Virginia Beach Alimony Lawyers

Going through a divorce can be an incredibly emotional and challenging experience, especially when it comes to alimony or spousal support. Many individuals find themselves feeling lost and anxious about their financial future, uncertain of their rights and the potential outcomes regarding alimony.

The fear of receiving an inadequate settlement that fails to provide for your needs or those of your family can create immense stress. This uncertainty can weigh heavily on your mind, making it difficult to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

At Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, our dedicated team of experienced Virginia Beach spousal support attorneys is here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need. We understand the complexities of Virginia’s spousal support laws and are committed to helping you secure the financial support you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you take control of your future.

Why Clients Choose Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn as Their Virginia Beach Spousal Support Attorney

Since 2012, the family law attorneys at Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, have been dedicated to providing individuals with extensive care and support. We recognize the importance of honest, straightforward legal advice and advocate fiercely for our clients. If you are concerned about the amount of spousal support, you owe or are entitled to, we encourage you to contact us for immediate guidance.

Testimonials

“I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone in need of legal services. From calling to inquire and set up an appointment, to meeting with the staff to assist me — it was all a very smooth process. They are true professionals that understand their clients, and extremely knowledgeable. They make sure you receive the best service, and I am truly grateful for everyone at this law firm that assisted helping me get the best outcome.” — Anna R.

“Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn are quick and responsive to your needs. They provide you with the tools you need and they take care of the rest. I highly recommend them.” — Annette B.

“Gave great guidance, was quick to respond to all my questions and made everything run smoothly as possible. Hopefully I’m never in a situation that I need legal service again but if I were they would be my first choice.” — Vince K.

Who is Eligible for Spousal Support in Virginia Beach?

In Virginia Beach, spousal support, or alimony, is awarded to either spouse during a divorce based on eligibility criteria. Under Virginia law, a person may qualify for spousal support if they demonstrate financial need. This often applies in cases where one spouse earns significantly less than their partner or has not worked for some time because of family responsibilities.

The duration of the marriage can also affect this. Longer marriages typically lead to a higher likelihood of receiving alimony, especially if they lasted 19 years or more.

What Types of Spousal Support are Available in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach spousal support can take several forms to meet the specific financial or other needs of the spouse after the divorce. The primary types of support include:

• Temporary spousal support: Also known as pendente lite support, this type is awarded during the divorce proceedings. It provides financial assistance until a final decision is made regarding permanent support, allowing the spouse to maintain their current standard of living during the litigation process.
• Permanent spousal support: This alimony is awarded in long-term marriages and continues indefinitely until the recipient remarries or either spouse passes away. It is generally reserved for situations where the dependent spouse may not be able to achieve financial independence due to age, health issues, or other factors.
• Lump sum award: A lump sum award is a fixed amount determined by the court, which is due at the time of the award. It can be paid in full at once or in installments, but the total sum is predetermined.

What Factors Determine the Amount of Spousal Support You Will Receive?

Your divorce attorney will discuss your rights to receive spousal support as well as whether paying spousal support may be necessary in your case. To determine whether to grant alimony, a judge will consider the entire scope of the relationship and divorce. Factors that may lead to spousal support cases include:

• The needs of each spouse
• The responsibilities of each spouse
• The financial resources each spouse has available to them, such as retirement or pension plans
• The standard of living during the marriage
• The length of the marriage
• The age and health conditions of both spouses
• Special family situations that may impact one spouse’s ability to work
• Contributions during the marriage, including financial and non-financial contributions
• How assets were divided in the divorce
• Each spouse’s earning capacity, skills, education, training, and current job opportunities, including the need or possibility of education or training to improve earning potential

In addition, a judge will consider decisions each spouse made during the marriage regarding their careers, parenting, spending, and other factors. The ultimate goal is to consider what is deemed fair, including tax implications and the reason for the divorce.

Can Spousal Support Agreements Be Modified in Virginia Beach?

Once spousal support, or alimony payments and agreements go into place, the court expects these rules to be followed after the divorce case is finalized. Modifications can happen through the court if and when there is a material change in the circumstances of one or both of the spouses after the court order was put into place. Examples of this include:

• Changes in either spouse’s financial situation
• Job loss
• Substantial decrease or increase in pay
• The receiving spouse remarries, or cohabitation occurs with another adult
• Significant career advancement

For such modifications to happen, the change described must be involuntary, meaning the spouse had little to no control over the situation. If a spouse simply quits their job so they do not have to pay spousal support, the court may not modify the court order or reduce support obligations.

Additionally, if spousal support was established through an agreement made before July 1, 2018, and that agreement does not allow for modifications, it cannot be changed unless both parties agree to the alteration. Conversely, agreements made after this date can specify whether they are modifiable or not.

How Can a Virginia Beach Spousal Support Attorney Help You?

By establishing an attorney-client relationship, your attorney can help you in numerous ways, including:

• Navigating the complexities of establishing a spousal support agreement
• Assisting in the modification of existing support agreements
• Helping you understand the implications of spousal support when child custody changes
• Guiding you through the process of terminating support if needed

Our legal team recognizes that every situation is different. Whether you are the person paying or receiving support, allow our attorneys to work closely with you to pursue fair support.

Get the Support You Are Entitled to – Contact Us Today!

With our years of experience and compassion for clients, we encourage you to contact Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC to discuss your case. Our Virginia Beach divorce lawyers offer exceptional legal insights to help you make key decisions in your case. Fill out our contact form now or call us at 757-742-6115 to learn more.