13 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the marital standard of living, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, the marriage’s length, and each party’s contributions.
Can alimony be modified in Virginia?
Yes. A spousal support order can be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in either party’s income, cohabitation of the receiving spouse, or retirement. The party seeking modification must file a petition in the original court.
How long does spousal support last?
It depends on the court’s order. Support can be awarded for a defined period (rehabilitative), until a specific event (like retirement), or indefinitely (permanent). The duration is based on the statutory factors, with longer marriages more likely to result in longer-term support.
What is the difference between alimony and spousal support?
In Virginia, there is no legal difference; the terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to court-ordered payments from one spouse to the other for maintenance and support following a separation or divorce, as authorized under state law.
Do I need a lawyer for an alimony case?
While not legally required, having an alimony lawyer New Kent County is highly advisable. The process involves complex financial disclosure, legal arguments on statutory factors, and formal court procedures. An attorney can protect your interests and advocate for a fair outcome.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Family Law overview. We also assist with related matters like divorce in Henrico County and criminal defense in New Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.