In Fairfax County, spousal support is determined under Va. Code § 20-107.1 based on 13 statutory factors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 documented case results across all practice areas. Our Fairfax County spousal support lawyer can explain your rights to alimony or spousal maintenance.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Spousal support, also called alimony, is financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. Under Virginia law, the court considers 13 statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1 to determine whether spousal support is appropriate, the amount, and the duration. Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning the court divides marital property and debts fairly but not necessarily equally. Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating the firm’s deep involvement in Virginia family law.
Spousal support in Virginia is governed by Va. Code § 20-107.1, which provides the framework for awarding temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent spousal support. Unlike child support, which follows strict guidelines, spousal support is discretionary based on 13 factors including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all spousal support matters within divorce proceedings.
For the official Virginia spousal support statute, see Va. Code § 20-107.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Fairfax County Circuit Court procedures, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
In Fairfax County Circuit Court, spousal support motions are typically heard within 21-60 days of filing a pendente lite motion. The court expects both parties to submit detailed financial statements (VS-1 and VS-2 forms) at least 10 days before the hearing. Judges in Fairfax County closely examine each spouse’s earning capacity, not just current income.
- File a complaint for divorce or spousal support at Fairfax County Circuit Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030).
- Complete and file financial disclosure forms (VS-1 and VS-2) with the court within 21 days of the other party’s request.
- Attend mandatory pendente lite hearing for temporary spousal support, typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion.
- Participate in mediation if ordered by the court — Fairfax County encourages but does not require mediation for spousal support.
- Present evidence on the 13 statutory factors at trial, including income, earning capacity, marriage duration, and standard of living.
- Receive the court’s final spousal support order, which may be modifiable upon showing of a material change in circumstances.
In Fairfax County, spousal support violations carry contempt of court penalties including fines and potential jail time.
| Issue | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to pay spousal support | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Failure to comply with discovery | Civil contempt | Up to 12 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Adverse inference at trial |
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, the equitable distribution statute, which directly impacts spousal support determinations in Virginia. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also handles complex family law matters in Fairfax County. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 25 years of experience as a former prosecutor and family law attorney.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1789 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fairfax County, with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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.
Looking for a spousal support lawyer near me Fairfax County? Our Fairfax location serves clients throughout Fairfax County.
We serve the communities of 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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Q: How long does spousal support last in Fairfax County, Virginia?
It depends. Duration varies based on marriage length — typically one-third to one-half the marriage duration for marriages under 20 years. For marriages over 20 years, permanent support is possible. The court considers 13 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Q: Can spousal support be modified in Fairfax County?
Yes. Either party can request modification upon showing a material change in circumstances, such as job loss, retirement, or remarriage. The court reviews the change and adjusts support accordingly under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Q: Is spousal support taxable in Virginia?
No. For divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, spousal support is not taxable to the recipient nor deductible by the payer under federal tax law. This change was part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Q: What factors does Fairfax County Circuit Court consider for spousal support?
The court considers 13 factors including marriage duration, each spouse’s earning capacity, standard of living during marriage, age, physical condition, and contributions as a homemaker under Va. Code § 20-107.1.
Q: Can I get an affordable spousal support lawyer Fairfax County?
Yes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers payment plans and consultation by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case and fee options. We provide affordable spousal support lawyer Fairfax County services.
For more information, see our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. Also explore spousal support options in Fairfax City or Falls Church. For related legal needs in Fairfax County, see our criminal defense lawyer or DUI lawyer pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.