Arlington County Indefinite Alimony Lawyer — Can Permanent Support Be Modified?
Indefinite alimony in Arlington County is a permanent spousal support obligation awarded under Va. Code § 20-107.1 when a spouse cannot become self-supporting after marriage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused representation for payors and recipients of indefinite alimony in Arlington County. Our Arlington indefinite alimony lawyer can help you handle modification or termination petitions based on a material change in circumstances.
Virginia Law on Indefinite Alimony
Indefinite alimony, also called permanent spousal support, is governed by Virginia Code § 20-107.1. Unlike rehabilitative or durational support, indefinite alimony has no set end date. The court may award it after considering statutory factors, including the needs and financial resources of each party, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the duration of the marriage. A key factor is whether, given the parties’ circumstances, it would be unfair to deny support due to a spouse’s inability to become self-supporting.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court forms and procedures, visit the Virginia Judicial System website.
Procedural Insights for Arlington County
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all petitions for indefinite alimony, as well as requests for modification or termination. The court’s primary focus is whether a material change in circumstances has occurred since the last support order. Common changes include involuntary job loss, disability, retirement, or cohabitation of the receiving spouse. The process requires filing a formal petition and presenting evidence at a hearing.
- Consult an Attorney: Discuss your situation and goals regarding indefinite alimony modification or enforcement.
- Gather Documentation: Collect financial records, employment history, and evidence of any changed circumstances.
- File a Petition: Your attorney will file the appropriate petition (modification, termination, or enforcement) with the Arlington Circuit Court clerk.
- Exchange Discovery: Both parties share financial information through interrogatories, requests for documents, and depositions.
- Attend Mediation or Hearing: The court may order mediation. If unresolved, a judge will hear evidence and arguments at a trial.
- Obtain the Court Order: The judge issues a final order granting, denying, or modifying the indefinite alimony obligation.
Understanding Indefinite Alimony
In Arlington County, indefinite alimony is a court-ordered financial support payment from one former spouse to another that continues indefinitely until a court modifies or terminates it based on a material change.
| Support Type | Legal Standard | Duration | Modification Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indefinite Alimony | Unfair to deny support due to inability to be self-supporting (Va. Code § 20-107.1) | No set end date | Material change in circumstances |
| Rehabilitative Alimony | Support while recipient gains education/training for employment | Set period | Material change; completion of purpose |
| Durational Alimony | Support for a defined period post-divorce | Set period (cannot exceed marriage length) | Material change |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Family Law in Arlington
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep involvement in shaping state family law. Our firm has a documented record of 115 case results in Arlington County across all practice areas. We understand the nuanced arguments required for indefinite alimony cases in Arlington County Circuit Court.
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 in Arlington County
Our firm’s approach to family law has secured favorable outcomes for clients. In Arlington County, we have achieved results including negotiated settlements that avoided indefinite alimony awards and successful modifications of existing support orders based on changed financial circumstances. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, leveraging his experience, including his role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Contact Our Arlington Indefinite Alimony Lawyers
Our Arlington location serves clients in Arlington County, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We are accessible for those seeking an indefinite alimony lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is indefinite alimony in Virginia?
It is permanent spousal support with no set termination date, awarded under Va. Code § 20-107.1 when a spouse cannot become self-supporting and it would be unfair to deny support.
Can indefinite alimony be modified in Arlington County?
Yes. Either party can petition Arlington County Circuit Court to modify or terminate indefinite alimony upon proving a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, disability, or cohabitation by the recipient.
How is indefinite alimony different from other spousal support?
Unlike rehabilitative (for training) or durational (set term) support, indefinite alimony is permanent. It continues until a court order changes it, making the standard for modification critically important for a long-term alimony lawyer in Arlington County to address.
Does remarriage end indefinite alimony in Virginia?
Yes. Under Virginia law, the obligation to pay indefinite alimony terminates upon the remarriage of the spouse receiving support, unless otherwise stated in the court order.
What factors do courts consider for indefinite alimony?
Courts consider the 13 factors in Va. Code § 20-107.1, including the marital standard of living, each party’s earning capacity, assets, needs, and the duration of the marriage.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with family law in Alexandria, criminal defense in Arlington, and DUI defense in Arlington.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.