Virginia Alimony Laws 2026
Complete guide to spousal support in Virginia
Virginia Alimony at a Glance
Types Available
Maximum Duration
Discretionary; fault considered
How Courts Calculate
Judge discretion
Understanding Virginia Alimony Law
In Virginia, alimony (also called spousal support or spousal maintenance) is financial support paid by one spouse to the other following a divorce or separation. Virginia considers fault; adultery may bar alimony entirely.
Virginia courts generally consider the following factors when determining alimony:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse's income and earning capacity
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Each spouse's age, health, and employability
- Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking)
- Child custody arrangements and their impact on earning capacity
- Marital misconduct or fault (in some cases)
Types of Alimony in Virginia
Periodic: Regular (usually monthly) payments over a defined or indefinite period.
Lump-sum: A one-time payment of the total alimony amount, rather than ongoing periodic payments.
Rehabilitative: Designed to support a spouse while they gain education or job skills to become self-sufficient. Typically has a defined end date tied to the completion of a training program or return to the workforce.
Duration of Alimony
In Virginia, the duration of alimony awards is: Discretionary; fault considered.
Modifying or Terminating Alimony
In most cases, alimony in Virginia can be modified or terminated upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances, such as:
- Significant increase or decrease in either party's income
- Recipient spouse's remarriage
- Recipient spouse's cohabitation with a new partner (in many states)
- Either party's retirement
- Death of either party
Estimate Your Virginia Alimony
Use our calculator to get a rough estimate based on Virginia guidelines.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed Virginia family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.