WILL I HAVE TO PAY SPOUSAL SUPPORT INDEFINITELY IN VIRGINIA?
The most common concern among clients who must pay spousal support or alimony is the duration of the payments they must make. There are several factors that impact the duration, and the amount, of ordered support payments:
- Income during the marriage. In cases where the spouses made comparable incomes, support payments might be waived. If one spouse made significantly more than the other spouse, support payments may be ordered to assist them independently establish themself after the marriage.
- Marital contributions. If a spouse did not work to care for the family’s needs, most especially in cases where the parties were married for a significant period of time for example over ten years, their ability to reenter the work force will take time. In these cases, rehabilitative support may be ordered, which means support payments are ordered to help them independently establish themselves from their former spouse.
- Ability to work. Some spouses may have limited abilities to independently support themselves due to disabilities, or perhaps the disability of a child born to the marriage who requires significant care. Depending upon the circumstances, indefinite support payments may be ordered in these cases.
- Duration of the marriage. Long term marriages, which are generally over ten years, could result in higher payments of support and for a longer duration. Short term marriages, such as less than five years, might result in lower or no support payments.
In any case when spousal support payments are ordered, there are attached conditions which would cause the payments to cease. Most often the conditions which would cease payments are death of either the payor or the recipient of the payments, or cohabitation with a romantic partner of the recipient.
When support payments are first ordered, the parties have certain circumstances. Over time circumstances change, and may warrant support payments be reevaluated. Michelle Hopkins and her legal team have significant experience evaluating and reopening support matters and are ready to assist you with yours.
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The duration of the support payments you are ordered to make is a reasonable concern; support payments may be significant. Those paying or receiving payments must know the duration, as it impacts their personal financial goals. Contact Michelle Hopkins’ office at info@mhopkinslaw.com or 571-248-2210 to schedule a consultation today to discuss your spousal support matter.