Reston, Virginia Spousal Support Attorney

Trusted Divorce Attorney for Alimony Concerns in Northern Virginia

In many marriages, each spouse's financial and non-financial contributions are unequal. One spouse typically earns more than the other, and household chores and duties are not always split evenly. When the marital relationship comes to an end, the lower-earning spouse may not be able to support themselves and their children with a similar standard of living. Spousal support may be necessary, but this issue is often highly contested. Whether you are seeking or being asked to pay alimony, you need an attorney to advocate for your interests skillfully.

At Nicole M. Burns, Attorney at Law, we know that your situation is unique, so we bring a personalized approach to each spousal support case. Dispute resolution methods, alimony obligations, and amounts should reflect your goals and circumstances. You may have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement stipulating spousal support that you need to uphold or contest. You can trust our highly experienced attorney to handle your case with care to protect your financial future and stability.

Understanding Spousal Support

If one spouse seeks alimony, various factors are considered, including:

• Each spouse's contributions to the marriage, both financial and non-financial
• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse's income, expenses, assets, debts, and earning capacity
• Each spouse's age and health
• The standard of living enjoyed as a couple
• Property division
• Child custody arrangements
• Each spouse's financial resources
• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements with stipulations for spousal support

Your unique circumstances shape how these factors apply to your case. We take time to understand your specific situation, helping you present a clear picture of your needs and rights under Virginia law.

Alimony is not always awarded. The spouse seeking spousal support must be eligible to receive it. The reasons for the dissolution of the marriage are important, as they may affect eligibility. In many cases, a spouse who committed adultery is barred from receiving alimony.

The Different Kinds of Alimony in Virginia

Your situation is unique, and the potential spousal support obligations, amounts, and duration are calculated based on case-specific factors. Pendente lite is a temporary form of alimony that is sometimes awarded while your divorce or spousal support proceedings are active.

Rehabilitative support is typically granted for a short time after a divorce. This type of alimony can provide for a spouse's financial needs while seeking employment, finishing education or training, or finding suitable housing.

A spouse could be awarded permanent alimony after a long marriage. This payment would continue until the receiving spouse remarries or either party dies, or if a court modifys it in the future. Fixed alimony is agreed upon between the parties.

Sometimes, the spouse being asked to pay alimony either quits their job or takes a lower-paying job in an attempt to avoid paying spousal support. If that applies to your case, we can help you address the situation appropriately. If a judge determines that a spouse is capable of earning more than they currently do, the court may assign a higher income level to them when calculating support. A court can also impute income to a spouse seeking alimony if they are underemployed.

We can represent you effectively, whether you are seeking or being asked to pay spousal support. As always, our goal is to protect your best interests.

Modifying Spousal Support in Northern Virginia

Calculations for spousal support are based on the circumstances and factors at the time it is ordered. However, if situations change significantly after the fact, modifications to your alimony orders may be necessary. For example, one spouse may lose their job, get a significant raise, or experience an incapacitating injury or illness. These circumstances could necessitate an increase or decrease in alimony. In some cases, things can change so significantly that alimony is no longer necessary.

Some people choose to forego formally modifying spousal support orders, reaching an informal agreement instead. That could be a costly mistake because your agreement may not be in your best interests, and it could put you in violation of a court order.

Similarly, if your ex is not paying alimony, we can assist you in enforcing the court order.

Contact Our Reston, VA Spousal Support Attorney

Missteps in the spousal support process can impact your financial stability for years, so it is important that you entrust your case to a highly effective divorce lawyer. Call us at 703-373-4761 or reach out to us online to set up an initial consultation.