In Fairfax County, indefinite alimony is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, which considers 13 factors for long-term spousal support. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 documented case results across all practice areas. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Indefinite alimony, also called permanent spousal support, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another that continues indefinitely. Under Va. Code § 20-107.1, Virginia courts consider 13 factors when determining whether to award indefinite alimony, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Unlike rehabilitative alimony, which has a fixed end date, indefinite alimony does not automatically terminate unless the recipient remarries or either party dies. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all spousal support matters at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030. The court evaluates whether the requesting spouse cannot become self-supporting due to age, disability, or lack of marketable skills. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, giving the firm unique insight into Virginia’s spousal support framework.
For the official statute governing spousal support, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and filing information, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
In Fairfax County Circuit Court, judges closely examine the 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 before awarding indefinite alimony. The court typically schedules a pendente lite hearing within 21 to 60 days of filing a motion for temporary spousal support. During this hearing, the judge evaluates each spouse’s immediate financial needs and ability to pay. For long-term or permanent spousal support, the final hearing occurs at trial, where both parties present evidence on earning capacity, marital standard of living, and contributions made during the marriage.
- File a Motion: Your attorney files a motion for spousal support with Fairfax County Circuit Court, including a detailed financial statement.
- Attend Pendente Lite Hearing: The court holds a temporary hearing within 21-60 days to determine interim support while the case proceeds.
- Exchange Financial Documents: Both parties provide tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and asset valuations through discovery.
- Participate in Mediation: The court may order mediation to attempt settlement before trial, though mediation is not mandatory in Virginia.
- Present Evidence at Trial: Your attorney presents evidence on the 13 statutory factors, including experienced testimony from forensic accountants if needed.
- Receive Final Order: The judge issues a final spousal support order specifying the amount, duration, and terms of payment.
In Fairfax County, indefinite alimony carries no criminal penalty but non-payment can result in contempt of court, wage garnishment, and asset seizure.
| Issue | Classification | Duration | Financial Impact | Modification | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-payment of alimony | Civil contempt | Until compliance | Wage garnishment, bank levy | Possible modification | Attorney fees, court costs |
| Failure to disclose assets | Sanctions | Case-specific | Fines, adverse inference | N/A | Loss of credibility |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts spousal support determinations. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., also handles complex family law matters. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., New Jersey, and New York.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is located near the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Fairfax County and the surrounding areas.
Looking for an indefinite alimony lawyer near Fairfax County? We represent clients in Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
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How long does indefinite alimony last in Fairfax County, Virginia?
It depends. Indefinite alimony continues until the recipient remarries, either party dies, or the court modifies the order. Virginia courts consider 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 before awarding permanent spousal support.
Can indefinite alimony be modified in Fairfax County?
Yes. Either party can request modification if there is a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, disability, or significant income change. The court reviews the 13 factors again before modifying the order.
What is the difference between indefinite alimony and permanent spousal support?
No difference. Indefinite alimony and permanent spousal support are the same thing — court-ordered payments that continue indefinitely. Virginia law uses both terms interchangeably under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Does Virginia require a minimum marriage length for indefinite alimony?
No. Virginia does not have a statutory minimum marriage length for indefinite alimony. However, longer marriages (15+ years) are more likely to result in permanent spousal support awards under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Can I get indefinite alimony if I was at fault for the divorce?
It depends. Virginia is a fault-based divorce state, but fault does not automatically bar spousal support. The court considers fault as one of 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, but it is not determinative.
How is indefinite alimony calculated in Fairfax County?
No. There is no formula for indefinite alimony in Virginia. The court evaluates 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1, including each spouse’s earning capacity, the marriage duration, and the standard of living during the marriage.
Does indefinite alimony end if I retire?
It depends. Retirement can be grounds for modification if it constitutes a material change in circumstances. The court considers whether the retirement is in good faith and whether the paying spouse can still meet support obligations.
Can I waive indefinite alimony in a prenuptial agreement?
Yes. Virginia courts generally enforce prenuptial agreements that waive spousal support, provided the agreement was signed voluntarily and with full financial disclosure. The court reviews the agreement for unconscionability.
For more information about family law in Virginia, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in a nearby locality, see our Fairfax City Family Law Lawyer or Falls Church Family Law Lawyer. For related legal matters in Fairfax County, explore our Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Fairfax County DUI Lawyer.
Learn more about our team: Samantha Powers — Family Law Attorney. Visit our Fairfax Office location page for directions and appointment scheduling.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.